What most people get wrong about lymphatic health…
They think it’s only about massage. While professional lymphatic drainage can be powerful, your daily choices also influence how light, clear, and resilient your body feels.
Here are four tools I’m asked about most: red light therapy, dry brushing, castor oil, and vibration plates. I’ll explain what the research does and does not support, plus practical tips to use each one wisely.
Red Light Therapy
What it is
Red and near-infrared light exposures used at specific wavelengths and doses to influence cellular function.
What the evidence says
Photobiomodulation shows anti-inflammatory effects in early human and preclinical studies by modulating cytokines and supporting tissue repair [1].
Animal and mechanistic studies suggest light can influence lymphatic drainage and clearance, including in brain-adjacent pathways, but human data are limited [2,3].
How to use it
Use as a supportive, relaxing adjunct for recovery and skin quality. Choose devices with published parameters and follow manufacturer dosing. It is not a substitute for clinical care when swelling is significant.
Does node & needle offer it?
Yes, we do. Red Light Therapy is included in all post-op lymphatic drainage services. It is also available as an add-on during your service for a nominal fee.
Dry Brushing
What it is
Gentle strokes with a natural-bristle brush, usually toward the heart, done on dry skin before bathing.
What the evidence says
Dry brushing provides light exfoliation and can temporarily boost local circulation [4].
Claims that it “detoxes” or clinically improves lymphatic function are not supported by trials. Experts describe it as a cosmetic ritual with modest benefits [5].
How to use it
If your skin tolerates it, brush gently 2–3 times per week and moisturize after. Skip if you have eczema, psoriasis, fragile skin, or active rashes.
Castor Oil
What it is
A thick plant oil rich in ricinoleic acid. Packs typically apply oil to skin under a cloth or wrap for 20–45 minutes.
What the evidence says
Castor oil helps seal in moisture and support the skin barrier [6].
Ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical models, but there is little human evidence for systemic “detox” or lymphatic drainage benefits [7].
How to use it
Use as a simple topical moisturizer or soothing pack for comfort, not as a medical treatment. Patch test first. Avoid on open skin, active infections, or if you are pregnant unless cleared by your clinician.
Does node & needle offer it?
Yes, we do. We have found a specific brand called Queen of the Thrones to be a superior product and now offer several sizes of retail bottles of castor oil and castor oil packs from the brand.
Vibration Plates
What it is
Platforms that transmit controlled mechanical vibration to the body during standing or light exercise.
What the evidence says
Whole-body vibration can increase skin blood flow and circulation [8].
A randomized trial in lipedema found adding low-frequency vibrotherapy to lymphatic care improved outcomes [9].
Reviews note vibration may complement rehab but should not replace established lymphedema therapies [10].
How to use it
If cleared by your provider, use briefly as part of movement and strength work, not as a stand-alone “detox” method. Focus on stable stances like gentle squats or calf raises.
I’ve also been quoted about this in Lifehacker Magazine, where I explain how vibration plates can be supportive but are no magic fix. It’s a great primer if you want to dive deeper into what’s fact versus hype.
TL/DR
Red light therapy: Promising for inflammation and tissue recovery, with limited human data for lymph-specific outcomes [1–3].
Dry brushing: Good for exfoliation and ritual, but no strong evidence for lymphatic detox [4–5].
Castor oil: Reliable moisturizer, limited evidence for systemic lymph or detox benefits [6–7].
Vibration plates: May enhance circulation and support rehab; useful adjunct, not a replacement [8–10].
At node & needle, lymphatic health is a specialty. We help you pair daily rituals with advanced care so your body can move fluid more efficiently and feel at ease.
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Your lymph is always working for you. It’s time to return the favor.
References
Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361. https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
Farfara, D., Tuby, H., Trudler, D., Doron-Mandel, E., Maltz, L., Vassar, R., ... & Oron, U. (2015). Low-level laser therapy ameliorates disease progression in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 55(2), 430–436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12031-014-0354-z
Barolet, D., & Christiaens, F. (2015). Red light-emitting diode photobiomodulation for the treatment of chronic edema of the head and neck. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 47(5), 360–367. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22358
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Dry brushing: What it is and why it’s done. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2023). Dry brushing. Integrative medicine resource. Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org
Vieira, R. P., et al. (2000). Effect of topical application of ricinoleic acid in the inflammatory response. Mediators of Inflammation, 9(5), 223–228. https://doi.org/10.1155/S0962935100000189
MD Anderson Cancer Center. (2024). Castor oil packs: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.mdanderson.org
Rittweger, J. (2010). Vibration as an exercise modality: How it may work, and what its potential might be. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 108(5), 877–904. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-009-1303-3
Wollina, U., Heinig, B., Nowak, A., & Uhlemann, C. (2003). Treatment of lipedema by low-frequency vibrotherapy. Dermatologic Therapy, 16(4), 285–290. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2003.01640.x
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. (2023). Whole body vibration therapy. Medical policy reference manual. Retrieved from https://www.bcbs.com