Lymphatic drainage massage

Your lymphatic system is part of your body’s natural detox process – it helps move out things you don’t need, like excess fluid and waste. But unlike your blood, lymph doesn’t move on its own.

That’s where this massage comes in: light, rhythmic strokes help get things flowing again, leaving you feeling less puffy, more sculpted and totally recharged.

Lymphatic drainage is a full-body treatment that pushes lymph fluid from all over the body towards lymph nodes. This includes treating the face, legs, arms, hands and feet.

Physical activity before and after your treatment is a great way to stimulate your lymphatic system to help support the drainage process.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and/or eating a big meal before or after your treatment. And remember to drink plenty of water.

It may help reduce bloating or water retention, which can smooth the skin temporarily – but it’s not a sculpting or weight loss treatment.

Looking for something to help with cellulite? Try our sculpting massage instead.

Not this one. If you’ve recently had cosmetic surgery, you’ll need to book a Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage instead, which we also offer. Always check with your doctor before booking.

Both manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage focus on stimulating the lymphatic system to reduce swelling, promote detoxification and improve circulation, but they differ in techniques, pressure, and results. You can book both on Urban in London and the South East.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)

🔹 Developed by: Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930s
🔹 Technique: Uses very light, rhythmic, and precise strokes to stimulate lymph flow
🔹 Purpose: Primarily used for medical and therapeutic reasons, such as post-surgery recovery, lymphedema, and chronic swelling
🔹 Pressure: Extremely light, gentle, and slow movements
🔹 Focus: Targets the deeper lymphatic system for long-term fluid movement and immune support
🔹 Results: Subtle, gradual reduction in swelling, often requiring multiple sessions

Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage

🔹 Developed by: Brazilian therapists, popularised by Renata França
🔹 Technique: Uses faster, deeper, and more vigorous strokes, often combined with sculpting movements
🔹 Purpose: Aesthetic and wellness benefits —reducing bloating, contouring the body and enhancing immediate results
🔹 Pressure: Stronger, more dynamic, and often includes kneading, pumping and sweeping motions
🔹 Focus: Encourages fluid elimination more quickly, leading to instant slimming effects
🔹 Results: More visible and immediate, especially for body contouring and reducing puffiness

Key differences in experience & results

• MLD is slow, gentle, and medically oriented, while Brazilian lymphatic drainage is faster, more vigorous, and aesthetically focused.

• MLD is ideal for medical conditions, whereas Brazilian techniques are popular for beauty treatments (reducing bloating, contouring, and enhancing muscle definition).

• Brazilian massage shows more immediate results, while MLD works over time for deeper lymphatic healing.

Read more: Different types of lymphatic drainage massage – explained

To get the most out of your massage:

• Stay hydrated (especially after)

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol or big meals right before or after

• Light movement, like walking, can help support the drainage process

A lymphatic drainage treatment can help a little with reducing the appearance of cellulite, but it’s more of a treatment for detoxing than toning up. A specialist anti-cellulite massage, like the sculpting massage available on Urban, would be more effective.

Our lymphatic drainage treatment isn't suitable if you've recently had cosmetic surgery – book a Brazilian lymphatic drainage treatment instead.

No, the techniques aren't suitable if you're pregnancy. Try booking our specialist pregnancy massage instead.

Yes, we offer fully customisable massage sessions. From massage type to pressure level and extras like aromatherapy, you can tailor your session to suit your needs. You’ll see all the options to customise your experience when you book.

Our prices reflect the cost of living in each area to make sure Urban pros earn fairly. They also vary by time of day/week:

Off-peak hours:

Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 6:59 PM

Peak hours:

Monday to Friday: 7:00 PM to 10:59 PM
Saturday and Sunday: All day (7:00 AM to 10:59 PM)

Manual lymphatic drainage massage is available in London and the South East, Manchester and Liverpool.