Bye Bye Puffy Face: Beauty Shaman’s Guide to Lymphatic Love

By: Kroma Wellness

An often overlooked yet powerful system in the body is the lymphatic system - a vital player in detoxification, immunity, and even the way our skin looks and feels.

To help us dive deeper into this topic, we sat down with Shelly Marshall, founder of Beauty Shamans, and a leader in holistic skincare, face yoga, and lymphatic wellness.

Here’s everything you need to know to support your lymphatic health and unlock glowing, sculpted skin - naturally.

What Exactly is the Lymphatic System, and Why is it Crucial?

Think of your lymphatic system as your body's internal waste removal and repair crew. It carries immune cells to areas in need of healing and clears out cellular waste and toxins. When it comes to beauty, this system helps prevent acne, reduce facial puffiness, and combat cellular aging.

Signs of a Stagnant Lymphatic System

According to Shelly, facial puffiness, especially around the eyes, jawline, and neck, is one of the first signs of sluggish lymph flow. You may also notice breakouts or congestion near the ears and jaw. These are indicators that lymph fluid is getting stuck and causing inflammation under the skin.

Daily Rituals: Dry Brushing & Gua Sha

The lymphatic system is activated by muscle movement and manual manipulation. Simple tools like dry brushes and gua sha stones are powerful ways to keep lymph flowing smoothly. Shelly recommends using them daily to encourage waste removal and reduce fluid retention.

Shelly’s Favorite Depuffing Moves

Shelly swears by a face yoga pose she calls the “Big O” - forming a low “O” shape with your mouth to stretch facial muscles and stimulate lymph flow. To sculpt cheekbones, she combines face yoga lifts with massage techniques, a key part of her Skin Within Studio classes.

Face Yoga & Emotional Wellness

Our faces reflect our inner emotions. Repeated stress can form habitual expressions that contribute to premature aging. Face yoga not only helps soften these patterns but creates space for mindfulness, helping you respond more calmly to life’s stressors.

How Fast Will You See Results?

With consistent practice, many people notice visible improvements in just a few weeks. Like any muscle, the face builds memory and tone, especially when supported by protein-rich nutrition.

Gut Health, Lymph Flow & Radiant Skin

A healthy gut microbiome supports lymphatic health by keeping detox pathways moving - yes, even regular bowel movements stimulate lymph! Keeping your gut happy helps reduce puffiness, clears skin, and supports collagen.

Kroma Favorites for Lymphatic Health

Shelly loves Beauty Matcha Latte for its balanced caffeine, collagen support, and brain-boosting mushrooms. She notes that excessive caffeine (like in coffee) can stress the body, stagnating lymph and triggering inflammation.

Hydration + Nutrition = Lymphatic Glow

Water is essential for lymph transport. Staying well-hydrated helps flush toxins and keeps skin firm and clear. Shelly recommends focusing on whole, organic foods: fresh produce, clean proteins, healthy fats, and probiotics to keep your lymphatic system in peak condition.

Lymphatic Health Myths: The Truth About Face Yoga

Some worry that face yoga could create wrinkles. Shelly clarifies: incorrect poses or holding unhealthy expressions can cause creases - but proper technique smooths, lifts, and enhances your natural beauty.

Shelly’s Grounding Nightly Ritual

Every evening, Shelly starts her skincare routine with oil cleansing - a ritual that softens skin, clears pores, and relaxes facial tissue. This simple step balances her energy and prepares her for restorative rest.

Advice for Holistic Beauty Beginners

Start simple. Master one technique at a time and build from there. Over time, you’ll become more intuitive, learning to give your skin exactly what it needs, when it needs it.