Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage expert Rebecca Faria shares easy ways to combat bloating, … [+]
Feeling bloated? Heavy? Puffy? Body swelling can strike for a myriad of reasons: sitting and standing for long periods of time; cramped, desert-dry airplane cabins and good ole fashioned dehydration. “The body holds onto excess water. Arms and legs retain more fluids and become swollen,” says Rebecca Faria, who in 2019, moved from Brazil to Los Angeles to open Detox by Rebecca, her in-demand studio that leans on Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage techniques. Just below, Faria — whose celeb-packed clientele extends to the bodies of Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Aniston, Chloë Grace Moretz and Kendall Jenner — shares her favorite remedies to combat bloating, swelling or those general puffy days. (You can also follow along on Faria’s instructional Instagram).
Put Your Legs Up On the Wall For 10 Minutes
Sitting and standing for extended periods results in blood and fluid pooling to your lower extremities (thank you gravity). The result? Feet, ankle and leg discomfort. “Elevating your legs reduces gravitational pressure on the veins in your lower body,” Faria says. Putting your legs up on the wall for 10-minutes (Faria’s tutorial here) helps blood flow towards your heart and prevents fluid buildup.
Make sure to hydrate with good ole fashioned water up in the air and on the ground.
Drink Plenty of H20
No surprises here: dehydration is common (especially during long-haul fights) and brings about swelling and fatigue. Drink water regularly and be extra mindful at 30,000 feet: the Aerospace Medical Association suggests drinking 8 ounces of water for every hour you’re in the air. “By staying hydrated, you promote quicker recovery after a flight,” Faria says.
A suana does wonders for post-flight bloating.
Sweat Inside a Sauna
Break a sweat. “Saunas induce sweating and help reduce temporary fluid retention,” Faria explains. That’s not all: the elevated temperature inside the sauan prompts blood vessels to expand and enhance blood circulation, known to move waste and surplus fluids from tissues (i.e., reduction of bloating and discomfort).
Walk For 30 Minutes (At Least)
“Walking is the best remedy to reduce leg swelling,” Faria says, adding that motion involves both a rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles, acting as a natural pump for blood and lymphatic fluid. “Those contractions help push excess fluid back into circulation,” she explains.
Avoid Processed and High-Sugar Foods
No suprises here: processed foods often contain high levels of sugar and sodium. They’re also known to retain water, increase fluid retention and contribute to overall body inflammation. Focus on nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
A treatment room for lymphatic drainage inside Rebecca Faria’s highly-coveted Studio By Rebecca.
Book a Lymphatic Drainage Massage
And now for Faria’s buzzed-up speciality: the lymphatic drainage massage. Using a Brazalian techinque at her Beverly Hills, Faria says: “Lymphatic drainage has a direct influence on increasing tissue oxygenation, eliminating toxins and increasing the absorption of nutrients through the digestive tract.” In other words: intestinal absorption improves as does the natural urge to eliminate what doesn’t belong in your body.
Rebecca Faria has a wait-listed LA studio for her famed lymphatic drainage massage. You can try … [+]
In her work, Faria also notes reduced edema alongside greater hydration, cellular nutrition and faster wound healing (thanks to better blood supply). Up in the air? Pre-flight, a lymphatic drainage massage stimulate blood and prevent fluid buildup; and post flight, a massage can reduce swelling and leg heaviness.
Sip a Warm Detox Tea
Faria spent two years studying herbs to help the lymphatic system flow properly. Her Detox by Rebecca Lymphatic Cleanse Tea ($40) uses an herbal blend of ginger, peppermint, yerba mate, green tea and matcha. “They have anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties,” says Faria, who touts the tea’s main ingredient, a Brazilian fruit called guaranais — beloved for its antioxidant and metabolism-boosting powers.
Rebecca Faria makes her own tea to help debloat and help with swelling.
What Else To Combat Bloat?
Faria likes to reiterate: Stand up, stretch your legs, and walk whenever possible. She also likes alternating leg kicks —i.e., quick and simple movements (you can see an IG demo here) to alleviate that heavy leg feeling. “It’s an effective way to improve circulation, prevent fluid retention, and maintain healthy legs,” says Faria.
And, last but not least: use compression socks. Faria says the sock’s gentle leg pressure helps prevent blood clots and keeps those stems feeling lighter — and less tired. Otherwise, try and take good care your body, get some rest and drink water.
