What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Who Needs It?

You Know That Feeling When Your Body Just Feels... Stuck?

I've been there. That weird heaviness where you feel like you're carrying around extra water, or when your legs feel swollen after a long flight. Maybe you just finished a cleanse but still feel sluggish.

That's actually your lymphatic system telling you it needs some help. And honestly? Most people have never heard of lymphatic drainage massage, but it's been a total game-changer for my clients (and for me personally).

Here's What Actually Happens During Lymphatic Drainage

Your lymphatic system is basically your body's cleanup crew, but it doesn't have its own pump like your heart does for blood circulation. Instead, it depends on muscle movement, breathing, and external help to keep things flowing properly.

Think of it like this: if your regular circulation is a river, your lymph system is more like a lazy stream that sometimes gets backed up. Lymphatic drainage massage uses super light, specific strokes to basically give that stream a gentle push in the right direction.

I'm talking feather-light pressure here. None of that deep tissue stuff where you're gripping the table. This is more like someone drawing patterns on your skin, but with purpose.

What I Focus On During a Session

When someone comes in for lymphatic drainage, I work around the major lymph node clusters. These are like little filtering stations throughout your body:

• Around your neck and the hollow spots above your collarbones
• Your armpit area (I know, weird but important)
• Along your ribcage and waist
• The inner thigh and groin region
• Behind your knees

Sessions usually run anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on what we're trying to accomplish.

Who Actually Benefits From This?

Here's the thing - you don't need to be recovering from liposuction to benefit from this type of massage. I've had clients come in for all sorts of reasons.

It's particularly helpful if you:

• Just had any kind of surgery and are dealing with swelling
• Retain water easily or have circulation issues
• Travel frequently and deal with puffy ankles and legs
• Feel mentally foggy or just generally "blah"
• Want something gentler than deep tissue but still therapeutic
• Are going through a stressful period and feel like your body is holding onto tension

What to Expect Afterward

Most people walk out saying they feel "drained" in the best possible way. Like their body just got a really thorough internal shower.

You might notice less puffiness, better digestion, or even improved sleep that night. And yes, you'll probably need to pee more than usual for the next day or so. That's your body actually flushing out what it's been holding onto.

Some clients feel more energized, others feel super relaxed. Everyone's different, but the common thread is feeling lighter and more balanced.

How Often Should You Do This?

If you're just maintaining general wellness, once a month is usually plenty. But if you're recovering from something specific or doing a more intensive detox, you might want to come in weekly for a few sessions.

I always tell my clients to listen to their bodies. Some people crave it monthly, others prefer to space it out more. There's no magic formula.

My Take on It

Look, I've been doing massage for years, and lymphatic drainage isn't the flashiest technique out there. It's not going to give you that "worked over" feeling like deep tissue does. But for people who need it, it's incredibly effective.

It's one of those treatments that works with your body instead of forcing it to change. And in our world of constant stress and processed everything, sometimes that gentle approach is exactly what we need.

📍 Want to Try It in Montreal?

If you’re in the city and curious to try a lymphatic drainage session, come visit me at Andy Wellness. I tailor each massage to your body’s needs — whether it’s post-surgery care, detox support, or just time to slow down and reset.

👉 Ready to feel the difference? Book your session here