I’ll be honest—when someone mentions a new “health hack,” I get a little nauseous. I’m not into hacks or quick fixes that promise big results with almost no effort.
What I do believe in, though, are simple daily practices that help us build a stronger foundation for health—habits that, over time, move us from just surviving to thriving.
That belief has only deepened since I became a mom. My time for self-care shrank dramatically, so I had to learn how to work smarter, not harder. When I find something that’s quick, simple, and actually effective—I share it.
This one comes from Dr. Perry Nickelston D.C of Stop Chasing Pain, one of the best out there right now when it comes to lymphatic health. His approach is refreshingly simple: open the drains first so your body can do the cleanup it’s designed to do.
Why Lymph Health Matters (and Why “Detox” Isn’t Just a Drink)
We hear a lot about cleanses, detox teas, and juices promising to “flush toxins” and make us healthier. But here’s the real deal: your body is perfectly capable of detoxing itself but … if your lymphatic system is blocked or sluggish, your body can’t efficiently clear out waste—no matter how green your smoothie is.
When lymph flows freely, you feel lighter, more energized, and less puffy. Your tissues get what they need because the waste that blocks nutrient flow is cleared.
When lymph gets stuck, you might notice:
-
Puffiness around the collarbones, face, or neck
-
Heavy legs or stiff shoulders
-
That general “meh” feeling that’s hard to shake
The good news? You can get things moving again with a simple at-home routine that requires zero tools—just your hands, a few minutes, and the right order of steps.
The Big 6™: Dr. Perry’s Simple Lymph Massage Routine
I’ll take you through the routine here in this quick 5-minute video.
How to Touch
Use gentle rubs, small circles, or light taps. No grinding or deep pressure. Breathe through your nose, and keep your jaw and shoulders relaxed. For the neck and collarbone, work one side at a time.
The Six Steps (In Order)
-
Collarbones (the drains): Rub above and below each collarbone. This is your main exit, so spend a little extra time here.
-
Behind the jaw: The soft spot just behind the angle of your jaw, under the earlobe. Lightly sweep down to the collarbone you just opened.
-
Shoulder/armpit: Gently massage from the front of the shoulder into the armpit crease.
-
Abdomen: Start high (under the sternum), then work down around and above the belly button. Move slowly and easily.
-
Groin (hip crease): Massage from the outer to inner hip crease with light, relaxed contact.
-
Behind the knee: Gently rub or tap the soft crease behind each knee.
Finish: Return to step #1—the collarbones—for a few seconds to “reopen” the drain. Simple on purpose.
Learn more about The Big 6™ from Stop Chasing Pain here.
After You Try It
Once you’ve completed the massage, take a moment to notice how you feel right away—and again a few hours later.
If You Feel “Off”
Sometimes when things start moving, you may feel a little off or tired at first. That’s completely normal.
If that happens, wait until you feel better before repeating the full routine. Then come back to it. Over time, you’ll likely find you can do this every day and feel great afterward.
When to Skip or Check In First
Skip this or check with your healthcare provider first if you:
-
Have a fever or active infection
-
Recently had surgery
-
Are pregnant (or unsure—ask your provider)
-
Are in cancer treatment or have clotting issues
And, as always, if anything feels sharp, dizzy, or just wrong, stop and get it checked out.
Final Thoughts
Your lymphatic system is your body’s built-in cleanup crew—it just needs a little support to do its job. Taking five minutes to “open the drains” is an easy, no-cost way to help your body recover, recharge, and reset each day.
It’s not a hack. It’s just smart self-care. —Marlene
