Benefits of Brazilian lymphatic drainage
Reduces bloating and inflammation
Supports digestion and immune function
Promotes healing; firms up the skin
Why book Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymph fluid moves through your body, but unlike blood, it doesn’t have a heart to pump it around. When the flow slows down, fluid can build up and cause swelling.
Brazilian lymphatic drainage is a great way to get things moving again, especially after cosmetic surgery. This technique uses special strokes and targeted pressure to support your lymphatic system and help with healing.
What to expect during your treatment
After a consultation, your therapist will focus on key lymphatic areas using firm, rhythmic strokes.
Unlike the manual technique, which uses very gentle pressure and no oils, the Brazilian method applies more targeted pressure to boost lymphatic flow and flush out toxins effectively.
We recommend booking a programme of six to 12 sessions to get the most out of your treatment – your pro can advise during your first session.
Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage FAQs
Brazilian lymphatic drainage is a massage that focuses on cosmetic benefits, like enhancing the skin's appearance and reducing water retention.
Vigorous hand movements and firm pressure are some of the techniques used to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to reduce cellulite, sculpt the body, firm the skin, and support with post-op healing and care.
Our standard Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage lasts 60 minutes including set up and consultation time, and will target key areas. For a full-body treatment, please choose the 75-minute option.
Your therapist may recommend extending your treatment if they feel you'd benefit from a longer session.
The main difference between manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD) and Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage lies in their approach and purpose.
MLD is a clinical treatment that uses slow, circular, and scoop-like motions to manually stimulate the lymph nodes. This promotes drainage and filtration of lymphatic fluid and is most commonly used to treat conditions such as lymphedema.
Brazilian lymphatic drainage is designed for cosmetic purposes, mainly targeting the skin's appearance and reducing water retention. This version uses more vigorous hand movements and firmer pressure to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to reduce cellulite, sculpt the body, firm the skin, and support post-op healing and care.
Don't book if:
You're pregnant; try a specialist pregnancy treatment instead which you can have after your first trimester.
You have an active infection or blood clots, diabetes, an immunodeficiency disorder, epilepsy, a heart condition or pacemaker, or if you’re taking anticoagulant medicines. If you’d like to go ahead with treatment anyway, you’ll need to get written permission from your GP
We don’t recommend this treatment if you’re pregnant, try a specialist pregnancy treatment instead which you can have after your first trimester.
For an at-home Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage, wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing. Before treatment, your therapist will give you privacy to undress to your underwear and cover yourself with a towel.
Yes, but you can ask for this area to be excluded if you’d prefer. In a Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage, the therapist typically massages various areas of the body to stimulate lymphatic flow and promote drainage. These areas include:
Legs and feet: To reduce swelling and improve circulation, especially in the thighs, calves, and ankles.
Arms and hands: To help with fluid retention and stimulate lymph nodes in the armpits.
Back: Particularly along the spine and around the shoulder blades to encourage lymphatic flow.
Neck and shoulders: To target the lymph nodes in the neck and reduce tension.
Face: To reduce puffiness and enhance lymphatic drainage around the jawline and cheeks.
Abdomen: This is a key area for stimulating the lymphatic system.
Your pro will use a mix of gentle, rhythmic strokes and firmer pressure to move lymph fluid toward the lymph nodes, promoting detoxification and reducing swelling throughout the body.
A Brazilian lymphatic drainage treatment can be for postoperative patients, especially those who have had cosmetic surgery. The treatment is also recommended for those who would like to reduce water retention, swelling or cellulite, or those who would like a relaxing, stress relieving massage.
All qualified massage therapists on Urban that offer this treatment also have an extra qualification in Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage from a trusted partner school.
Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and have a shower before your booking. Have light meals up to 12 hours before your massage, avoid eating at least 30 minutes before the treatment and don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours before.
Stay hydrated by drinking with plenty of water and fluids. Eat light meals for the next three days, avoid salty foods and try not to drink alcohol or caffeine. Also stay active with regular physical exercise.
