Lymphatic drainage, what to expect

Key takeaways

• The touch is very light, about 1 on a 1 to 5 pressure scale, and the rhythm is slow and repetitive.
• Sessions usually move from the neck through the arms, back and legs.
• Many people book it after a long-haul flight or a busy week to switch off.
• If you have a medical condition, recent surgery or swelling, see your doctor before booking.
• It costs the same as any massage: AED 400 for 60 minutes, travel included.

A light touch, on purpose

The first thing people notice in a lymphatic drainage massage is how light it is. There is no kneading and no deep pressure. The therapist uses soft, flat hands and slow, wave-like strokes that barely move the skin, repeated in a steady pattern.

People sometimes expect more and wonder if anything is happening. That lightness is the point. The style is designed to be gentle and rhythmic rather than firm, and many people find the repetition calms them faster than a firmer massage would.

On a 1 to 5 pressure scale, lymphatic drainage sits at about 1. A Swedish massage sits at about 2, and deep tissue at about 4. If you know you love firm pressure, this may not be the session for you, though you can ask for a few minutes of firmer work on the shoulders at the end.

How the session unfolds

Your therapist arrives with a professional table, fresh linens and oils, and sets up in about ten minutes in a space of roughly two by two metres.

• A short chat: you agree on the areas to include and mention anything to avoid. Pressure stays light, so there is little to adjust.
• Neck and shoulders: the session usually starts here, with slow, soft strokes.
• Arms and back: the same gentle rhythm continues, one area at a time.
• Legs: long, light strokes from the feet upwards, often the longest part of the session.
• Finishing: a few long, quiet strokes, then a minute to get up in your own time.
• You stay covered with linens throughout, except the area being massaged.

After a long flight into Dubai

Many guests book lymphatic drainage after a long-haul flight. Hours of sitting still, dry cabin air and a time difference leave a lot of people feeling heavy and restless at the same time. A very light, slow massage can help you feel lighter and relaxed, without the intensity of firmer work on a tired body.

Timing is easy at home or in a hotel. Every day from 8am to 10pm. A late session can end as late as 1am. Sessions starting at 8am suit an early arrival, and an evening session suits a late afternoon landing. You can book the same day with at least 4 hours of notice, when a therapist is free.

Drink plenty of water during and after the flight, and stretch your legs before the session. If you are staying in a hotel, read massage in your hotel room and tell reception you are expecting a therapist. Our guide to massage after a long flight covers the full plan.

How it feels, during and after

During the session, most people drift. The rhythm is slow enough that thoughts quieten, and many people come close to sleep. Some feel a little cold as they relax, which is why setting the AC a few degrees warmer than usual helps.

Afterwards, most people feel calm and a little sleepy. Some say their legs feel lighter, especially after travel or a long day standing. These are personal impressions rather than promised results, and they vary from one session to the next.

Drink some water and keep the rest of the day easy. Lymphatic drainage pairs well with an early night, which makes an evening slot a good choice. It also pairs well with a skin ritual: many guests add the Nourishing Ritual or an Eye Mask.

Who should check with a doctor first

Lymphatic drainage massage at RHEA is a gentle wellness massage, not a medical treatment. It is not offered as care for any condition, before or after surgery, or for medical swelling.

• If you have a medical condition, see your doctor before booking.
• If you have had recent surgery, ask your surgeon or doctor first, and do not book a wellness massage as a substitute for medical aftercare.
• If you have swelling, especially sudden swelling or swelling in one leg after a flight, see a doctor rather than booking a massage.
• If you are pregnant, check with your doctor or midwife, and consider a pregnancy massage instead.
• If you feel unwell on the day, reschedule.

A few tips for a calm session

Because the touch is so light, the room matters more than usual. Dim the lights, set the AC a little warmer than you normally would and put your phone on silent in another room. Tell your therapist if you prefer quiet; most people stop talking after the first minute.

Eat lightly an hour or two before, and avoid strong coffee late in the day if you plan an evening slot. Afterwards, get up slowly, drink some water and give yourself a calm hour before anything else.

Choosing length and pairing it

Sixty minutes (AED 400) covers the whole body at a light, unhurried pace. Ninety minutes (AED 550) adds time for a slower finish and is the length many people choose after a long flight. One hundred and twenty minutes (AED 700) suits a long, quiet afternoon.

Popular add-ons are the Eye Mask (AED 45), to help you switch off, and the Nourishing Ritual (AED 90). If you would like a little more pressure on some areas, a Swedish massage with light pressure on the legs and medium on the shoulders is a good middle ground.

Not sure which to choose? Read our comparison of Swedish and deep tissue, or see all prices.