It is one of the questions we are asked most often, and it is a fair one to ask. Lymphatic drainage massage has become very popular, and with that comes a lot of big promises online. So here is how we explain it to clients in our treatment room in Cardiff Bay: what it is, what people come to us for, what it cannot do, and what makes the difference between a pleasant one-off and something you can really feel the benefit of.
What lymphatic drainage massage is
Your lymphatic system plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance and supporting the immune system. Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, rhythmic treatment designed to encourage the natural movement of lymphatic fluid through the body.
Our own treatment, the Simply Contoured Aesthetic Method™, brings three things together in one session:
- Manual lymphatic drainage, to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid
- Brazilian lymphatic drainage techniques, which focus on enhancing the body's natural contours and creating a more sculpted appearance
- Targeted abdominal and gut work, which is particularly popular with clients who experience feelings of bloating, digestive discomfort or abdominal heaviness
Every treatment is adapted to you, so we can focus on the areas and concerns that matter most on the day.
What clients come to us for
A lot of people assume lymphatic drainage is only for after surgery. It is not. You do not need to have had cosmetic surgery to book, and we welcome both men and women through our doors.
The most common reasons clients come to us are:
- The feeling of water retention and puffiness
- The feeling of bloating, or a heavy, uncomfortable tummy
- Wanting to feel lighter and more refreshed
- Wanting a more defined, contoured appearance
- Simply wanting time to relax, as part of a regular self-care routine
Many clients find the treatment deeply relaxing, and that matters too. It is designed to leave you feeling lighter, refreshed and revitalised.
What it cannot do
This is the part that often gets left out, so we want to be clear about it.
It is not a weight loss treatment. Lymphatic drainage does not burn fat. The Brazilian techniques are about enhancing the appearance of your natural contours, which is a different thing from losing weight.
It is not a detox. You will see that word used a lot online. We do not use it, because it is not what the treatment is designed to do.
It does not treat, cure or diagnose a medical condition. If you have swelling you cannot explain, or ongoing digestive symptoms, please see your GP. A massage is not a substitute for medical advice.
It cannot do it all on its own. What you do outside the clinic, from how much water you drink to how you move, eat and rest, all plays a part.
One session is not the full picture. We will come back to this, because it is probably the biggest reason people feel let down by any treatment.
So, does it work?
It depends what you are hoping it will do. Evidence on lymphatic drainage varies, and every body responds differently, so we will not promise you a particular result.
What we can tell you is what the treatment is designed to do. It aims to encourage healthy lymphatic flow, support the movement of excess fluid and promote a feeling of lightness and wellbeing. It may help you to reduce the feeling of water retention, puffiness and bloating, support relaxation and enhance your natural body contours.
You will notice the word "feeling" comes up a lot. That is deliberate. Most clients judge lymphatic drainage by how their body feels: lighter, less puffy, less uncomfortable around the tummy, more relaxed. If those are the things you are looking for, it is worth trying properly. If you are looking for a number on the scales to change, this is not the right treatment for that goal.
Why consistency makes the difference
Consistency is key with all of our treatments. You cannot expect to achieve the full benefits from just one or two sessions.
That is why we offer a course of five treatments. It gives you a chance to experience the benefits of consistent treatment before moving onto monthly maintenance. If you are dealing with a particular concern, we may suggest a different frequency to start with, and then move you onto monthly sessions once that settles.
With each session, your results can become more noticeable as you keep up a regular routine. For ongoing maintenance and wellbeing, we recommend once a month.
If you would like to see how you get on first, individual treatments are available on a one-off basis too. Just go in knowing that a single session gives you a taste of the treatment rather than the whole picture.
Supporting your results at home
Hydration is an important part of looking after your body after your treatment. We recommend drinking approximately 2 to 3 litres of water throughout the day, unless you have been advised by your doctor or another healthcare professional to restrict your fluid intake.
Alongside that, we recommend regular movement, a balanced diet and enough rest. Your treatments are there to complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it.
When to check with your GP or surgeon first
Please speak to your GP before booking if you are pregnant, have lymphoedema or another medical condition, are taking medication you are unsure about, or have a new or unexplained swelling.
If you have recently had cosmetic surgery, you need a different treatment. Post-operative lymphatic drainage is a specialist treatment and is not the same as a standard lymphatic drainage massage. It can generally begin from three days after surgery, providing your surgeon has cleared you and there are no complications or contraindications. Always check with your surgeon first.
How long it takes and what it costs
Appointments are one hour. Please allow the full hour, as the hands-on time will be slightly less to allow for consultation, preparation, changing and any aftercare advice.
A single lymphatic drainage massage is £140, and a course of five sessions is £560. You can see all of our prices on our pricing page.
If you are not sure whether it is right for you, come and talk to us. We would much rather you booked the right treatment than the popular one.