Lymphatic Drainage Vacuum Suction Massage

By Kathleen Christ, LMT, NCMBT

Lymphatic Drainage Vacuum Suction Massage is an electrical method for lymphatic drainage. The effects of this treatment empty the lymph quickly. The small ducts are emptied under pressure and blockages are released. The skin circulation increases as well as temperature & color. Dead skin cells are removed, the skin is more refined and fine lines are eased. Lymphatic Drainage Vacuum Suction Massage can increase lymph flow 10 to 20 times.


The effects of Lymphatic Drainage Vacuum Suction Massage are:

  • Increases lymphatic flow

  • Increases vascular flow

  • Reduces water retention

  • Stimulates metabolism

  • Firms and tones

  • Stimulates dry skin

  • Improves fatty deposit absorption

  • Reduces edema from traumas such as a sprained ankle or bursitis

  • Reintroduces a rhythm and a pulse to a sluggish system


Contra-indicators are:

  • Cardiovascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension)

  • Edema

  • Varicose veins

  • Pregnancy or shortly after childbirth

  • Avoid abdomen during menstruation

  • Hernia conditions

  • Skin abrasions

  • Sunburn and bruises

  • Over or near scar tissue for the first six months

  • Loose skin

  • Cancer

  • Aids

  • Steroid therapy


Allow your client to relax prior to treatment. It is important to do this procedure in a soothing environment with soothing music.

Make sure your client is comfortable and kept warm. Cover areas that are not being treated.

Apply a fine oil to allow for easy glide so you avoid drag on the skin.

The Lymphatic Drainage Vacuum Suction Massage has a control panel with an on/off switch, an intensity control dial, a mode switch, and an on/off switch for the pump.

Ensure that the machine is plugged in, the tubing is pushed directly onto the outlet, the cups are not damaged, and the dial is at zero.

When you turn on the pump it creates a vacuum which causes the skin to lift into the cup.

There are clear plastic cups of varying sizes which attach to the plastic tubes. The cups should always be smaller than the area being treated to prevent a leakage of air.

Use the larger cups for larger parts of the body like the back and thighs. You may want to put cotton in your smaller applicators to prevent clogging from the oil and change them after each treatment.

Before applying the vacuum treatment on the skin, check the degree of pressure on oneself first, choosing a safe area. Do not exceed a 10% lift into the cup.

You can reduce the pressure by turning down the control dial, choosing a smaller applicator with a smaller opening or by applying the strokes more quickly by reducing the suction buildup.

By using the lift in the cup as your guide, you can choose the appropriate applicator for the body. Customize the intensity and frequency for every client and each part of the body. With time and practice this will become second nature. With experience you will learn how to increase or decrease the amount of vacuum required for specific areas or conditions. You can see when the lift is too high which is uncomfortable for the client and may cause bruising. There are two methods of vacuum suction, Static and Gliding.