Have you ever been performing a beautiful lymphatic drainage massage when suddenly your client needs to swallow constantly? Or do you notice a lot of saliva pooling?
It's a common question I hear from estheticians:
"Is this lymph draining into the mouth?"
Let's set the record straight: No, it's not lymph, it's saliva. And in fact, it's a good sign.
Saliva vs. Lymph: Know the Difference
It's imprtant to understand these two fluids clearly, so you can reassure your clients with confidence:
~ Saliva is produced by the salivary glands; parotid, submandibular and sublingual, in reponse to nerve signals, taste or even gentle touch. It's mostly water, with enzymes and proteins that protect the tissues and begin digestion.
~ Lymph, on the other hand, is a clear fluid collected from tissues throughout the body. It flows through lymphatic vessels and nodes before returning to the bloodstrream near the collarbones.
What Does Saliva Increase During Lympahtic Drainage Massage?
There are a few reasons your client may suddenly start producing more saliva during your treatment.
1. Parasympathetic Activation
Lymphatic drainage massage is deeply soothing. with its feartherlight, rhythmic movements, it shifts the body into parasympathetic "rest-and-digest" state. Increase in salivation is a natural sign that the nervous system is responding.
2. Mechanical Stimulation of the Glands
When working over or near the parotid (cheek area) or submandibular (under the jaw) glands, gentle pressure or stretching of the fascia can directly stimulate these glands to produce more saliva.
3. Relaxation of the Mouth and throat Muscles
As your client relaxes more deeply, muscle tone in the jaw, tongue and throat drops. This may lead to a slightly open mouth or slower swallowing which makes the saliva more noticable.
4. Sinus Drainage Confusion
When facial lymphatic drainage massage helps relieve sinus congestion, mucus can drain down the throat. This can feel like feel like excess saliva, but it is not lymph.
Could It Ever be Lymph Draining Into the Mouth?
No. Anatomically, there is no pathway for lymph to drain into the mouth. After your drainage movements, lymph travels through lymphatic vessels and nodes, and then re-enters circulation behind the clavicles at the venous angles. It does not enter the oral cavity.
Should you Be Concerned?
Not at all. Increased salivation is a positive response that shows your client's nervous system is calming, their body is letting go of stress and their natural rest-and-repair processes are active.
If saliva interferes witn your treatment:
~ Pause to let them swallow
~ Elevate the headrest sightly
~ Offer a tissue or sip of water
~ Reassure them this is completely normal
The Power of Touch
As estheticians, our work isn't only about creating visible changes in the skin. It's also about how our clients feel.
When you see increased saliva during lymphatic draiange massage, know that you've helped your client enter a profound state of nervous system rest. That's where true healing and restoration happen.
This is the quiet magic of intentional, skilled touch.
Take the Next Step
If you'd like to bring this powerful technique into your own treatment room, my Lymphatic Drainage Massage of the Face & Neck online course will give you the complete step-by-step training you need.
Enroll today and elevate your facial practice
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Together, let's bring more peace and less stress into the world, one client at a time.