The Power of Lymphatic Drainage
From sculpting and bloating relief to hormonal balance and wellbeing, Catherine from CH Lymphatic Drainage reveals how lymphatic drainage is changing how women feel in their bodies.
Many people as possible and make a real difference to their health.
I contacted the therapist who treated me, Michaela, and asked if she was offering training yet. At that point, she wasn’t. All I could do was visualise it, imagine how it would look, how it would feel, how many people it could help. I could see the colour scheme, the space, the impact it could have. I just knew it would be something special.
Not long after, Michaela decided to introduce training. As soon as she announced the dates, I said, “You get me on that course.” I trained, set up in my living room and started massaging people from there. Eventually, I converted my garage into a studio, and that’s where CH Lymphatic Drainage began.
What inspired you to start CH Lymphatic Drainage?
“I remember seeing lymphatic drainage on TV and thinking that looks completely different. I watched celebrities having it done and became really curious. A few years ago, I went searching online and discovered a clinic in Belfast called Lymphatic Drainage Belfast. I booked in for a session myself.
The moment the massage ended, I felt different. Completely different. My whole body felt lighter. I went home and realised my legs fitted into boots and wellies that normally felt tight. It was such a powerful experience. Its quite an intimate massage, but the effect on my body and wellbeing was immediate. I just knew I wanted to bring this closer to home. I wanted to help as many people as possible.”
Tell us a bit about your journey into the wellness and lymphatic drainage field.
“Once I had that massage myself, I instantly felt changed. I felt different. I knew I wanted to make a real difference in people’s wellness and bring this treatment closer to home, because hardly anyone had even heard of it and there were very few places offering it locally.
I wanted to introduce it to people who didn’t think they could have it, and that’s why I began inviting people with bigger followings to experience it too. They could help spread the word and show others what lymphatic drainage can do for their health and wellbeing. My aim was always to help people feel better on the inside and the outside.
I genuinely believed in it. I could see how much of a difference it could make to people’s lives, and I knew this was something I wanted to build and grow.”
For anyone new to it, how would you describe what lymphatic drainage involves and its main benefits?
“I use two different methods: manual lymphatic drainage and Brazilian lymphatic drainage. Most people receive a combination of both, but it always depends on the individual.
When you touch someone’s body for the first time, you can instantly feel their resistance, the tightness in their legs, how fluid they are, or how congested they feel. Some people need a gentler approach, others can take more pressure. That’s why every treatment is tailored.
Brazilian lymphatic drainage is more hands-on, firmer and faster in rhythm. It’s very sculpting and contour-focused. Both techniques work by moving fluid in one direction, pushing it towards the lymph nodes and helping the body eliminate it naturally.
It doesn’t have to be excruciating. The pressure always comes down to the person and their pain threshold. I do use tools at times, but I really believe you can’t beat hands.”
Who is it for?
“Lymphatic drainage is beneficial for people with IBS, hormonal issues, chronic bloating, inflammation and fluid retention.
People also book for events like holidays and weddings, but it’s important to say that this isn’t for quick fixes. When toxins and excess fluid are being removed from the body, if the scales change, it’s because your body is letting go of what it doesn’t need.
Hydration is key afterwards. Bottled or filtered water is best. Supporting the body to flush everything through is a huge part of the process.”
What are the most popular treatments you offer at CH Lymphatic Drainage?
“It’s always the tummy. Women especially focus on their stomachs. We all want to feel good there and feel comfortable in our clothes. A lot of people book a stomach session before an event, a wedding or a hen party.
That said, I always recommend starting with a full body treatment first, then concentrating on your problem areas afterwards, whether that’s your tummy or your legs.
Some people book body when they travel, especially on planes, so they’ll book leg sessions beforehand to reduce puffiness. The stomach is definitely the most popular area, but a full body treatment gives the best foundation and results.”
What can readers look forward to learning from your new column in Local Women magazine?
“I really hope the column shows people that this isn’t a treatment to be afraid of. It’s nothing to be scared of. It’s something you’ll genuinely benefit from and something everybody needs, whether you’re a man or a woman.
Nobody ever massages their stomach, yet it’s an area that really needs attention and a clear-out every so often. I want people to understand that everyone responds differently and that’s okay. It’s all about using the right touch for the right person.
My aim is to help people feel more confident about trying lymphatic drainage and to understand that it’s a powerful, positive experience for both body and wellbeing.”
What’s next for CH Lymphatic Drainage?
“I would love to keep doing what I’m doing and, in time, look at developing my own branded tools. I’d love to show people what they can do at home to help themselves in between appointments.
Some people need more than one session, especially on the medical side of things. If it’s legs, for example, consistency really matters. One massage alone often isn’t enough.
I’d love to create products that allow people to support themselves at home and feel empowered in their own care. That’s the direction I’d love to grow into next.”
