What is lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic Massage – ‘Move Your Skin’
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised type of massage that uses gentle, repetitive movements on the skin to help stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid through the lymphatic vessels. The gentle, rhythmic nature of MLD will help promote the lymphatic system and aid the immune response by naturally cleansing the body.
During a manual lymphatic drainage session, your therapist will employ specific, stroke-based movements to:
- Drain excess fluids and reduce swelling/fluid retention within the body
- Promote the circulation of lymph through the lymphatic and circulatory systems
- Enhance the lymphatic system’s function and its ability to remove toxins from the body
The Lymphatic System is an essential part of your body’s defence mechanisms, and it has two primary functions: it defends you from Infections, and it supports your body’s Immune Response. When your Lymphatic System is sluggish, you will often have symptoms that include fatigue, swelling, frequent colds, and a feeling of being “heavy.”
Whether you’re dealing with bloat, water retention or post-surgery swelling, this non-invasive lymphatic drainage treatment is designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, drain excess fluid and boost overall wellness.
For more information on the structure of the lymphatic system, please refer to our article titled What is the lymphatic system?
What is good for
- Boost Immune System
- Losing weight
- Reduce Swelling
- Lymphedema
- Reduce Cellulite
- Health Problem
Lymphatic drainage technique
Lymph Drainage – ‘The Hidden Gem’
Our lymphatic drainage massage can help you relax, reduce swelling, and improve circulation. Here’s how we use this method to help you achieve your goals during our sessions.
1. Preparation & Assessment
A consultation will be conducted to assess and determine the areas you experience (e.g., post-surgery swelling, bloating, weight loss, etc.), so that our treatment is tailored specifically to meet your needs and each stroke of the massage promotes the flow of lymphatic fluid within your body.
2. Rhythmic Stimulation Method
During the massage, your therapist will gently stimulate your lymph vessels using very light, feather-like strokes. The strokes should be very smooth and very gentle as they follow the direction of the lymph vessels throughout your body. The strokes will start around your core (i.e., under your armpits) and move away from your core along the lymph vessels. These strokes will continue until the fluids that have been stagnated can drain through the lymph system, promoting circulation and reducing swelling.
3. Face and Body Focus
Your therapist will focus on areas where your body is retaining fluids. Your therapist may lightly sweep across your face to help reduce puffiness, or make gentle circular motions across your abdomen to help ease bloating. We will adapt to your body’s cues to support adequate lymphatic flow.
4. After Treatment
When you finish your treatment, we will give you some simple tips to help you enhance your lymphatic system’s ability to remove toxins from your body. Some of these tips include staying hydrated, taking short walks after your treatment, and gently brushing your skin after your shower to help exfoliate, open pores, and allow toxins to exit your body more efficiently. Many of our clients report leaving their treatment feeling lighter, more energetic and less burdened by their accumulated toxins.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy is a lot more than a regular massage – it provides the support needed to maintain your lymphatic system, which removes toxins from your body and aids your immune system.
FAQs
Many factors could affect the costs of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in London. Some of these include:
1. Length of time for each session: Sessions typically last 1 to 2 hours.
2. The location: Prices for MLD may also vary depending on the area; as such, the centre of London may be more expensive than a peripheral borough.
3. The experience of the therapist: A therapist with more knowledge and/or specialisation may charge a higher fee.
4. The reputation of the clinic: Sessions at a reputable clinic, or one with numerous positive reviews, may be charged at a higher rate.
Estimated price range:
Each MLD treatment generally costs between £70 and £120 per session, and multiple treatments purchased as a package may result in a lower overall cost.
Here’s our Massaggi clinic pricing information.
| Treatment | Effect | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Majestic Starter™ | Facial Rejuvenation | £80 / 60 mins/session |
| Majestic Detox & Drainage™ | Remove Stress and Strain | £80 / 60 mins / session |
| Massaggi Majestic™ Immune Booster | Extreme Optimization | £455 / 360 mins (Save £25) |
After your lymphatic drainage session, you will experience a wide range of reactions on emotional, mental, and physical levels. The reactions mentioned below are possible reactions you will have as a result of the treatment:
- Most people experience a deep sense of relaxation from the calming techniques used during lymphatic massage. In addition, the massage has a calming effect on the nervous system.
- People who experience swelling (puffiness), oedema, etc., will see a decrease in these conditions after receiving a lymphatic massage.
- As toxins are released into the body and the individual experiences some degree of stress relief, many people tend to be in a better mood.
- Many individuals who experience swelling (puffiness), oedema, etc., will see a decrease in these conditions after receiving a lymphatic massage.
- While most people experience a positive reaction to lymphatic massage, a few individuals may experience mild soreness, discomfort, or even pain in areas where congestion exists; however, these symptoms usually resolve rapidly.
- Some people will urinate more frequently than usual after receiving a lymphatic massage because the toxins are being released from the body through the lymphatic system.
- As toxins are released into the body and the individual experiences some degree of stress relief, many people tend to be in a better mood.
- It is suggested that you drink plenty of water after the lymphatic massage to support your body’s detoxification and maintain proper hydration. Overall, most people find their experience with a lymphatic massage refreshing and beneficial for their physical and emotional well-being.
Lymphatic drainage massage in London at Massaggi utilises manual lymphatic drainage to create numerous physical and mental benefits for each client. Lymphatic drainage treatment is specifically designed to:
- Reduced stress positively impacts the mind, helping alleviate it.
- Good for weight loss: helps reduce fluid buildup, which can support weight loss.
- Improved skin health – works effectively on the skin to enhance appearance.
- Natural detox treatment – enhances detoxification by assisting the liver and kidneys in removing toxins.
- Improve lymphatic and circulatory flow – to facilitate the smooth flow of lymphatic fluid through the lymphatic system and lymph vessels.
- Reduce swelling and water retention – beneficial for individuals experiencing fluid retention, puffy ankles, bloat or post-operative swelling.
- Facilitate sculpting and contouring – by facilitating the drainage of excess fluid, many clients experience subtle body contouring effects and feel lighter.
- Promote relaxation and wellness – manual lymphatic drainage utilises a gentle and soothing massage technique that encourages deep relaxation and overall wellness.
- Strengthen immune function – manual lymphatic drainage facilitates the lymphatic system’s ability to clear waste products from the body, which enhances your body’s natural defences.
- Boost immune function – manual lymphatic drainage enhances the lymphatic system’s ability to clear waste products from the body, thereby strengthening your body’s natural defences.
Manual lymphatic drainage is an excellent alternative to more aggressive detoxification methods for those who prefer a non-invasive approach to support their body’s natural detoxification processes.
For further information on how massage may help address chronic pain, please review our article on how massage therapy and chronic pain.
Blocked lymph nodes are the cause of continual colds, infections, flu, and other common symptoms. Unnecessary fluid is trapped in our bodies, which needs help getting out.
This suggests that symptoms such as frequent colds, infections, and flu may indicate a blocked lymphatic system, as described by Dr Emil Vodder’s findings in the 1930s.
The following signs may indicate an obstruction or malfunction in your lymphatic system:
- Joint pain: Some joint pains or stiffness can be associated with lymphatic issues.
- Swelling: Swelling (lymphedema) in your arm, leg, etc., when there is no apparent reason for this swelling to occur.
- Skin changes: Your skin may become thickened or hardened, feeling tight and uncomfortable.
- Repeated Infections: Due to the compromised immune response caused by poor functioning of the lymphatic system, you may find yourself getting sick frequently.
- Tiredness: If you remain tired even after resting, it may be a sign of a problem with your lymphatic system.
- Digestive problems: Bloating or indigestion may be related to lymphatic function during digestion.
- Cold extremities: If you experience coldness in your arm or leg, it may be because your lymph isn’t flowing correctly through the affected area.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper assessment and guidance.
Massaggi has a team of expertly trained therapists who specialise in lymphatic drainage massage and provide high-quality expert care to every client. Every lymphatic drainage treatment is custom-tailored to gently stimulate the lymphatic system by employing massage techniques that include:
- Gentle, wave-like movements create rhythmic motion
- Stimulation of the lymph and promotion of lymphatic flow
- Definition and shaping of areas of the body that tend to retain fluid
- Assistance to the body’s natural detoxification processes
While we do draw on advanced techniques, such as the Brazilian method and Brazilian lymphatic drainage for body shaping and contouring, our primary concern is the safe delivery of the highest-quality therapeutic massage, fully customizable to each client. Public figures such as Flavia Morellato have increased awareness of this type of massage therapy. Still, our therapists specialising in lymphatic drainage focus on providing individualised assessments, expert manual lymphatic drainage massage and long-term wellness.
For more information on our methodologies and how they relate to the overall topic of therapeutic massage and wellness, please visit our massage therapy and wellness blog for articles on massage therapy, fitness and wellness.
To benefit from professional lymphatic drainage massage in London and achieve optimal health, booking a session is effortless with Massaggi.
- You may choose a convenient appointment time in either Central or West London.
- You will have the opportunity to select the type of lymphatic drainage massage best suited to your needs, e.g., to maintain good overall health, aid recovery after surgery, or reduce water retention.
- Enjoy a treatment tailored to support the lymphatic system, improve circulation, and help reduce swelling, so it assists your body’s natural detox process.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us now to book a lymphatic drainage massage and see how a lymphatic stimulation specialist massage can leave you feeling light, energised, and more comfortable in your body.
Manual lymphatic drainage is frequently recommended as an adjunctive treatment to aid in post-surgical recovery, to help in the reduction of swelling/fluid retention, and is also helpful for people experiencing:
- Swelling after surgery and in the postoperative period
- Fluid retention in the legs, ankles, and abdomen
- Water retention resulting from lifestyle, stress, etc., or hormone fluctuations
- People wanting to achieve gentle body contouring/sculpting effects through drainage massages
Because manual lymphatic drainage massage is gentle and non-invasive, it is a viable option for reducing swelling and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes while receiving medical treatment. Manual lymphatic drainage can help promote the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body and can be particularly helpful when the lymphatic system is impaired.
To see how manual lymphatic drainage is used as part of a comprehensive plan of care, check out our comprehensive manual lymphatic drainage in London guide.
Manual lymphatic drainage treatment is available to a wide range of clients and is beneficial for treating various conditions. Lymphatic drainage may benefit individuals experiencing:
- Bloating/digestive sluggishness
- Fluid retention or swelling/bloat
- Lymphedema and/or other lymphatic issues
- Low energy/frequent illnesses/heavy feeling in the limbs
- Swelling after surgery and during post-operative recovery
Lymphatic drainage massage is an excellent addition to other body treatments offered in London. When combined with therapeutic or deep tissue massage, manual lymphatic drainage provides additional support to the muscles, facilitating recovery and reducing stiffness.
For more detailed information on how deeper techniques may work together with manual lymphatic drainage, please refer to our article detailing how deep tissue massage reduces deep muscle tension.
Manual lymphatic drainage positively affects skin health by enhancing the circulation of white blood cells and promoting lymph flow, which removes harmful toxins from the body. The lymphatic system defends the skin and body from infections, acting like a “garbage collection service” that clears dead cells and plasma. This process supports detoxification, reduces inflammation, and can improve conditions such as sinus problems, weight loss, and a faulty immune system, contributing to overall skin health and physical appearance.
To detoxify and heal the lymphatic system:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of alkaline water to support lymph flow.
- Exercise: Engage in light activities, such as walking or yoga, to stimulate circulation.
- Diet: Eat anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats; avoid processed foods.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Seek a qualified therapist for MLD massage to enhance drainage.
- Dry Brushing: Use a dry brush to stimulate lymph flow before showering.
- Deep Breathing: Practice diaphragmatic breathing to promote lymph movement.
Factors such as what caused the swelling (the type of swelling), how much swelling exists and whether or not you have had surgery will determine how many times per week you can have Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Your lymphatic therapist will typically advise the frequency of treatment based upon your specific needs and/or recommendations.
When selecting a location for lymphatic drainage in London, there are many things to consider. At Massaggi, we offer several factors that make us an excellent option for your subsequent lymphatic drainage treatment. These include:
- Trained therapists to perform all lymphatic drainage treatments
- Conveniently located clinic in central London to enable easy access from all areas of London
- Treatment plans that take into account your personal objectives (detox, post-surgery support, etc.)
- Massage treatments that combine the use of massage therapy, natural detoxification and promote overall health and well-being
At Massaggi, we believe that treating the lymphatic system is an ongoing process and therefore do not limit ourselves to one treatment. We provide education on how the lymphatic system functions and how various aspects of lifestyle (stress, movement) affect lymphatic flow. On occasion, you should read educational materials (e.g., articles) to improve your overall health and wellness by providing the knowledge necessary to develop better habits for maintaining optimal physical function. For example, an article regarding how to avoid injury during marathon running using sports massage or an article about how to assist your body in digesting food properly through the use of abdominal massage.
The following are what you can anticipate about your manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy:
1. Warm Welcome & Consultation (10 minutes)During your MLD therapy session, you’ll be in a warm and relaxing therapy room. A qualified therapist will apply light pressure and glide gentle strokes, stimulating your lymphatic system and leaving you feeling soothed and relaxed.
2. The Gentle Flow: Hands-On Therapy (60 minutes). Areas of interest for the therapist: The therapist will likely focus on the regions with fluid accumulation related to your symptoms. These areas typically include the arms, legs, midsection, and face. Therapy session length: Most MLD therapy sessions last about 60 minutes, which allows the therapist to relax and activate your lymphatic system.
3. Wind-Down & Aftercare Chat (5-10 minutes). Before and after your MLD sessions, your therapist may recommend hydrating to help eliminate toxins through urine. They may also suggest post-session activities to help you retain what you learned, such as drinking water, getting rest, and following personal care routines you feel comfortable with.
While manual lymphatic drainage massage is generally performed manually, some massage treatments in London may use some simple tools and techniques, such as:
- Gua sha – a tool used for light scraping on specific areas to help stimulate lymphatic flow.
- Brazilian lymphatic drainage: patterns for body shaping and sculpting.
- Special sequences of gentle strokes to follow the lymphatic vessels to help stimulate lymphatic flow.
At Massaggi, massage incorporates carefully developed rhythmic techniques to stimulate the lymphatic system, which removes waste from the body. Unlike working against your body’s natural detoxification processes, we focus on safe and long-term wellness for each client.
