Why is Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage (BLD) different from Traditional Lymphatic Drainage (TLD)?
Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage (BLD) is a specialized form of massage therapy that combines Traditional lymphatic drainage massage (TLD) with other massage techniques to enhance your aesthetic goals like body contouring or reducing the appearance of cellulite while improving your general wellbeing.
What is Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage (BLD)?
- It is a type of massage that uses different techniques to get the best aesthetic outcomes. It uses slow movements (like manual lymphatic drainage) with more vigorous and rhythmic motions; for example: circular, pumping, and kneading techniques to target areas with localized fat and improve body contours.
- In addition, Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage incorporates myofascial Release in order to target bloating, puffiness, and water retention, and to reduce the appearance of cellulite. This type of massage uses oil to make easier, for your therapist, to manipulate your body.
Brazilian lymphatic drainage benefits
It is key for you to know that while performing the massage, your therapist will use specific movements (according to your needs) that push fluids toward the lymph nodes, helping to facilitate lymph flow, main benefits are:
- Reduce swelling and water retention
- Promote detoxification
- Improve circulation
- Enhance skin elasticity and smoothness
- Can help with post-surgical recovery, particularly after cosmetic procedures (Ask your GP and therapist first)
- Improve circulation
- Help to contour your body
- Reduce the appearance of cellulite
- Improve digestion
- stress reduction
- Boost your immune function
- Increase energy levels
Why is Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage different from Traditional Lymphatic Massage?: key differences
Technique
- MLD: Uses light and slow movements, following your body’s lymphatic pathways. The strokes are gentle and rhythmic, designed to stimulate the lymphatic vessels without causing discomfort, tissue damage or bruising. This type of massage is performed on dry skin (no oil is used).
- BLD uses light and slow movements and also vigorous and rhythmic strokes, often involving deeper pressure and circular motions (myofascial release). This technique targets specific areas of the body, particularly those with localized fat, to improve body contours and reduce the appearance of cellulite. This type of massage is performed with oil.
Goals
- MLD’s main focus is therapeutic. Most known benefits are: reduce swelling, boost the immune system, and support the body’s natural detox processes. It is often used for conditions like lymphedema, post-surgery recovery, also, managing health issues like fibromyalgia or autoimmune conditions, etc.
- BLD’s main focus is aesthetic/cosmetic, for example, body contouring, cellulite reduction, and improving the appearance of your skin.
Used devices or tools
- MLD uses gentle hand movements that follow the lymphatic pathways, It doesn’t use tools.
- BLD may use tools in order to get the desired incomes. Some tools are: suction cups or silicone gloves to enhance the massage strokes and target specific areas more effectively.
How long does a BLD session last?
Usually it lasts 45 minutes, but your treatment session will be tailored according to your needs (areas to treat). Keep in mind that, after your first appointment, your therapist will tailor your treatment ( number of sessions and frequency) in order to achieve best results.
Do I need preparation for BLD?
Before your massage is recommended to:
- pee (the massage will stimulate your bladder)
- stay hydrated,
- have light meals
- avoid eating at least 60 minutes before your appointment
- shower
A final word…
In short, both techniques aim to stimulate your lymphatic system, however, Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage’s main focus is on aesthetic outcomes and uses a combination of light and vigorous movements to get best results. On the other hand, traditional lymphatic massage is therapeutic and uses only gentle, slow movements.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
