Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage that uses light, slow, rhythmic strokes to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid just under the skin. It is much lighter than a deep tissue or Thai massage. At May Thai Therapy, 11 London Road, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG3 6JE, it is available with our therapist Jane for £70 (60 minutes) or £105 (90 minutes).
Lymphatic drainage massage in one paragraph
Lymphatic drainage massage (sometimes called manual lymphatic drainage, lymph massage or lymphatic massage) is a light-touch massage. Instead of working deep into the muscles, the therapist uses soft, slow, repetitive strokes that gently stretch the skin in a set direction. People usually book it because they want a calm, gentle treatment, or because they have read that it may help with feelings of puffiness or heaviness. At May Thai Therapy in Woolmer Green, near Knebworth in Hertfordshire, it is done by Jane, who is currently our only lymphatic drainage therapist. See the Lymphatic Drainage massage page for the treatment details.
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and lymph nodes that runs throughout the body. It carries a clear fluid called lymph and is part of how the body manages fluid and fights infection. Unlike blood, which is pumped by the heart, lymph moves mainly through muscle movement, breathing and the gentle squeezing of the vessels themselves. Lymphatic drainage massage is designed to work with this system using very light pressure, because many lymph vessels lie close to the surface of the skin.
How lymphatic drainage massage feels
Expect a slow, quiet and very gentle treatment. The strokes are light, rhythmic and repetitive, often starting around the neck and then working over areas such as the arms, legs and torso. It should never be painful. If you are used to a firm deep tissue massage or a Traditional Thai massage with stretches, this will feel very different: there is no kneading, no elbow work and no strong pressure. Many people find it deeply relaxing.
Benefits of lymphatic drainage massage
People choose lymphatic drainage massage for different reasons. Commonly mentioned reasons include:
- A gentle alternative to firm massage: ideal if you find deep pressure uncomfortable.
- Relaxation: the slow, rhythmic strokes help many people switch off.
- Feeling lighter: some people book it because they feel puffy or heavy, for example after long periods of sitting or travelling.
- Time to rest: a quiet hour or ninety minutes in a private room.
Results vary from person to person. Lymphatic drainage massage at a massage salon is a wellbeing treatment. It is not a medical treatment and is not a substitute for advice or care from your GP or a specialist. If you have lymphoedema or another medical condition, specialist medical lymphatic drainage is a different service, usually arranged through your healthcare team.
Who lymphatic drainage massage suits
- People who prefer a very light touch.
- Anyone who wants a calm, relaxing treatment rather than a strong one.
- Clients who would like a change from Swedish, Relax Thai Therapy or aromatherapy.
- People who sit or drive for long periods and like to feel lighter afterwards.
If you want firm pressure for knots and tight shoulders, a deep tissue massage or sports massage will suit you better.
Cautions and contraindications
Lymphatic drainage massage is gentle, but it is not suitable for everyone. This is general information, not medical advice. Please check with your GP or specialist before booking if any of the following apply to you:
- A current infection, fever or feeling unwell. Please rebook instead.
- A blood clot (such as deep vein thrombosis), now or in the past.
- A heart condition, including heart failure.
- Kidney problems.
- Lymphoedema, or lymph nodes removed or treated.
- Current or past cancer treatment.
- Recent surgery, or broken, inflamed or infected skin in the area to be treated.
- Any other medical condition you are being treated for, or medication you are unsure about.
We do not offer pregnancy massage. If you are pregnant, please do not book any of our treatments. Always tell Jane about your health before the session starts. If anything feels wrong during or after the treatment, stop and contact your GP or call NHS 111.
What to expect at May Thai Therapy
- Book with Jane. Lymphatic drainage is currently done only by Jane, who usually works Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. book 60 minutes or 90 minutes online, or call 07360 276999.
- Arrive five minutes early. Avoid a heavy meal or alcohol beforehand.
- A short health chat. Jane will ask about your health, any conditions and what you would like from the session.
- The treatment. You lie on the massage table in a private room and stay covered with towels except for the area being treated. Jane uses light, slow, rhythmic strokes.
- Afterwards. Take your time getting up, drink some water and take it easy for the rest of the day.
60 or 90 minutes?
A 60-minute session gives time for a full, unhurried treatment. A 90-minute session allows a slower pace and more time overall, which is popular with clients travelling a little further, for example from Hertford or Letchworth and Baldock.
How much does lymphatic drainage massage cost?
| Treatment | 60 min | 90 min |
|---|---|---|
| Lymphatic Drainage massage (with Jane) | £70 | £105 |
This is our standard massage price, with no extra charge. See our full price list. Gift vouchers can be used for any treatment.
Lymphatic drainage massage near Stevenage, Welwyn and Hertford
May Thai Therapy is on London Road (B197) in Woolmer Green, between Knebworth and Welwyn, close to junction 6 of the A1(M). If you are searching for lymphatic drainage massage in Hertfordshire, we are an easy drive from Knebworth, Welwyn, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Hertford. We are open 7 days a week, 10am–8pm, and parking is easy: our own car park behind the shop (6 spaces), plus free street parking in the adjacent roads.
| From | Distance by road | Drive time (light traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Knebworth station | 1.2 miles | about 3 min |
| Welwyn village (AL6) | 2.1 miles | about 5 min |
| Stevenage town centre | 4.3 miles | about 10 min |
| Welwyn Garden City centre | 4.8 miles | about 11 min |
| Hatfield town centre | 7.5 miles | about 13 min |
| Hertford town centre | 7.6 miles | about 16 min |
| Baldock | 11.2 miles | about 18 min |
| Letchworth Garden City | 11.2 miles | about 19 min |
Distances and times are route estimates from OpenStreetMap data (OSRM) without traffic. Allow extra time at peak hours.
From Knebworth station: the salon is about 1.2 miles by road (a 3-minute taxi or drive), or roughly 25 minutes on foot via Station Road and the B197 (London Road). Knebworth is on the Great Northern line from London King’s Cross and Moorgate.
Meet Jane
Jane is one of our five therapists. Clients often mention in their Google reviews that she is professional and knows exactly what they need. You can read more about her and see her usual working days on our therapists page.
Find us
11 London Road, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG3 6JE.
Related: Lymphatic Drainage massage · Relax Thai Therapy · All treatments · FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
A gentle massage using light, slow, rhythmic strokes to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid. It is much lighter than deep tissue or Thai massage.
How much is lymphatic drainage massage at May Thai Therapy?
£70 for 60 minutes or £105 for 90 minutes, our standard massage price.
Who does lymphatic drainage massage at May Thai Therapy?
Jane is currently our only lymphatic drainage therapist. Ask for Jane when you book online or call 07360 276999.
Does lymphatic drainage massage hurt?
No. The pressure is very light. Tell your therapist at any time if anything feels uncomfortable.
Who should not have lymphatic drainage massage?
Check with your GP or specialist first if you have an infection, a blood clot history, a heart or kidney condition, lymphoedema, or current or past cancer treatment. We do not offer pregnancy massage.
Where can I get lymphatic drainage massage in Hertfordshire?
At May Thai Therapy, 11 London Road, Woolmer Green, Knebworth SG3 6JE, between Stevenage and Welwyn. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm, with our own car park.