Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage: What It Is, What to Expect & Safety

Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage: What It Is, What to Expect & Safety

Brazilian lymphatic drainage is a wellness-focused bodywork technique that generally uses light, rhythmic, directional movements over the body.

Some people choose this style of massage because they prefer a gentler treatment or because they experience a temporary feeling of puffiness, heaviness, or fluid retention.

It is important to distinguish Brazilian lymphatic drainage offered as a wellness service from medical manual lymphatic drainage used in the management of diagnosed conditions such as lymphedema.

At Relief Plus Wellness in East Toronto, Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage is offered as a non-RMT wellness service. It is not presented as medical treatment for lymphedema or another diagnosed health condition.

What Is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is part of the body's circulatory and immune systems.

It consists of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and other tissues that help transport lymph fluid throughout the body.

When normal lymphatic drainage is disrupted because of illness, surgery, injury, or other medical conditions, fluid may accumulate in the tissues and cause swelling.

Cleveland Clinic explains that healthcare providers use manual lymphatic drainage primarily to help manage swelling related to lymphedema and certain other medical conditions.

What Is Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage?

Brazilian lymphatic drainage is typically performed using controlled, rhythmic massage movements.

Depending on the practitioner and the client's goals, treatment may involve areas such as:

• Abdomen
• Legs
• Arms
• Back
• Waist
• Hips

The pressure is generally lighter than deep tissue massage.

For a wellness service, the goal should be described conservatively as supporting relaxation and comfort rather than promising a medical outcome.

Is Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage the Same as Medical Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

No.

Medical Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized technique used in healthcare settings, particularly for people with lymphedema.

Cleveland Clinic notes that MLD may be part of the care plan for people whose lymphatic system is not functioning normally, including some patients after cancer surgery or other medical treatment.

Brazilian lymphatic drainage offered as a wellness service should not be marketed as equivalent to treatment for diagnosed lymphedema.

If you have persistent swelling, diagnosed lymphedema, or swelling following surgery or cancer treatment, speak with your healthcare provider before booking a wellness massage.

Can Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Reduce Puffiness?

Some clients may notice a temporary change in how puffy or heavy their body feels after a gentle massage session.

However, the service should not be marketed as permanently reducing swelling or treating fluid retention caused by a medical condition.

Cleveland Clinic notes that lymphatic drainage used medically may reduce swelling related to lymphedema, but it also states that people without lymphedema may not experience meaningful results.

Because swelling can have many different causes, persistent or unexplained swelling should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

What Can Cause Swelling?

Swelling can occur for many reasons, including:

• Injury
• Infection
• Surgery
• Medication effects
• Venous problems
• Heart conditions
• Kidney conditions
• Blood clots
• Lymphatic disorders

A wellness massage should never be used to self-diagnose the cause of swelling.

New, painful, one-sided, red, warm, or rapidly worsening swelling should receive appropriate medical assessment.

What Happens During a Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Session?

Before treatment, your practitioner may ask about:

• Your health history
• Medications
• Recent surgery
• Swelling
• History of blood clots
• Heart or kidney conditions
• Infections
• Pregnancy
• Skin conditions
• Your goals for treatment

The session generally uses controlled, rhythmic strokes instead of the stronger pressure associated with deep tissue massage.

Treatment should remain comfortable, and clients should communicate with their practitioner if they experience pain or discomfort.

Does Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage "Detox" the Body?

For marketing purposes, we do not recommend using this claim.

The body has its own systems for processing and eliminating waste, including the liver and kidneys.

Although the lymphatic system performs important physiological functions, a wellness massage should not be advertised as removing toxins, flushing toxins, or detoxifying the body.

Canadian advertising law also prohibits materially false or misleading representations about services.

For Relief Plus Wellness, a more accurate description is: Brazilian lymphatic drainage is a wellness massage that may support relaxation and may provide a temporary feeling of reduced puffiness or heaviness for some clients.

Is Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Safe for Everyone?

No.

Cleveland Clinic advises that lymphatic drainage massage should be avoided in people with certain conditions, including:

• Blood clots
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Cellulitis
• Fever
• Active infection
• Heart disease
• Kidney failure
• Stroke

Lymphatic drainage should also not be performed directly over cancerous tissue or skin damaged by radiation therapy.

NCCIH notes that massage therapy generally has a low risk of harmful effects when performed appropriately, but rare serious complications such as blood clots, nerve injury, and fractures have been reported, especially with vigorous massage or in people at increased risk.

Who Should Speak With a Healthcare Professional Before Booking?

You should speak with an appropriate healthcare professional first if you:

• Have unexplained or persistent swelling
• Have a history of DVT or blood clots
• Have heart disease
• Have kidney disease
• Have an active infection
• Have cellulitis
• Have fever
• Recently had major surgery
• Are undergoing cancer treatment
• Have diagnosed lymphedema
• Are pregnant and have medical complications
• Have another significant medical condition

If you are unsure whether massage is appropriate for you, NCCIH recommends discussing it with your healthcare provider.

What About Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage After Surgery?

Some people seek lymphatic drainage after cosmetic or other surgical procedures.

However, post-surgical massage should not be started automatically.

The appropriate timing depends on:

• The type of surgery
• The individual's healing
• The surgeon's instructions
• Presence of swelling or complications
• Risk of infection
• Other medical factors

Clients should obtain clearance from their surgeon or healthcare provider when appropriate before receiving post-surgical wellness massage.

What Might I Feel After a Session?

Most people tolerate gentle massage well.

Some people may feel relaxed or notice temporary changes in how the treated area feels.

Cleveland Clinic notes that some people receiving lymphatic drainage may experience temporary:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea

These effects are not experienced by everyone.

Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:

• Severe pain
• Unusual swelling
• Redness or warmth
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Sudden weakness
• Another concerning reaction

Is Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Covered by Insurance?

At Relief Plus Wellness, Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage is a non-RMT wellness service.

It is not eligible for insurance reimbursement as Registered Massage Therapy (RMT).

Clients should not submit this service as RMT massage unless the treatment was actually provided as an eligible insured service by an appropriately registered provider.

Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage in East Toronto

Relief Plus Wellness offers Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage at:

1403 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1Z5

We welcome clients from nearby communities including:

Leslieville, Greenwood-Coxwell, East York, The Beaches, Riverdale, Danforth, Upper Beaches, and surrounding East Toronto neighbourhoods.

Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brazilian lymphatic drainage the same as deep tissue massage?

No. Brazilian lymphatic drainage generally uses lighter, rhythmic techniques rather than the deeper pressure associated with deep tissue massage.

Can it permanently reduce swelling?

No permanent result should be promised. Some clients may notice temporary changes in puffiness or how their body feels, but persistent swelling should be medically assessed.

Does it treat lymphedema?

Not as the wellness service offered at Relief Plus Wellness. Diagnosed lymphedema should be managed with appropriate healthcare guidance.

Can I book after cosmetic surgery?

Possibly, but the timing and suitability depend on your procedure and recovery. Follow your surgeon's instructions and obtain clearance when appropriate.

Does Brazilian lymphatic drainage detox the body?

We do not make this claim. It should not be marketed as a treatment that removes toxins or detoxifies the body.

Is Brazilian lymphatic drainage covered by insurance?

At Relief Plus Wellness, this is a non-RMT wellness service and is not eligible for insurance reimbursement as RMT massage.

Book Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage in East Toronto

If you are looking for a gentle wellness massage and do not have a medical condition that makes lymphatic drainage inappropriate, you can book an appointment with Relief Plus Wellness.

Relief Plus Wellness

1403 Gerrard St E

Toronto, ON M4L 1Z5

Phone: (416) 461-1118

Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general educational purposes only. Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage at Relief Plus Wellness is a non-RMT wellness service and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or replace medical advice. It is not presented as treatment for lymphedema. Individual experiences and results vary.

Medical Sources

• Cleveland Clinic — Lymphatic Drainage Massage: What It Is & Benefits.
• NCCIH — Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know.
• Cleveland Clinic — How To Do Lymphatic Drainage Self-Massage.
• Competition Bureau Canada — False or Misleading Representations.

Relief Plus Wellness proudly serves patients from Leslieville, The Beaches, East York, Riverdale, Danforth, Greenwood-Coxwell, Upper Beaches, Little India, Scarborough, Downtown Toronto, and surrounding East Toronto communities.