Let’s talk about The Big Six.
And no, I’m not talking about The Six skincare collection (for once)—I’m talking about lymphatic drainage, baby.
Your lymphatic system is like your body’s built-in detox team. It plays a huge role in flushing out toxins, fighting off illness, and keeping puffiness in check. But unlike your circulatory system, it doesn’t have a pump. It relies on movement—and sometimes a little manual help—to do its thing. That’s where the Big Six come in.
These six areas are the focus of one of our favorite chapters in our free eBook, which you’ll get instantly when you subscribe to our newsletter. But for now, here’s a peek at what it’s all about.
What Are The Bix Six?
The Big Six are six major drainage hubs in your body where clusters of lymph nodes live. These areas include:
- Just above and below your collarbones
- The sides of your neck
- Your armpits
- Your belly
- Your groin
- The backs of your knees
When you gently massage these zones, you help keep lymph flowing smoothly, which supports skin clarity, immune strength, and even that post-spa glow. Best part? You can do it yourself at home—no facial appointment required.
How to Activate The Big Six
The Clavicle (Collarbone) Area
- Where: Just above and below your collarbones
- Why: Clears congestion, supports immune function
- How: Lightly stretch the skin downwards above the collarbone, then repeat just below. This opens the main drainage pathways.
The Upper Neck
- Where: Along the sides of your neck, below the jawline
- Why: Drains the face and sinuses, eases brain fog and tension
- How: Use gentle strokes upward toward your ears and jaw. Think soft circles, not pressure.
The Armpits (Axillary Nodes)
- Where: Inside your armpits
- Why: Filters lymph from arms, chest, and back
- How: Raise your arm and use the opposite hand to softly press and pump the area.
The Abdomen
- Where: Around your stomach and below the ribs
- Why: Supports digestion and reduces bloating
- How: Massage in clockwise circles with light pressure.
The Groin (Inguinal Nodes)
- Where: Where your legs meet your hips
- Why: Drains fluid from the legs and pelvis
- How: Gentle circular motions in the hip crease—no digging in!
Behind the Knees (Popliteal Nodes)
- Where: The soft area behind your knees
- Why: Reduces swelling in the legs and feet
- How: Bend your knees slightly and gently pump the area with your fingers.
Why Your Skin (and Body) Will Thank You
A few minutes of this each day can make a noticeable difference. Here’s what regular Big Six massage can do:
- Reduce puffiness (hello, cheekbones)
- Support detoxification by flushing waste
- Boost circulation for brighter, healthier-looking skin
- Strengthen your immune system
- Speed up recovery from workouts or sluggish days
Pro tip: Pair your massage with dry brushing, stretching, or your favorite body oil. We love using our Velvet Body Serum or Serene Body Oil to help those hands (or gua sha!) glide with ease.
A Ritual Worth Keeping
This lymphatic massage ritual is simple, satisfying, and surprisingly effective. It’s a perfect example of how small daily habits can create major ripple effects in your skin and overall wellbeing.
And if you’re into this kind of ritual-based, body-loving skincare knowledge, you’ll love our Ebook: Skin Deep—A Conscious Guide to Embracing Natural Skincare. It’s packed with easy routines like this one—and it’s yours when you sign up for our newsletter.
Because great skin starts with how you treat yourself.
