Is a lymphatic drainage massage the secret to a flat tum?

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In just one hour with Olivia Johnson, my tummy was flatter, I lost an inch off my waist, and I saw abdomen muscles that hadn't been visible since sixth form. Such is the power of lymphatic drainage massage.

The technique is having a moment, as celebrities on Instagram claim it as their pre-red-carpet secret. But this is nothing new; it has been helping people to de-bloat and decongest for decades.

'For some of my clients it's about getting a snatched jawline or sculpted abs; for others it is to relieve swelling or pain,' says Johnson, an expert in the faster-paced Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage - and the personification of glow (@olivia_lymphatics).

'My day varies between seeing influencers who want to get event-ready to helping those suffering from painful swelling and fluid retention caused by cancer or lymphoedema [swelling in the limbs caused by a blocked lymphatic system],' she says.

To understand how it gets such results, here's a quick biology lesson. We all produce lymph fluid - a colourless, sticky waste product that Johnson says is full of 'toxins, bacteria, viruses and excess hormones'. It should be eliminated through our lymphatic system (a network of tissue, organs and vessels), but she says there's a design flaw: 'There is nothing to pump the lymph fluid around the body efficiently.'

This means that some people need help to enable the fluid to be eliminated through urination and bowel movements. Enter lymphatic drainage massage, which involves using light hand movements (it must be gentle as the lymph vessels sit just under the skin) to send the fluid where it needs to go.

The massage has multiple benefits. As noted, the body can look more toned and muscles more visible. It can increase circulation, aid digestion, and boost immunity and metabolism. Johnson says that for people with lymphoedema, massages provide relief from an aching, heavy feeling and puffiness. Sufferers are often referred to her by doctors, as are those who have had lymph nodes removed during cancer treatment - she directs their lymph fluid to their remaining nodes (the main ones are in the armpits, neck and groin).

Beyond massage, Johnson recommends vibration plates and dry body brushing to help stimulate the system. In her review at dailymail.com, YOU's Charlotte Vossen rates the Bluefin Vibration Plate (£149.99, amazon.co.uk). Johnson endorses the rather cheaper Natural Body Brush (£20, artah.co), but adds that her clients see good results from the pricey circulation-boosting compression boots JetBoots Prime (£469, therabody.com). I am trialling The Lymphatic Brush (from £70, Cecily Braden, mandypitcher.com), a celebrity favourite made for face and body. You use it in sweeping movements (there's video instruction) to propel fluid towards the lymph nodes. The marketing bumph makes some hefty claims, from fading pigmentation to reducing anxiety. I'm not sure about that, but it's satisfying to use and I feel de-puffed. Marginal gains, people...

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