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A facial lymphatic drainage massage is a slow, light-touch routine that many people use to ease morning puffiness and wind down at night. You can do it at home with clean hands and a little oil, or book it as part of a facial at a spa. This guide explains what the massage is, what it can and cannot do, a simple five-step home routine, and how to choose a spa in Nairobi if you would rather leave it to a professional. What is lymphatic drainage? Your lymphatic system is a network of thin vessels and nodes that carries a clear fluid called lymph around the body and back into the bloodstream. Unlike blood, lymph has no heart pumping it. It moves with muscle movement, breathing and gentle outside pressure. When you sleep, eat salty food or cry, extra fluid can sit in the soft tissue of the face, which is one reason faces often look fuller in the morning. Facial lymphatic drainage uses very light, slow strokes that run toward the lymph nodes in the neck and in front of the ears. The pressure is much lighter than a normal massage, because the vessels sit just under the skin. Think of the weight of a coin resting on your skin rather than a deep knead. What people use it for Most people who make this a habit are looking for one or more of these everyday benefits: Less morning puffiness. Light strokes can help move fluid that has settled around the eyes and cheeks overnight. A fresher look. Massage warms the skin and brings colour to the face for a short while, which many people like before an event or a photo. Relaxation. The slow, repeated motions are calming, and many people use the routine to wind down before bed. A better skincare habit. Spending a few unhurried minutes with a serum or face oil makes it more likely you apply products evenly and gently. Keep expectations realistic. A home massage will not remove toxins, cure acne or replace treatment from a doctor. Results such as reduced puffiness are usually temporary, which is why people repeat the routine. When to skip it and see a doctor first Lymphatic massage is gentle, but it is not right for everyone. Talk to a qualified health worker before trying it if you have: An active skin infection, open wounds, a fresh cosmetic procedure or a bad flare of acne or eczema on the face Swelling you cannot explain, especially on one side of the face or neck, or swelling with fever or pain A heart, kidney or thyroid condition, a blood clot, or a current or past cancer diagnosis Swollen lymph nodes that are tender or have lasted more than a couple of weeks Stop straight away if anything hurts, stings or leaves the skin red for long. How to do a lymphatic facial massage at home in 5 steps The whole routine takes about five to ten minutes. Many people do it two or three times a week, in the morning to tackle puffiness or at night to relax. Use slow strokes and repeat each one about five times. Step 1: Cleanse your skin and hands Wash your face with a mild cleanser and wash your hands well. Pat the skin dry. Massaging over makeup, sunscreen or the day's dust pushes dirt around and can irritate skin. Step 2: Add slip with a light oil or serum Smooth on a few drops of a face oil, a hydrating serum or a simple moisturiser so your fingers glide without tugging. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose a light, non-comedogenic product and use only a little. Patch-test any new product on your inner arm first. Step 3: Open the neck first Place your flat fingers just above your collarbones and press very gently in and down, then release. Next, stroke slowly down the sides of your neck from just under your ears to your collarbones. Starting at the neck matters because that is where fluid from the face drains. Step 4: Work the face from the centre outward Jaw: from the chin, glide along the jawline to just below the ear. Cheeks: from beside the nose, glide across the cheekbones toward the ears. Under the eyes: with your ring finger and the lightest touch, sweep from the inner corner outward to the t