Woman gets lymphatic drainage massage. Now she’s issuing a warning after experiencing an unexpected side effect: ‘That’s how you know it’s working’
Lymphatic drainage massage is a popular treatment designed to reduce bloating and swelling. Typically recommended to people who have gone through illness or medical treatment, it’s meant to get rid of excess fluid buildup in areas like arms, legs, ankles, and others.
According to one Australian woman, however, there are immediate downsides. After getting a lymphatic drainage massage, she took to TikTok to share an unexpected side effect.
What Side Effect Did She Experience?
In a recent clip, which has garnered over 1.4 million views, TikTok creator Bonnie Rose (@bonnieerose) says she expected to feel “snatched” after the treatment, but it instead made her feel like she was about to get sick.
“Just got a lymphatic drainage massage and I feel like I’m gonna throw up,” she says.
She explains that she expected the treatment to leave her feeling refreshed and energized. Instead, she says the opposite happened once the session ended.
“I thought I was gonna leave feeling snatched, ready to go,” she says. “I feel so sick.”
According to Rose, the massage itself wasn’t uncomfortable. “The actual massage was so relaxing, and it wasn’t painful at all,” she says.
However, she started feeling uneasy as soon as she stood up. “Then I got up, and I felt like I was gonna pass out,” she explains.
Curious whether the reaction was normal, she says she began looking into it online.
“Then I researched it, and everyone else seems to feel the same way after getting it,” she says. “So woo hoo!”
Commenters Share Their Experiences
In the comments section, viewers shared stories from their own lymphatic massage and advice on what Rose should do next.
“I had the lymphatic flu for 2 weeks,” shared one user. “I was toxic.”
“Girl drink 2-3L of water and have a fat nap!” advised another. “It’s a lot on the body I always tell my clients this!”
Another viewer had similar advice. “Girl make sure you drink a lot of water to flush out the toxins!!” they wrote. “And also drink electrolytes/celtic salt water in between !! I slacked on this my first time and I was legit sick the next couple days days!”
Is It Common for People to Feel Sick After Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
According to Cleavelend Clinic, people rarely respond negatively to lymphatic massages. When it does happen, it can show up as fatigue, headaches, or nausea.
However, just like Rose said, many people have shared online that lymphatic drainage massage made them feel ill.
On Reddit’s r/massage, a user wrote that they felt so sick after standing from the massage table that they could barely walk to their car. Additionally, they shared that it also harmed their emotional well-being.
Another user on r/massage described getting sick with a 101° fever that didn’t go away for one and a half days after getting lymphatic massages daily.
Cleveland Clinic advises informing your healthcare provider if you experience similar symptoms, as these are considered complications.
@bonnieerose toxin clear out i guess
♬ original sound – BONNIE ROSE
The Mary Sue has reached out to Rose via email for comment and additional information.
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