Your First Lymphatic Drainage Massage: What to Expect

Booking a treatment you've never had before can feel a bit daunting, especially one with a slightly clinical-sounding name. Here's exactly what happens when you come to see me at North Wales Nail & Beauty in Llandudno, from the moment you book to the moment you head home.

Before you arrive

Booking

I treat three days a month, with a limited number of appointments each day, so the first step is sending a booking request with your preferred date and time of day. I'll get back to you personally to confirm. If you have a medical condition, are taking medication, are pregnant or have recently had surgery, please mention it in your request, and check with your GP or midwife first if you're unsure whether the treatment is suitable.

On the day

• Wear something comfortable. Nothing special is needed.
• Eat lightly. A heavy meal just before lying down for an hour or more isn't very comfortable.
• Give yourself time. Try not to book something stressful straight afterwards. You'll probably feel very relaxed.
• You don't need to bring anything. Everything you need is provided at the salon.

When you arrive: your consultation

Before your first treatment we'll go through a short consultation and consent form together. I'll ask about your health, any medication, recent surgery or injuries, and what you're hoping to get from the treatment. This isn't a formality: there are some situations where lymphatic drainage massage needs to be adapted, postponed or avoided, and this is how we make sure it's right for you.

It's also your chance to ask anything at all. There are no silly questions.

During the treatment

Treatments are women-only, in a private room. You'll be covered with towels throughout, and only the area being worked on is uncovered. I'll explain what I'm doing as we begin, and you're always welcome to tell me if you'd like anything changed or if you're too warm or cold.

The massage itself is a full-body treatment including gentle work on the face, arms, stomach, legs and back. It usually starts near the neck and collarbones, where lymph returns to the bloodstream, before moving outwards. The strokes are:

• Light: much lighter than a normal massage, closer to a slow, soothing skin stretch.
• Slow and rhythmic: the same movements repeated steadily, which is why so many people drift off.
• Directional: each stroke follows the natural direction lymph flows.

Some women like to chat for a bit at the start; most go quiet fairly quickly. Either is completely fine.

How long does it take?

A full-body lymphatic drainage massage at Willow & Flow takes 60 to 90 minutes and costs £65. Allow a little extra time at your first visit for the consultation.

Afterwards

Take your time getting up. Because you've been lying relaxed for a while, it's sensible to sit for a moment before standing. Many women feel light, calm and a bit sleepy. Some feel thirsty, and some notice they need the loo not long after.

I'd suggest drinking some water, having a gentle walk (the promenade is perfect for this) and keeping the rest of your day as easy as you can. There's more detail in my aftercare guide.

Getting to the salon

Treatments take place at North Wales Nail & Beauty, 24 Brookes Street, Llandudno, LL30 2TT, in the town centre. Clients come in from all over the coast; there are local pages with travel times from Conwy, Rhos-on-Sea, Colwyn Bay, Abergele and Rhyl, and full details on the Where To Find Me page.

Frequently asked questions

This article is general wellbeing information, not medical advice. Lymphatic drainage massage at Willow & Flow is a relaxation and wellbeing treatment, not a medical treatment. If you have a health condition or symptoms, please speak to your GP.