WHAT

What is lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, specialised form of bodywork designed to support the lymphatic system — one of the body’s most important and most overlooked systems.

Your lymphatic system runs alongside your circulatory system and is responsible for moving lymph fluid throughout the body. This fluid carries waste products, excess fluid, toxins and immune cells away from tissues so they can be processed and eliminated.

Unlike the heart, the lymphatic system has no pump of its own. It relies on breathing, movement and subtle muscular activity to keep fluid moving. When this system slows down, fluid can stagnate, often showing up as puffiness, swelling, heaviness, inflammation, fatigue or a general feeling of congestion in the body.

Lymphatic drainage massage supports this system by encouraging gentle, natural flow — working with the body rather than forcing it.

HOW

How is lymphatic drainage massage performed?

True lymphatic drainage massage looks and feels very different from traditional massage.

It uses light, rhythmic, precise movements that work just beneath the surface of the skin, following the natural pathways of the lymphatic system. There is no deep pressure and no forcing of tissue. The intention is stimulation, not manipulation.

At House of Fina, my foundation is the Vodder Method of lymphatic drainage — a clinically rooted, medically recognised approach developed by Dr Emil Vodder. This method follows specific sequences, always opening the body’s main drainage points first before encouraging movement from other areas. It is intelligent, methodical and safety-led.

You may also hear about the increasingly popular Brazilian lymphatic drainage; which is a faster, firmer, more sculpting-focused approach. House of Fina indeed offers both, however I need to be clear on the distinction; while the Brazilian method can be effective for visible contouring, it comes from a different intention and philosophy. I believe it’s important to be transparent about these distinctions so clients understand how their body is being worked with.

At House of Fina massage is performed with precision, respect for physiology and attention to how the body responds.

WHY

Why have lymphatic drainage massage?

When the lymphatic system is supported, the body can function more efficiently as a whole.

Clients often seek lymphatic drainage massage in order to:

• Reduce fluid retention and puffiness

• Support post-surgical or post-inflammatory recovery

• Improve circulation and immune function

• Ease feelings of heaviness or stagnation

• Support digestion

• Encourage deep relaxation and nervous system regulation

One of the most profound effects of this work is its impact on the nervous system. The slow, rhythmic nature of lymphatic drainage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of the body responsible for rest, repair and healing.

When the nervous system begins to settle, the body can move out of constant “fight or flight” and into a state where true regulation and recovery can occur. This is why lymphatic drainage is not just about physical results, but about how the body feels — calmer, lighter, clearer.

WHO

Natasha Fletcher - Founder and Massage Specialist

My path into massage wasn’t linear — it was lived.

I spent over a decade in high-pressure corporate roles, working at pace, thinking strategically and pushing through stress as if it were just part of modern life. I’m proud of that chapter but over time it became clear it no longer aligned with who I am, or how I wanted to live.

Alongside this, my own health began to change. Following emergency surgery during lockdown, I developed autoimmune conditions and within my family we faced significant illness. These experiences fundamentally reshaped how I understand the body — not as something to override or control, but as something that responds deeply to stress, safety and support.

I believe wholeheartedly in modern medicine. I also believe there is enormous value in how we care for ourselves alongside it — in regulating the nervous system, supporting circulation and lymphatic flow, and creating the conditions where the body can function more effectively.

Massage therapy felt like a natural meeting point: grounded, anatomical, evidence-led, but deeply human. I trained because I take this work seriously. Method matters to me. Safety matters to me. And so does how a person feels — not just during a treatment, but afterwards.

Clients often tell me they feel calmer, lighter and more at ease — sometimes without quite knowing why. I think that comes down to presence. I listen. I work slowly and intentionally. And I treat the body with respect.

House of Fina is about intelligent, considered care — and helping people feel more like themselves again.

QUALIFICATIONS (London School of Massage):

  • VTCT (ITEC) Body Massage Course (Level 3 RQF) Diploma

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (FHT, Think Tree & IICT Accredited)

  • Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (IICT & IGCT Accredited)

  • Like this most things, this is totally personal however, most people fall into one of two categories: lighter, noticeably calmer and sleepy OR lighter, noticeably calmer and completely wired and energised.

    Because the Vodder Method is gentle and rhythmical, it encourages the body into a parasympathetic (rest and repair) state. You may notice reduced puffiness, a sense of space in the body or simply a deeper level of ease and health. There is no soreness or heaviness afterwards — the work is subtle but effective.

    Some clients experience increased urination or mild fatigue later in the day. This is normal. Hydration and rest are recommended.

  • Possibly…but unlike Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage, that isn’t the primary intention.

    The Vodder Method works by supporting natural fluid movement and reducing stagnation. If you are holding excess fluid, you may notice reduced puffiness or a more defined appearance, particularly in the face or abdomen.

    However, this is not a sculpting technique. It is a clinically led approach designed to support the lymphatic and nervous systems first.

    Any visible change comes from improved fluid balance — not force or manipulation — and results vary from person to person.

  • Yes! Traditional massage still stimulates the Lymphatic system, encourages circulation and calms the nervous system. House of Fina absolutely offers ‘normal’ massage too. Please see the ‘About Swedish Massage’ page.