Nicky Newton Therapies
Offering Bowen Therapy, Lymphatic drainage, reflexology, Gentle release and holistic facials in Cambridgeshire
Bowen therapy and the lymphatic system
Did you know that the lymphatic system is one of your body's most important and most powerful systems in the proper function of your immune system, organ health and vitality and movement?
A lymphatic system that is not properly working can trigger unexplained aches, pains and swellings. It can affect your sleep and your concentration levels. Clients find it useful for all types of swelling, fluid retention, inflammation and sinus problems.
Without proper care and attention, our bodies cannot keep up with the toxins and stressors that modern life throws at us.
Lymphatic Bowen massage helps your body cope with the daily challenges everyday life has in store for you and helps you along your healing journey.
Having a lymphatic Bowen massage treatment pre-op and post-op can promote detoxification, could reduce the fluid retention and oedemas, help accelerate healing and could help to minimises pain, bruising and scarring.
What is the lymphatic system?
Your lymphatic system is your body's 'sewerage system' filtering out bacteria and virus, protecting your body from illness, maintaining your body fluids, absorbing digestive tract fats and removing waste. There are about 600 lymphatic nodes throughout the body with around 23 major clusters which include your armpits, groin, neck, chest and abdomen.
Clients come to me with a variety of symptoms such as:
Fatigue, swollen glands, puffiness around the eyes or face, swelling in fingers or ankles, bloating or holding on to water, headaches, sinus infections, skin issues, such as dry or itchy skin, soreness or stiffness upon waking.
Having a course of lymphatic Bowen massage treatments pre and post surgery can help you recover from your surgery faster as well as help reduce post surgery swelling
A typical treatment will last for one hour and it is an all over body treatment. You can wear light clothing. The emphasis with all Bowen treatments is a gentle and light touch and lymphatic drainage is no exception. Using light pressure and rhythmic strokes to increase the lymph flow and reduce toxins in your body. This is also a deeply relaxing treatment.
Red Light Therapy is a gentle non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support the body's natural processes. When used in post-operative care it may help promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation and support overall recovery from surgery.
Why consider Red Light Therapy alongside Lymphatic massage?
After surgery, the lymphatic system works to clear excess fluid, cellular waste and inflammation, which can lead to swelling, bruising, discomfort and tightness in the treated area. Lymphatic massage stimulates lymph flow and helps remove excess fluid, combined with Red Light Therapy it may provide additional support during healing.
Potential benefits of Red Light Therapy include:
- Supporting circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues
- May help reduce post-surgical inflammation and swelling
- Encouraging cellular energy production to assist tissue repair
- Promoting comfort and easing soreness or tightness
- supporting the body's natural recovery process
Please note
Red Light Therapy is not a substitute for medical care or your surgeon's post-operative instructions. However, many clients include Red Light Therapy alongside their lymphatic massage as part of their recovery plan.
By combing lymphatic massage with Red Light Therapy, the aim is to support natural healing, encourage fluid movement and improve comfort throughout recovery.
If you would like to find our more and if Red Light Therapy is suitable for you please do get in touch.
After your treatment you can help your body's lymphatic system continue the flow and remove toxins by:
- Regular exercise. Your body's lymphatic needs you to keep moving to keep it in tip top order
- When taking a shower switch between hot and cold water. This will help boost circulation and immunity in your body. It will also target the lymphatic system. Hot water will dilate the vessels while the cold water constricts them. Training the vessels to dilate and constrict will copy the ‘pumping’ action of circulation.
- Try to eat foods that are good for promoting lymph flow. This includes dark leafy greens, garlic, seaweed, ginger, turmeric and avocados to name just a few and where possible avoid foods that are known to cause lymph system blockage. These include processed sugars, artificial sweeteners and colours, MSG foods, processed foods, dairy to name just a few.
A full body treatment 60 minutes £60.00
Upper body 30 minutes £45
Lower body 30 minutes £45
Red Light Therapy add-on 10 minutes £10
When Should You Have a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Lymphatic Drainage Massage (also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD) is a gentle, specialist massage technique designed to encourage the movement of lymph fluid around the body. It can help to reduce swelling, support healing, improve circulation, and aid the body’s natural detoxification process. Many people choose lymphatic drainage massage after cosmetic or medical procedures, but it can also benefit those experiencing fluid retention, sluggish circulation, stress, fatigue, or inflammation.
Lymphatic Drainage After Surgery
Lymphatic drainage massage is particularly popular following cosmetic surgery procedures such as:
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Liposuction
- Breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery
- BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)
- Facelifts
- Arm lifts and thigh lifts
- C-section recovery
After surgery, the body naturally produces swelling and fluid build-up as part of the healing process. Lymphatic drainage massage can help encourage the body to remove excess fluid more efficiently, helping to reduce discomfort and support recovery.
Benefits of Post-Surgery Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Many clients report benefits including:
- Reduced swelling and inflammation
- Less tightness and discomfort
- Improved circulation
- Support with scar tissue management
- Reduced fluid retention
- Faster feeling of recovery
- Improved skin texture and healing
- Relaxation and wellbeing during recovery
Every person heals differently, and lymphatic drainage should always be carried out carefully and appropriately following surgery.
When Should You Start Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Surgery?
This will depend on the procedure you have had and your surgeon’s recommendations. In many cases, clients begin treatment within a few days to two weeks after surgery once medically cleared. It is always important to follow your surgeon or consultant’s advice before booking treatment.
The frequency of treatment depends on the type of surgery and your individual recovery.
A common recommendation after cosmetic surgery may include:
- 1–3 sessions per week during the early stages of recovery o get things 'flowing' again or if you have been sedentary for a while
- Gradually reducing sessions as swelling improves
- Maintenance treatments if desired
- Regular lymphatic Bowen massage can help manage your symptoms and boost your immune system.
Some clients may benefit from a short course of treatments, while others choose regular lymphatic drainage as part of their long-term wellness routine.
Lymphatic drainage massage is very gentle and rhythmic. Unlike deep tissue massage, it does not involve strong pressure.
During your appointment:
- A consultation will be carried out to discuss your surgery, symptoms, and recovery stage
- Gentle pumping and sweeping movements are used to stimulate lymph flow
- Treatment is tailored to your comfort and stage of healing
- You may feel deeply relaxed during and after the session
After a lymphatic drainage massage, it is normal to experience:
- Increased urination as the body removes excess fluid
- Feeling lighter and less swollen
- Deep relaxation or tiredness
- Improved comfort and movement
Some clients notice improvements immediately, while others experience gradual results over several sessions.
Drinking plenty of water after treatment can help support the lymphatic system and hydration.
Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Right for Everyone?
Although lymphatic drainage massage is safe for many people, there are some conditions where treatment may not be suitable. A full consultation is important before treatment, especially following surgery or if you have any medical conditions.
Book Your Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Whether you are recovering from tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, breast surgery, or simply looking to support your wellbeing naturally, lymphatic drainage massage can be a gentle and supportive part of your recovery journey.
If you would like advice on whether treatment may be suitable for you, please get in touch to discuss your individual needs.
fluid retention
sinus problems
inflammation
healing
unexplained aches and pains
relaxing
circulation
soothe
soft tissue nourish
pain relief
detoxify
holistic recovery
immune system
A few of the more common conditions that can be supported through lymphatic drainage. It is usually safe to have lymphatic drainage alongside conventional medicine, but if you are currently having any medical treatment please speak to your GP before booking an appointment.
My location
Nicky Newton Bowen therapist is based at The Treatment Room, 21 High Street, Mepal, Ely, CB6 2AW. There is ample free parking.