In our fast-paced world, where quick fixes and immediate results often dominate, we often overlook the healing power that exists within us. More and more people are looking to ancient healing practices and innovative approaches to health for answers. Among these emerging resources, lymphatic enhancement therapy (LET) is gaining attention for its ability to support our innate healing response. But is LET living up to its growing reputation?
By combining sound waves, electrostatic current and light therapy, LET stimulates the lymphatic system to promote detoxification and overall health. It’s a compelling solution to many of the modern health complications we commonly experience – bloating, fatigue and general sluggishness. These are all signs that our bodies may be out of balance and we may need support to return to optimal health. LET offers a powerful option to promote the movement of stagnant fluid and metabolic waste products while strengthening our immune system.
Featured image is from Teal Thomsen’s interview with Janessa Leoné.
Lymph Enhancement Therapy: What You Need to Know About the Treatment
To learn more, I spoke with Brooke Taylor, founder of The Road in Austin, Texas, who specializes in holistic skin care and Chinese medicine treatments. With an extensive background as an esthetician and global skincare educator, Brooke offers her insights into the transformative potential of LET and its role in our overall health. During our conversation, she sheds light on the principles behind this therapy and explores its benefits, helping us better understand how LET can align with our health journey.
Brooke Taylor LAc, MAcOM
Brooke founded The Road in Austin, Texas to share her experience in holistic skin care, acupuncture, and Chinese medicine to cultivate our own innate healing responses. She was a former esthetician, global skincare educator and brand manager before pursuing a Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help heal others on a deeper level.
What is lymphatic enhancement therapy (LET)?
Taylor describes lymphatic enhancement therapy (LET) as “an innovative approach to lymphatic release.” This cutting-edge therapy utilizes electronic devices that combine various frequencies, including sound waves, electrostatic current, and light therapy. “By stimulating lymphatic capillaries, LET enhances fluid movement,” she explains, which is critical for removing metabolic waste products from tissues and breaking down protein-rich fluids.
What are the most common health problems or conditions that could benefit from LET?
LET provides significant benefits for a variety of health problems and conditions. “LET helps mobilize stagnant hormones and fluids while also breaking down fibrocystic changes in the tissue,” says Taylor. This is especially important because it promotes the body’s natural detoxification and healing processes, not only strengthening the lymphatic system but also Strengthens the digestive system, liver and gallbladder.
“LET is considered more effective than manual lymphatic massage and is designed to complement manual techniques.” —Brooke Taylor
Taylor emphasized that “patients often find LETs to be an invaluable resource,” especially when they are dealing with ongoing conditions. Many people use this therapy to help them recover from allergies, scar tissue, and postoperative complications, proving its important role in enhancing overall health and well-being.
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about the lymphatic system and its role in overall health?
Misunderstandings about the lymphatic system often stem from a lack of understanding of its critical role in overall health. Taylor noted that “the importance of the lymphatic system lies in its close connection with the immune system” and is an important pathway for immune protection against disease and infection. This system has long been overlooked despite its integral role in initiating immune responses through nodes and blood vessels to prevent the accumulation of toxins.
Many people may not realize that symptoms such as brain fog, water retention, and fatigue can be indicators of lymphatic stagnation. As Taylor points out, these problems can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including dry or itchy skin, bloating, and decreased immunity. It reminds us how interconnected our body’s systems truly are.
Additionally, there is a common misconception about how the lymphatic system works. Unlike blood, which circulates in a closed loop through the heart, “the lymphatic system relies on the movement of fascia and muscles to create flow,” Taylor explains. This makes physical activity crucial for lymphatic health. Even simple actions like walking and stretching can significantly enhance lymphatic function. Practicing deep breathing exercises that activate the diaphragm can also have profound benefits.
brain lymphatic health
The importance of lymphatic health, especially to the brain, is increasingly recognized, especially as we age. “We’re going to pay more attention to the health of the glymphatic system,” Taylor stressed, referring to the brain’s lymphatic system. “At Desert Canary, we have introduced a specific modality designed to optimize lymphoid function, which is particularly beneficial after an injury such as a concussion or stroke.”
In her facial practice, Taylor discovered a consistent mistake: Many people applied too much pressure while trying to move lymph fluid effectively. “The shallower the nodes and blood vessels, the lighter the touch,” she explains. The passages must be opened in the correct sequence, moving upward gently to facilitate fluid flow. For those who struggle with puffy eyes or heavy eyelids, she recommends focusing on moving lymph fluid back through the scalp and sides of the neck. “It’s a big deal,” she points out, especially since many people tend to neglect to continue the action down to the hairline when they perform gua sha.
Other lymph-stimulating practices such as massage, dry brushing, scraping, etc.
“That’s a big difference with LET,” Taylor said. Unlike techniques that rely solely on manual manipulation (whether through hands, brushes, or gua sha), LET utilizes technology to enhance lymphatic flow. While manual methods often follow specific patterns and directions to promote fluid movement, practitioners can employ different styles when working with lymphatic pulsations to resolve stagnation issues.
In contrast, LET uses frequencies delivered through a ball to stimulate lymphatic movement, especially in sluggish areas. “Practitioners can often feel if there is an improvement in flow by how the frequencies appear on the skin,” explains Taylor. After the affected area has been treated with LET, the doctor will return to manual techniques to fine-tune the flow based on the initial stimulation provided by the device. “This is a more effective form of lymphatic massage,” she concluded, explaining how LET enhances traditional practices for more effective results.
How to maintain a healthy lymphatic system between treatments
move
Manual DIY treatments like dry brushing and self-massage can be effective in supporting lymphatic health, especially when combined with exercise. “Movement during the day is key when we sit for long periods of time,” Taylor noted, emphasizing the importance of standing, stretching and walking. For those with compromised circulation, she recommends wearing compression stockings, especially on long flights. “There are many new companies on the market producing fashionable compression socks to appeal to a younger crowd,” she added.
Nutrition
Nutrition also plays a supportive role. Taylor recommends avoiding common culprits of poor health, such as seed oils, sugar and refined foods, to promote lymphatic health. She points to specific tinctures, such as Zuma Nutrition Lymphatic Cleanse, which contains cleaver, scrophulariaceae root, and cayenne pepper, to boost hydration. “Continuously drinking pure water is very important to stay hydrated and flowing,” she stresses, because the lymphatic system relies on proper hydration to function. To aid absorption, she consulted this book Quenchingwhich recommends consuming fiber-rich foods such as apples before drinking water. “No matter how much water you drink, a sluggish lymphatic system will show up as dry skin,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to lymphatic care.
self care
Sharing her personal routine, Taylor revealed, “I like to dry brush before I shower, and I don’t let the water be too hot.” She ends her shower with cold water and uses a filter from Jolie Skin Co. to remove chlorine and heavy metals. “I also do the Big Six and wear a compression stocking on one leg because that leg has more lymphatic flow issues,” she says. Taylor also used red light therapy, which is believed to improve blood circulation. “A side effect of lymphatic massage therapy is frequent urination after surgery,” she noted with a smile, as the fluid drained out of the system as expected. She also practices fascia techniques developed by colleague Kaita Mrazek, founder of the Listening Movement, to further improve lymphatic efficiency.
Contraindications for LET
“LET is not for everyone,” Taylor stressed. She notes that certain conditions may pose risks, explaining that “it is not recommended for use in pregnancy, active cancer, or undiagnosed masses, tumors, or nodules.” Additionally, she warns against using it in those with implants People who have medical devices such as pacemakers or people who have congestive heart failure.
“Open wounds, lesions and skin infections are also contraindications,” she warns. Taylor encourages open communication with your provider, saying, “If you have recently had injections, breast implants, or any other implants, be sure to talk to your doctor.”
Prepare for your LET course
- Clean and dry skin is best. Limit or avoid the use of lotions, oils, and thick deodorants.
- Stay well hydrated before and after training.
After the meeting
- Stay hydrated, rest, or engage in gentle exercise. Don’t go too far!
- LET works well with manual lymphatic massage therapy, red light therapy, cupping therapy and acupuncture and has been shown to enhance the effects of lymphatic massage to promote fluid flow and reduce puffiness.
