What is Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage?
Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage (BLD) is a specialized technique that enhances the body's natural fluid management processes. This method promotes body sculpting, increased metabolism and can support weight loss by using rhythmic, precise movements to stimulate deep lymphatic flow and reduce fluid retention.
How the Lymphatic System Works
The lymphatic system is all about fluids. Some key functions of the lymphatic system are: maintaining fluid balance, supporting the immune system, and aiding in nutrient absorption. It collects excess fluid from tissues and returns it to the bloodstream, preventing swelling. Lymph nodes filter this fluid, trapping and destroying harmful substances like bacteria and viruses hence why BLD has immunity benefits. The system also helps absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system, transporting them eventually right into the vena cava to the heart. Additionally, it removes cellular waste and toxins, keeping the body's internal environment clean and healthy, and supports circulation by maintaining proper blood volume and pressure. Overall, the lymphatic system is a big deal!
You need BLD if you...
have hormonal conditions like PCOS or menopause.
sit a lot for work or have low physical activity in general
are bloated frequently, or struggle with constipation
have high stress levels
have poor diet and/or food sensitivities
have had surgery (must be over 90 days ago)
Benefits of BLD
Things to Consider - Contraindications and Medical History
You CANNOT have this massage if you have:
-
Acute inflammatory diseases
-
Infections (flu, cold, stomach flu, COVID-19,etc.)
-
Using antibiotics
-
Open wounds or surgical incisions
Pregnancy:
-
First trimester: must receive Doctor's approval
-
Second & Third trimester: No need for Doctor's approval
-
ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATIONS: detached placenta, low amniotic fluid & blood pressure issues.
-
After delivery: must wait 40 days post-partum to start massages
​
You CAN have this massage with doctors's approval (written and document sent on file)
-
Thrombophilia
-
Systemic Arterial Hypertension
-
Cardiac Pathologies
-
Pulmonary Pathologies
-
Renal Pathologies
-
Oncology patients
-
Injectable medications: Wait 48 hours to resume treatment
-
Vaccinations: wait 14 days to resume treatment
Can I have this massage if I...?
-
have only one kidney? - YES
-
have MS? - YES
-
have fibromyalgia? - YES
-
have endometriosis? - YES
-
have lupus? - YES
-
have scoliosis? - YES
-
had colon irrigation? - The next day, YES
-
have varicose veins? - If there's no surgical recommendation, YES
-
have a hernia? - If there's no surgical recommendation, YES
​
BLD vs. Traditional
1
Pressure Levels
Traditional lymphatic drainage (TLD) is VERY light, focusing on superficial lymph structures and feeling for the lymphatic pulse. This feather-light drainage is perfect for post-surgery, or those diagnosed with lipidema, lymphedema, where we need to start on the outside and work our way in. BLD focuses on the deeper lymphatic system and on real-time flushing of the fluid in the lymph vessels to cleanse the body of the toxin buildup that can happen in the lymphs.
2
Areas of Focus
You have lots of deeper lymph structures in the abdominal, pelvic and thoracic areas, which can be causing the bloating, excess visceral fluid, etc.
In BLD we focus a lot of time in the tummy area, including some visceral techniques to support into organs that influence fluid exchange directly (large intestine, small intestine specifically). In TLD, we barely go into these areas at all! If you are wanting work on the tummy area, go with BLD.
3
Results
In TLD, we use slow, rhythmic strokes to stimulate lymphatic flow which leaves the body feeling refreshed and relaxed. In BLD, we are using faster, more sculpting strokes with firmer pressure, as well as incorporating deep targeted breathing to stimulate even deeper into the body. This leaves many clients with a more immediate contoured appearance after as you often see in before/after photos.
