What is lymphatic drainage? Manual and device-assisted drainage explained
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic technique that supports the natural flow of lymph. Discover how manual and device-assisted drainage differ, how a session feels, and how BodyFix combines it with connective tissue massage.
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What is lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic technique that is aimed at supporting the natural flow of lymph through the body. Lymph is the clear fluid that the lymphatic system uses to collect excess fluid, proteins and waste products from the tissues, filter them through the lymph nodes and return them to the bloodstream. Unlike the blood, lymph has no central pump such as the heart, so its flow depends on movement and gentle stimulation. Lymphatic drainage works with that principle: by following the direction of the natural lymph flow, it is intended to give the body's own drainage a supportive nudge in the right direction. This page offers general information and does not replace medical advice or a diagnosis.
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A gentle, rhythmic technique that follows the natural lymph flow
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Supports the body's own drainage of fluid — it does not “cleanse” or “detox”
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Often associated with a lighter, less tense feeling for many people
At BodyFix — specialised in connective tissue and fascia since 2008 — supporting this natural drainage plays an important role within every treatment. Want to understand the bigger picture first? Read more about how the lymphatic system works.
Two approaches
Manual versus device-assisted drainage
Lymphatic drainage can be carried out in different ways. With manual lymphatic drainage, the therapist uses gentle, rhythmic movements of the hands to follow the direction of the natural lymph flow. With device-assisted lymphatic drainage, equipment is used to apply a similar gentle, rhythmic stimulation — often more evenly and over a larger area. Both approaches share the same goal: to support the body's own drainage of fluid, not to replace it. For a detailed comparison of the two forms, read manual vs machine lymphatic drainage. At BodyFix, device-assisted lymphatic drainage is combined with deep manual connective tissue massage within the BodyFix Method, so that the tissue and the fluid drainage are addressed together rather than in isolation.
Manual drainage
Gentle, rhythmic movements of the hands follow the lymph pathways and are aimed at supporting the natural flow of fluid.
Device-assisted drainage
Equipment applies an even, rhythmic stimulation along the lymph pathways — the approach BodyFix uses within its method.
Combined with massage
At BodyFix the device-assisted drainage is combined with deep manual connective tissue massage — the signature combination of the practice.
The experience
How a session feels
A lymphatic drainage is a gentle and soothing experience rather than a deep or forceful massage. The movements are light and rhythmic and follow the direction of the natural lymph flow, which many people find relaxing. When it is part of the combination treatment, the deep connective tissue massage can feel firmer in places, but the lymphatic drainage itself is designed to be comfortable and is never meant to be painful. Everything is tailored to you during the session, and you can always indicate what feels right.
After a treatment, many people describe a lighter, less tense feeling — without anything having been “flushed out” or “detoxified”. The body always does its own drainage work; lymphatic drainage simply follows and supports that natural process. Curious where the “detox” idea comes from? Read our honest answer on waste products and detox: fact or fiction.
When it is used
When lymphatic drainage can help
Lymphatic drainage is most often chosen by people who recognise a heavy, full or tense feeling and would like to support their natural fluid balance. Because the lymphatic system depends on movement, the drainage can temporarily slow when you sit or stand still for long periods, which is why supporting that flow appeals to many. The descriptions below give an idea of when people commonly look into a lymphatic drainage or combination treatment. This overview is general information and does not replace medical advice or a diagnosis.
Fluid
Heavy, full feeling
A heavy or full sensation, for example in the legs at the end of a long day, is something many people would like to ease with support for the natural drainage of fluid.
Recovery
After an operation
Some people consider lymphatic drainage during recovery, always in consultation with their doctor and only when it is medically appropriate for their situation.
Combination
Part of the method
Within the combination treatment, drainage is paired with connective tissue massage so that supple tissue and supported fluid flow work together.
Persistent, one-sided or sudden swelling, or swelling with pain, redness or warmth, should always be assessed by a doctor first. The same applies if you suspect lymphoedema or another medical cause — a relaxing treatment never replaces medical examination. Want to read more? See lymphoedema and oedema explained.
The BodyFix Method
How BodyFix uses lymphatic drainage
Within the BodyFix Method, supporting the natural lymph flow is combined with deep manual connective tissue massage. The thinking behind this: stiff or adhered connective tissue can limit the space around the lymph vessels, while more supple tissue is often associated with smoother flow of fluid. By tuning both techniques to one another, the method supports the tissue and the drainage at the same time. Every first visit begins with a diagnosis-first approach so the treatment fits your situation.
Bodyreading first
Before the first treatment, a diagnosis-first approach (Bodyreading) maps out where fluid and connective tissue may need attention.
Connective tissue massage
Deep manual techniques target the fascia, aimed at giving the tissue around the lymph vessels more room and a more supple feel.
Lymphatic drainage
Device-assisted lymphatic drainage follows the natural lymph flow and supports the drainage of fluid — the signature combination of BodyFix.
This method was developed by founder Agnieszka Kadula and is carried out by medically trained therapists with a physiotherapy background and 2,500+ hours of training. This information is general in nature and does not replace medical advice or a diagnosis. Want to know more? Discover the combination of lymphatic drainage and connective tissue massage or read the answers in our treatment FAQ.
Prices
What lymphatic drainage costs
BodyFix is a private practice and does not work through health insurance, so there is no reimbursement and you pay for the treatment yourself. The free 20-minute consultation is included, so we can look at your situation together before anything is booked. The practice treats women only.
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Single lymphatic drainage: €45 (30 min) — 5-session card €200
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Combination treatment (connective tissue massage + lymphatic drainage): €110 (30 min) · €175 (60 min) · €240 (90 min)
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Free consultation (20 min) included — no obligation
Want to see the full overview? Browse all packages and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about lymphatic drainage
What is the difference between manual and device-assisted lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage uses gentle, rhythmic movements of the hands to follow the direction of the natural lymph flow. Device-assisted lymphatic drainage uses equipment to apply a similar gentle, rhythmic stimulation, often more evenly and over a larger area. Both aim to support the body's own drainage of fluid rather than to replace it. At BodyFix, device-assisted lymphatic drainage is combined with deep manual connective tissue massage within the BodyFix Method, so that the tissue and the fluid drainage are addressed together.
Does lymphatic drainage hurt?
No, lymphatic drainage is a gentle, soothing technique rather than a deep or forceful massage. The movements are light and rhythmic and follow the direction of the natural lymph flow, which many people find relaxing. Within the BodyFix Method it is combined with deep connective tissue massage, which can feel firmer in places, but the lymphatic drainage itself is designed to be comfortable. Everything is tailored to you during the treatment, and you can always indicate what feels right.
What does a lymphatic drainage at BodyFix cost?
A single lymphatic drainage session of 30 minutes costs 45 euros, and a 5-session card costs 200 euros. The combination treatment of connective tissue massage and lymphatic drainage costs 110 euros for 30 minutes, 175 euros for 60 minutes and 240 euros for 90 minutes. The free 20-minute consultation is included so we can look at your situation first. BodyFix is a private practice and you pay for the treatment yourself.
Is lymphatic drainage covered by my health insurance?
No. BodyFix is a private practice and does not work through health insurance, so there is no reimbursement and you pay for the treatment yourself. If you suspect a medical cause such as lymphoedema, it is wise to see your doctor first, as a relaxing treatment never replaces a medical assessment. During the free consultation we are happy to explain which approach may suit you and what it costs.
Free consultation
Ready to support your fluid drainage?
Wondering what lymphatic drainage and connective tissue massage could mean for you? Start with a free, no-obligation 20-minute consultation. We look at your complaint together and explain which approach may suit you — with no commitment. Please note that BodyFix is a private practice that does not work through health insurance and treats women only.
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Free consultation (20 min) included — no obligation
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Specialised in connective tissue and fascia since 2008
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Two locations in Amsterdam-Zuid — Mon to Sat 09:00–19:00
Prefer to call or email first? You can reach us on +31 6 5580 4938 or info@bodyfix.nl. You will find us at Legmeerplein 7 (1058 NJ) and at Haarlemmermeerstraat 115H in Amsterdam-Zuid.