Heard about Renata França drainage and wondering what it actually is? This method from Brazil has won over Europe in just a few years thanks to its immediate results on heavy legs, water retention and body contouring. Here is everything you need to know.
Who is Renata França?
Renata França is a Brazilian therapist specialising in wellness massage who developed her own lymphatic drainage technique in the 2000s. Her approach, distinct from traditional medical lymphatic drainage, has become a global reference in the wellness and aesthetic wellbeing field. She now trains practitioners in many countries through the Renata França SPA network.
What does the method involve?
Renata França drainage is a massage technique that works on the superficial lymphatic vessels through rhythmic, sequenced pressure. Unlike other massages, it uses firm, modulated pressure — neither too light (ineffective) nor too deep (uncomfortable).
- ✓Slow, rhythmic pumping movements over the lymph nodes
- ✓Progressive strokes that follow the natural path of the lymphatic vessels
- ✓A precise, codified sequence, working from proximal to distal
- ✓A minimum duration of 90 minutes for a complete effect
Renata França drainage ≠ medical lymphatic drainage by a physiotherapist
Medical lymphatic drainage is a paramedical procedure performed by physiotherapists on medical prescription, reimbursed by French Social Security for specific conditions (lymphoedema, severe venous insufficiency). Renata França drainage is a non-medical wellness service, not reimbursed, with no therapeutic indication in the medical sense. The two practices are complementary but distinct.
The benefits
- ✓Rapid reduction of swelling and the feeling of heavy legs (results often noticeable from the very first session)
- ✓Reduction of water retention (mild oedema, morning puffiness)
- ✓Action on water-related cellulite (dimpled skin linked to retention)
- ✓Improved overall lymphatic circulation
- ✓A feeling of 'detox' and support for the lymphatic system's role in immunity
- ✓Deep relaxation and stress reduction
- ✓Post-exercise recovery for athletes
- ✓Relief of heavy legs during pregnancy
- ✓Post-partum support (oedema reduction, body recovery)
What happens in a session
A Renata França drainage session lasts 90 minutes and takes place on a massage table:
- ✓Initial consultation: discussing your goals, medical history, areas to focus on
- ✓Full massage of the lower limbs (legs, thighs, glutes)
- ✓Work on the abdomen and back as needed
- ✓Final overall drainage movements
- ✓Personalised advice (hydration, frequency)
Who is it suitable for?
- ✓Heavy, swollen legs by the end of the day
- ✓Water retention and mild oedema
- ✓Pregnancy (from the 2nd trimester, with medical approval)
- ✓Post-partum (from 15 days after delivery)
- ✓Sports recovery
- ✓Pre- or post-surgery period (liposuction, cosmetic surgery) — on medical advice
- ✓Anyone wanting to take care of their body
Contraindications
- ✓Active deep vein thrombosis (phlebitis)
- ✓Ongoing local or general infections
- ✓Cancer currently being treated (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) — unless approved by your oncologist
- ✓First-trimester pregnancy (caution advised)
- ✓Severe heart or kidney failure
How many sessions and how often?
The lightness effect is immediate from the very first session. For a lasting, visible effect on body contour, a course of 5 sessions spaced a week apart is recommended, followed by monthly maintenance.