You will be relaxed on a therapy bed; it is imperative to remove clothing depending on the areas of treatment. You will be covered with towels and blankets. Your dignity and respect will be always considered.

The therapist does not use oils.

The therapist moves down the body, draining lymph vessels using very gentle touch with either a pumping action, stationary circular, rotary, or scoop stroke.

Your session time will be discussed prior to the treatment and, depending on the reasons for treatment, can last from 20 minutes to one hour.

You may, due to the self healing process:

• Need to pass urine more frequently
• Have a runny nose or a cough
• Notice a slight rash as skin is rebalancing
• Perspire more as the skin is excreting waste
• Have a temporary flare of a condition that was suppressed, before the healing process takes place
• Experience a deep sleep, or difficulty sleeping, and vivid dreams.

These reactions are temporary and should subside within 24 to 48 hours. They are very positive signals your body is responding to the treatment and is re-balancing.

To ensure maximum benefit from the treatment, it is recommended that you:

• Loosen tight clothing to avoid restrictions to lymph flow
• Increase the amount of water you drink for the next 48 hours at least
• Reduce your caffeine intake
• Avoid hot bathing, showers and saunas for 12 hours after treatment
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment
• Try to cut down on smoking
• Take time to relax
• Encourage gentle exercise such as yoga or pilates, or non-brisk walking
• Eat helpfully for the body. Raw foods can be of more help for the first 24 hours. Salads and fruit are beneficial.
• Try diaphragmatic breathing a few times a day, with legs elevated if possible.

As will all treatments there are contraindications

You must not book a treatment if you currently have:

• An infection, inflammatory disease, or fever
• Active cancer or undiagnosed lumps
• Malignant melanomas
• Serious circulatory conditions (such as thrombosis)
• Major heart conditions
  There maybe times or conditions when consent from your Consultant or GP is required, prior to a treatment.

If you are going aboard for treatment, please consider obtaining a written discharge letter with consent from the team you were under.

Some conditions may be treated with modifications to the treatment. For example, anyone with a thyroid concern could have a treatment – but the neck would not be touched. People with low blood pressure may have initial treatments lasting a short period of time, building up to longer sessions.