Do You Ever Feel Like This in the Summer-
- Swollen ankles after a walk on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk?
- Puffy face after a night of cocktails?
- Heavy, stiff legs after a long car ride or flight?
- Sluggish and bloated by the end of the day?
If you nodded yes to any of those, you’re not alone. That “weighed down” feeling so many of us notice in the summer isn’t always about weight gain, and it’s not your imagination either. Often, it’s your lymphatic system struggling to keep up with heat, humidity, salty food, and long travel days.
The good news? There’s a simple, science-backed way to help your body feel lighter, clearer, and more energized again: lymphatic drainage.
Meet the Lymphatic System: Your Body’s Detox Highway
The lymphatic system is one of the most underrated parts of the body. Think of it as your personal cleansing network – a built-in highway that keeps things moving so you don’t feel sluggish and weighed down. Unlike the heart, it doesn’t have a pump of its own, which means it relies on movement, deep breathing, and sometimes outside support to stay active.
When it slows down, the signs show up quickly: swelling, puffiness, low energy, and slower recovery. When it’s working well, the body feels lighter, clearer, and more energized. According to the Cleveland Clinic, lymphatic drainage helps reduce swelling and improve circulation, while the AMTA notes it can ease fatigue and pain.
Key roles of the lymphatic system:
- Moves excess fluid out of tissues to reduce swelling and puffiness
- Filters waste, toxins, and other unwanted substances
- Supports the immune system by transporting infection-fighting cells
- Boosts recovery by helping the body clear out inflammation
- Improves skin tone
Why South Carolina Summers Make Things Worse
The Grand Strand may feel like paradise, but our summers can be tough on the body. Heat causes blood vessels to expand, which leads to fluid retention. Add sticky humidity that slows circulation, and your lymphatic system suddenly has to work overtime. It doesn’t help that summer fun often comes with fried seafood, frozen cocktails, and long car rides back from Charleston or Columbia – all of which pile on extra stress.
According to the Mayo Clinic, heat and salty foods are major contributors to swelling, while Harvard Health notes that dehydration makes fluid retention even worse. It’s no wonder so many locals and visitors end the day feeling heavy and sluggish.
Key stressors that slow down the lymphatic system:
- High heat expands blood vessels, causing swelling
- Humidity makes it harder for fluid to circulate efficiently
- Salty, fried foods and cocktails increase water retention
- Long travel days leave legs stiff and heavy
- Dehydration magnifies puffiness and fatigue
Why Lymphatic Drainage Helps You Feel Lighter
When your lymph system gets the gentle push it needs, you notice the difference almost immediately. Clients often describe it as “feeling like someone lifted a weight off their body.”
Here’s what studies say lymphatic drainage can do for you:
- Reduce swelling and puffiness – especially in the legs, ankles, and hands.
- Increase energy and recovery – less fluid buildup means your body can perform more efficiently.
- Smooth and tone the skin – shifting excess fluid helps reduce the dimpled look of cellulite.
- Support immunity – because the lymph system is directly tied to how your body manages inflammation.
- Promote relaxation – the gentle, massage-like stimulation calms the nervous system.
According to Physiopedia, manual lymphatic drainage is one of the most effective non-invasive ways to encourage circulation and support the immune system. And as National Geographic reported, many people notice they feel lighter and less puffy after just one session.
LPG Endermologie: The Gold Standard in Lymphatic Support
At Body Lab Studio, the lymphatic treatment our clients love most is LPG Endermologie. This French-engineered technology was originally designed in the 1980s to help patients recover from burns and scar tissue. Very quickly, people noticed unexpected benefits: smoother skin, reduced swelling, and a lighter, energized feeling.
Here’s why it works so well:
- The system uses motorized rollers and gentle suction to stimulate deep circulation and lymphatic flow.
- It also boosts collagen and elastin production, which supports firmer, healthier skin.
- Sessions are relaxing, non-invasive, and effective, with most clients noticing results in just a few visits.
Studies back this up. Research published on ResearchGate found that Endermologie significantly reduced swelling in post-surgical patients. Another review in MDPI showed improvements in microcirculation and fluid drainage.
Real Stories From Our Myrtle Beach Clients
One of our clients, a busy mom, told us after just three sessions:
“I didn’t even realize how heavy my legs felt until they didn’t anymore. My ankles weren’t swollen for the first time all summer, and I finally had energy to enjoy the beach with my kids.”
And a local golfer shared:
“Walking 18 holes in July used to drain me. With regular lymphatic treatments, I felt less fatigue and bounced back faster. It was like I dropped invisible weight I’d been carrying for years.”
The Body Lab Wellness Ecosystem
Whether you’ve spent the day soaking up the sun, just rolled back into town from vacation, or simply feel the weight of our Southern humidity slowing you down, Body Lab has a whole ecosystem of treatments designed to help your body reset.
- Infrared Body Roller – Think of it as a deep, sculpting massage combined with gentle infrared heat. It smooths out cellulite, eases tight muscles, and gets your lymph flowing again so you feel lighter and more relaxed.
- VacuTherm Treadmill – This isn’t your average treadmill. By combining cardio with vacuum and infrared technology, it targets stubborn areas like thighs, hips, and waist and it is perfect for anyone looking to keep their circulation strong and their “beach body” confidence high.
- Wellness Pod (Infrared Sauna) – Sometimes you just need a sweat session without baking under the South Carolina sun. Our pod helps detox your body, boost circulation, and melt away stress in a soothing, controlled environment.
Together, these services create a powerful support system, but the true star of the show is LPG Endermologie. It’s the hero treatment that ties it all together, with the others playing strong supporting roles in your Myrtle Beach summer recovery plan.
Effective Summer Habits to Keep Your Lymph System Flowing
Lymphatic drainage treatments work best when paired with simple, consistent habits. The South Carolina heat can be unforgiving, but a few mindful choices can make a big difference in how light and energized you feel all summer long.
Here are a few practical ways to support your lymphatic system:
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day, especially in the humidity
- Keep the body moving with walks on the beach, gentle yoga, or light stretching
- Choose balanced meals and ease up on excess salt, fried foods, and alcohol
- Maintain consistency with weekly or biweekly lymphatic sessions for lasting results
As per the Cleveland Clinic, consistent lymphatic support is the key to maintaining long-term benefits.
Your Summer Reset Starts Here
South Carolina summers should be about enjoying the beach—not feeling swollen, sluggish, or weighed down. Lymphatic drainage is more than a beauty treatment; it’s a whole-body reset that helps you move better, feel better, and live better.
References
Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Edema Reduction
Lymphatic drainage massage reduces swelling, supports circulation, and improves recovery after injury or surgery.
Cleveland Clinic Staff. (2022). Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21768-lymphatic-drainage-massage
Research Update: Lymph Drainage Benefits Beyond Swelling
Studies show lymphatic massage may help with fatigue, pain tolerance, and healing in conditions like fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome.
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). (2020). Research Update: Lymph Drainage.
https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/research-update-lymph-drainage/
Comparison of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and LPG Endermologie
LPG Endermologie techniques show measurable improvements in lymphatic flow and skin elasticity compared to traditional manual methods.
Wounds International. (2017). Comparison of the Effectiveness of MLD and LPG Technique.
https://woundsinternational.com/journal-articles/comparison-of-the-effectiveness-of-mld-and-lpg-technique/
Effectiveness of Endermologie in Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema
LPG Endermologie reduced arm swelling and improved mobility in post-surgical patients.
Godoy, M. F. et al. (2002). Effectiveness of Endermologie Technique in Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341979881_Effectiveness_of_Endermologie_Technique_in_Post-mastectomy_Lymphedema
Endermologie and Microcirculation Improvements
Endermologie significantly improved circulation, reduced fibrosis, and stimulated collagen production.
Appl. Sci. (2025). Endermologie Treatment on Lymphatic Flow and Microcirculation. MDPI.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/8/4313
National Geographic – Lymphatic Massage for Wellness
Lymphatic drainage massage reported to reduce puffiness, enhance detox, and support overall wellness.
Wamsley, L. (2023). Lymphatic Drainage Massage: What to Know. National Geographic.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/lymphatic-drainage-massage-therapy-wellness
Health.com – What Experts Say About Lymphatic Drainage
Experts confirm temporary benefits for swelling, circulation, and skin smoothing, with added relaxation effects.
Health.com Staff. (2024). Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Health.
https://www.health.com/lymphatic-drainage-massage-7253615
Physiopedia – Manual Lymphatic Drainage
An overview of manual lymphatic drainage techniques, mechanisms, and benefits for circulation and detox.
Physio-Pedia Contributors. (n.d.). Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Physiopedia.
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Manual_Lymphatic_Drainage
Verywell Mind – Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Research-backed summary of benefits including reduced swelling, improved immunity, and enhanced well-being.
Verywell Mind Staff. (2023). Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/lymphatic-drainage-massage-8601938
