We’re Calling It—Lymphatic Drainage Leggings Are Activewear’s Rising Star

The Daily Beast ^ | May 29, 2024 | Mia Maguire

[Red Badger]

These high-tech compression leggings are designed to boost circulation and promote lymphatic drainage without having to do anything other than wearing them while moving (or not).

When it comes to wellness and health, I’m always looking for a suitable shortcut. From Infrared Sauna Blankets that burn calories just by laying down to body-contouring shapewear to hide the aftermath of a super-sized dinner, I’m here for all the hacks that promise to work their magic without requiring me to actually work harder. With that being said, it comes as no surprise that when I learned that lymphatic drainage leggings (they’re usually referred to as compression massage leggings) were an actual thing, I knew I had to give this burgeoning activewear-meets-wellness “trend” a try ASAP.

Lymphatic drainage is nothing new in the holistic healthcare sector, but when it comes to functional activewear, it seems that lymphatic drainage compression leggings have officially entered the chat. Our lymphatic system functions as our bodies’ built-in detoxifying center, which helps to remove toxins and excess fluids, and decrease the accumulation of fat buildup. Stan Kapica, President of Skin Science Solutions and holistic health expert, explains that the lymphatic system has three primary functions for our overall health. “[The lymph system] maintains the balance of fluid between the blood and tissues, known as fluid homeostasis; it forms part of the body’s immune system and helps defend against bacteria and other intruders, [and] it facilitates absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients in the digestive system,” she previously told The Daily Beast.

Techniques and treatments used to jumpstart the drainage process, like massages and dry brushing, have been shown to offer a laundry list of impressive health and beauty benefits, from boosting immunity (the lymph system is actually a part of the immune system), reducing unwanted fluid retention and bloating, improving energy levels, combatting chronic inflammation, and yes, even getting rid of cellulite. Unfortunately, many of these treatments are time-consuming and costly, which is what led Emeline Kuhner-Stout, founder of Elastique, to launch her brand of patented Micro-Perle lined leggings designed to help give you a “wearable massage” while supporting lymph flow while you wear them.

[Red Badger]

I wear Compression Stockings 3 or 4 times a week.

I'M IN STYLE!....................🙄

[Lizavetta]

Another quack treatment like reiki, reflexology, body wraps, cellulite creams or rollers, homeopathy, the blood type diet (Dr. D’Adamo), lectins are the basis for most diseases and fruit causes type 2 diabetes diet (Dr. Gundry), etc. etc. designed to separate people from their money.

[Chad C. Mulligan]

My surgeon had me wearing something like this after my knee replacement, but he had his PA cut them off after 2 weeks.

[Red Badger]

To reduce swelling and helps against blood clots forming..............

[Chad C. Mulligan]

Right. But after the two weeks the sleeve was of no benefit, he said. I do know of a very elderly woman who wears compression hose, for varicose veins she says. But it’ll take much more than the Daily Beast to convince me that they’re of any benefit to the young and healthy.

[Myrddin]

My lower left leg has been showing pitting edema for a couple years. At my Whipple procedure pre-op consult, I asked my surgeon if that was a concern. I was sent ASAP for an ultrasound evaluation. The result was an old clot that runs from above my left knee to my ankle. Immediate prescription for Eliquis to start dissolving it. Recommendation for a compression stocking as the clot keeps all the vein valves open from my left knee to foot. The stocking does drive the fluid back up and it is a real pain to put on and must come off every morning before my shower. It is medically valuable, but time consuming.

I suspect the clot was generated as a side effect of contracting COVID-19 in Jan 2022 and Jan 2023. I had no problem prior to that time. I did not ever take the mRNA injection. Clotting was one of the possible consequences of COVID-19.

[Red Badger]

I had to take Eliquis for two months in 2020 for a 6in clot in my left leg. Then I had a quad bypass..............

[Chode]

15-20 mm Hg?

[Myrddin]

I had to take Eliquis for two months in 2020 for a 6in clot in my left leg. Then I had a quad bypass.........

The surgeon was very interested in discerning "old" clot vs "new". It's old, but pretty long. A quad bypass is a significant bit of surgery. My oldest son had 4 open heart surgeries. Two for subaortic stenosis. Two placing artificial valves (aortic/mitral), adding a band around the tricuspid and a "pig patch". I can appreciate the recovery time that goes with that.

[China Clipper]

"With that being said, it comes as no surprise that when I learned that lymphatic drainage leggings (they’re usually referred to as compression massage leggings) were an actual thing, I knew I had to give this burgeoning activewear-meets-wellness “trend” a try ASAP."

Hate to tell you, but lymphatic draining clothing is old news.

Now a days, there is something called "Firefly".

Firefly is an EMS (electronic muscle stimulator) device about the size of a Apple watch that is placed just below your knee over the common peroneal nerve. It causes the lower extremity muscles to be activated at 1 PPS. It was originally designed for lymphatic draining and prevention of post-surgical blood clotting due to muscle inactivity.

You use it for 1-4 hours. This muscle activation gives an incredible "blood pumping" effect that is the latest in muscle recovery, not reserved for, but especially useful for athletes.

You heard it here first!