Puffy eyes in the morning, a tight jaw by the end of the day, and skin that looks as tired as you feel: if that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Long hours at a screen, Hong Kong’s humidity, late nights and stress all show up on our faces. A lymphatic drainage facial is a gentle, hands-on way to help your skin look fresher and your face feel lighter.
At Central Wellness, we offer two lymphatic treatments for the face: our relaxing holistic facial with jade gua sha, and the more intensive Renata França Method. Here’s how they work, and how to choose.
What is a lymphatic drainage facial?
Your lymphatic system is a network that helps move excess fluid away from your tissues. Unlike blood, lymph has no pump of its own. It relies on movement, breathing and gentle pressure to flow.
When we sit still for long periods, sleep poorly or travel, fluid can build up, especially around the eyes, cheeks and jawline. That’s when your face can look puffy or heavy.
A lymphatic drainage facial uses rhythmic movements that follow the natural direction of lymph flow, towards the neck and collarbones, to encourage that fluid to drain.
Who is it for?
A lymphatic drainage facial suits almost anyone, but it’s especially helpful if you:
- Wake up with puffy eyes or a heavy-feeling face
- Clench your jaw or grind your teeth, especially when stressed
- Spend long hours looking at screens
- Have just flown, or are recovering from a busy week
- Want to look refreshed before an event, without anything invasive
If you have a skin condition, an infection, or have recently had cosmetic treatments, let your therapist know before your session so the treatment can be adapted for you.
Option 1: The holistic facial with jade gua sha
Our holistic facial is a one-hour ritual, tailored to your skin and designed to help you relax as much as refresh:
- A calming start: each session opens with a Himalayan singing bowl ritual to help you slow down.
- Cleanse and skincare: your therapist chooses products to suit your skin’s needs.
- Facial massage: soothing, rhythmic movements to release tension.
- Jade gua sha: a smooth jade stone glided along the skin to encourage lymphatic drainage, ease jaw tension and boost circulation for a healthy glow.
Your facial is performed by Rita, a UK-certified aesthetician (CIBTEC) and massage therapist with more than ten years of experience.
Option 2: The Renata França Method
If you’d like a stronger lymphatic effect, or want to treat your body as well as your face, the Renata França Method may be right for you. Developed in Brazil and now popular around the world, it’s a manual lymphatic drainage technique that uses firm, fast, rhythmic movements to stimulate lymph flow. Many clients say they feel lighter and less puffy straight after a session.
It’s available as a face or body treatment, and is popular for:
- Swelling and fluid retention, including after long flights
- A heavy or bloated feeling
- Tired, puffy-looking skin
- Feeling refreshed before a special event
Our Renata França treatments are performed by Ludivine, a certified Renata França Method therapist, as well as Naturopath and Kinesiologist.
Holistic facial or Renata França: which should I choose?
- Choose the holistic facial if you want to relax, unwind and refresh your skin, with a gentle ritual of skincare, massage and gua sha.
- Choose the Renata França Method if your main goal is reducing puffiness and fluid retention, on the face or the body, and you’d like a more intensive technique.
Not sure? Message us and we’ll help you choose.
Jaw tension and your face
Many of us hold stress in our jaw without realising it. Clenching during the day or grinding at night can leave the jaw, temples and cheeks tight and sore. Gentle facial massage and gua sha can help these muscles relax.
If jaw pain or headaches are ongoing, it may also be worth seeing one of our osteopaths, who look at how the jaw, neck and shoulders work together. Find out more about our neck pain treatment.
Simple tips to reduce facial puffiness at home
- Stay hydrated: drinking enough water helps your body manage fluid.
- Sleep slightly elevated: an extra pillow can reduce morning puffiness.
- Cut back on salt and alcohol, especially in the evening.
- Move: a short walk gets lymph flowing.
- Try gentle self-massage: use clean fingertips to stroke lightly from the centre of your face outwards, then down the sides of your neck.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a holistic facial take?
Our holistic facial takes about one hour.
Does a lymphatic drainage facial hurt?
No. The holistic facial is gentle and relaxing, and many people drift off. The Renata França Method feels firmer, but should never be painful. Your therapist will adjust the pressure to your comfort.
What’s the difference between the holistic facial and the Renata França Method?
Both encourage lymphatic drainage. The holistic facial uses gentle massage and jade gua sha as part of a relaxing skincare ritual. The Renata França Method uses a firmer, faster, more intensive technique focused on reducing puffiness and fluid retention, for the face or the whole body.
How often should I have one?
Many people book monthly for ongoing skin health. Before an event or after a stressful period, a few sessions a couple of weeks apart works well.
Is it suitable for men?
Absolutely. Both treatments are tailored to each person’s needs.
Where can I book?
Message us on WhatsApp to book at our Central or Stanley clinic.
Book your treatment
Ready to take some time for yourself? Discover our holistic facial and Renata França treatments, or message us on WhatsApp to book in Central or Stanley.