What lymphatic massage is
Lymphatic massage is a very gentle manual technique. Instead of kneading the muscles, it uses slow, rhythmic movements with light pressure that only gently move the skin. Its professional name is manual lymphatic drainage. In healthcare it is used for lymphoedema as one part of comprehensive care together with compression, movement and skin care – not as a treatment on its own.
With me it is a massage for rest and calmer work with the body in Brno. I do not present it as a “detox”, a way to lose weight or a cure for cellulite – there is no reliable evidence for any of these.
How it differs from a classic massage
- Pressure: medium to firm in a classic massage, only light in a lymphatic one – it should not hurt.
- Pace: slow and regular, usually with a calming effect.
- Aim: a classic massage works with muscles and tension, a lymphatic massage with the surface layers of the body.
If you are troubled by stiff muscles or pain when moving, a classic relaxation or corrective massage will probably suit you better.
Where in Brno
I do lymphatic massage at the massage studio of Centrum Letokruh, Králova 21, Brno-Žabovřesky. You can choose a time in the online booking.
What happens
The lymphatic system takes part in managing tissue fluid and in immune processes. That does not mean every feeling of heavy legs is a sign of “blocked lymph”, or that massage flushes toxins out of the body. I use gentle pressure, and beforehand we clarify why you are interested in this kind of work.
As agreed, I work on part of the body or the whole body:
- Partial massage (2/4 of the body): about 60 minutes
- Partial massage (3/4 of the body): 90–120 minutes
- Whole body: 120 minutes
The price list also includes a discounted Regeneration Package (4× 120 min + 1× 60 min) – details on the Prices page.
What to expect
Lymphoedema and other kinds of swelling have different causes. Professional care for confirmed lymphoedema includes examination, compression, movement, skin care, education and possibly manual techniques; massage alone is not a universal solution. New swelling that is one-sided, painful or red should be seen by a doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
Does lymphatic massage hurt? It should not. The pressure is gentle, and if anything feels unpleasant, just tell me.
Will it help with cellulite or weight loss? I do not promise that. Lymphatic massage does not burn fat and there is no reliable evidence that it removes cellulite.
I have confirmed lymphoedema. Can I come? Yes, but only after agreeing it with your doctor or physiotherapist, so that the massage fits in with your treatment.
How long does it take? Depending on the extent, 60 to 120 minutes – the whole body takes 120 minutes. You will find the prices in the price list.
After the massage
After a longer lymphatic massage (90 minutes or more) I recommend spreading a little more fluid over the day in the following days – water or herbal tea, in smaller amounts – and allowing yourself a calmer routine: no hard training or alcohol, and plenty of rest.
From experience I know that after a longer session some people feel tired or sluggish, may briefly feel dizzy, pass urine more often, and for a few hours may notice a different smell of urine or sweat. It is usually temporary. Get up from the table slowly. If the symptoms do not ease, or you get shortness of breath, chest pain or new swelling, see a doctor.
Herbal tea works well as part of your fluid intake. Nettle and dandelion are traditionally used to increase the amount of urine (European herbal monographs by the EMA describe them this way too), and cleavers is linked with the lymph in herbal tradition. None of them, however, has a scientifically proven effect on the lymph. Better leave the teas out, or ask a doctor or pharmacist, if you have kidney, heart, liver or gallbladder disease, your doctor has limited your fluid intake, you take medication regularly (for example diuretics or blood thinners), you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you are allergic to plants of the daisy family.