If you are thinking about booking a lymphatic drainage massage, you have probably wondered what is actually going on in your body during and after a session. It is a fair question. The treatment is gentle and rhythmic, so some people are surprised that something so relaxing is designed to do a specific job.
In this article we explain, in plain terms, what lymphatic drainage massage is designed to do, what happens when you come to see us in Cardiff Bay, and just as importantly, what it does not do. If you are weighing up whether it is worth it, we cover that separately in does lymphatic drainage massage actually work?
Your lymphatic system, in a nutshell
The lymphatic system plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance and supporting the immune system. It is a network that carries a clear fluid, called lymph, around the body.
Your blood has your heart to pump it. Lymph does not have a pump of its own, and relies largely on everyday movement, such as your muscles working and your breathing, to keep it flowing. That is one reason we talk so much about movement and hydration alongside your treatments.
Many clients come to us describing a feeling of heaviness, puffiness or bloating, and simply wanting to feel lighter. That is where lymphatic drainage massage comes in.
What the massage is designed to do
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, rhythmic treatment designed to encourage the natural movement of lymphatic fluid through the body. The aim is to encourage healthy lymphatic flow, support the movement of excess fluid and promote a feeling of lightness and wellbeing.
Our own treatment, the Simply Contoured Aesthetic Method™, brings three elements together in one session:
- Manual lymphatic drainage, using specialised techniques 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 your individual needs, so we focus on the areas and concerns that are most relevant to you on the day.
What you may notice
Everyone is different, and we never promise a particular result. With that in mind, our lymphatic drainage treatment may help you to:
- Reduce the feeling of water retention and puffiness
- Reduce the feeling of bloating
- Promote a feeling of lightness and wellbeing
- Support relaxation
- Encourage a sense of improved circulation and overall body awareness
- Enhance your natural body contours and create a more defined appearance
You will notice we often say "the feeling of". That is deliberate. Much of what clients come for is about how their body feels: lighter, less puffy, less heavy around the middle. The treatment is designed to leave you feeling lighter, refreshed and revitalised, and many clients also find it deeply relaxing.
Why the tummy gets extra attention
A lot of people carry tension around the abdomen, or experience feelings of bloating and abdominal discomfort. That is why targeted abdominal and gut work is built into our method rather than added as an extra.
If your gut is your main concern, we also offer a separate Gut Health Massage, which is designed to work beyond surface-level lymphatic techniques. We can talk you through which suits you best.
What it does not do
It is just as important to know what lymphatic drainage massage cannot do, so you can book with the right expectations.
- It is not a weight loss treatment. It does not burn fat. Any change in how defined you look is about appearance and how you feel, not about losing weight.
- It is not a detox. We do not describe it as removing toxins, and you should be wary of anyone who does.
- It does not treat, cure or diagnose any medical condition. It is a wellness treatment, not a replacement for medical care.
- It is not a one-off fix. You cannot expect to achieve the full benefits from just one or two sessions.
If you have lymphoedema, a new or unexplained swelling, are pregnant, take regular medication or have recently had surgery, please speak to your GP or surgeon before booking. If anything about your health is unclear, that conversation comes first.
What happens at your appointment
Appointments with us are one hour. The hands-on treatment time is slightly less, as we allow time for a consultation, preparation, changing and any aftercare advice.
The consultation is where we find out what you would like to focus on, whether that is puffiness, bloating, a feeling of heaviness or simply wanting a regular treatment to look after yourself. You do not need to have had cosmetic surgery to book, and we welcome both men and women.
Looking after yourself afterwards
Hydration is an important part of looking after your body following 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.
We also recommend keeping up a healthy lifestyle alongside your treatments, with regular movement, a balanced diet and adequate rest. Your treatment complements what you do outside the clinic, it does not replace it.
How often should you come?
For ongoing maintenance and wellbeing, we recommend a lymphatic drainage massage once a month. If you have a particular concern, we may suggest a different frequency to begin with before moving onto monthly maintenance.
You can book a single session if you would like to try it, or a course of five if you want to make it part of your routine. A single session is £140 and a course of five is £560. You can see all of our prices on our pricing page.
Consistency is key. With each session, your results can become more noticeable as you keep to a regular routine.
After surgery is a different treatment
If you are recovering from cosmetic surgery such as liposuction, a tummy tuck, fat transfer or a BBL, you need post-operative lymphatic drainage rather than a standard massage. It is a specialist treatment, and we are Level 4 Advanced Specialists in Post-Operative Lymphatic Drainage Massage. It can generally begin from three days after surgery, providing your surgeon has cleared you for treatment. You can read more on our post-surgery aftercare page.