Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage
After a friend introduced me to the idea of a Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage last year, I’ve been intrigued as all get out to try one. Just before we left for our trip to Italy, I went in for my first appointment and am sharing my experience and review here!
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Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage
If you’re completely unfamiliar with this topic, your lymphatic system is one of the ways your body filters waste out of your body. It also helps collect excess fluid from your body’s tissues and returns it to your bloodstream. Your lymphatic system is also a part of your immune system, producing and releasing white blood cells. You can read more about the lymphatic system here.
So what does a lymphatic drainage massage do? In essence this type of massage encourages your lymphatic system to work. A number of things cause fluids to build up and not cycle through your body properly. A massage helps move everything along.
What can you do to keep your lymphatic system strong and healthy? Drinking plenty of water helps lymph move through your body; regular exercise and a nutritious diet help; and AVOIDING EXPOSURE TO TOXIC CHEMICALS. These chemicals can build up in your system, making it harder for your body to filter waste. Toxic chemicals can be found in pesticides, cleaning products, skin care and makeup, etc.
This is the big reason I’m such an advocate of clean beauty and non toxic makeup brands! Read my go to for the cleanest skin care brand and my Crunchi makeup review to get started.
So since I use clean products and do all those things, why did I get a Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage? While I’m doing my part to keep myself healthy, anything that encourages my body to do its natural thing is a big yes for me.
I’ve also felt that since my pregnancy (yes, 6 years ago), I have some small areas that felt like maybe there was buildup (a bit around my knees – likely from the weight I put on) and then near my waist and stomach – not fat, just a small area that felt “fluidy.” IYKYK.
Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage vs lymphatic drainage massage
The idea of lymphatic drainage massage dates back to the 1930s. It uses gentle movements to push the fluid through your body toward your chest to help the system flow naturally and completely.
A Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage is a lymphatic massage with more pressure, designed to also limit cellulite (described as more cosmetic purposes). While it absolutely doesn’t hurt, the Brazilian massage does have more pressure – a light pressure. And it feels great!!
Cellulite Lymphatic Drainage Massage Before and After
Thankfully, I haven’t had many injuries or operations, so my cellulite lymphatic drainage massage before and after photos may not be as stark as others, but let me tell you how great I felt after – lighter, “flushed” if that makes sense. And I quickly noticed that the ‘buildup’ around my knees was gone (and still feels like it weeks later)!
Common Lymphatic Massage Questions
My massage was scheduled for 50 minutes but ended up taking more like 75 minutes (she kindly was taking photos for me, which slowed us down a bit).
Go to the bathroom! 🤣 You are about to get fluid pushed around your body; your bladder will feel very full by the end, so start empty!
Drink lots of water! This is what will help your body fully flush itself, so drink, hydrate, and drink!
I got my massage done at Lymphologie here in Sacramento. It cost $175 for the full body massage. Interestingly, lymphatic massages tend to be much cheaper in Europe.
