Posted on October 16th, 2026

We have added Brazilian Wood Therapy to the menu at Station Lane, and it has quickly become one of the most asked-about treatments at reception. Here is what it actually is, what a session involves, who tends to book it and who should not, so you can decide whether it is for you before you book.

What is Brazilian wood therapy?

Brazilian wood therapy, also called maderotherapy (from madera, the Spanish word for wood), is a form of lymphatic drainage carried out with a set of sculpted wooden tools instead of the hands alone. The rollers, cups and contoured boards are shaped to follow the lines of the body. Your therapist moves them along the lymphatic pathways in long, rhythmic strokes, always working towards the lymph nodes.

The idea is the same as any lymphatic drainage massage: encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid through the tissue. The difference is the pressure and the sensation. Wooden tools let the therapist apply firmer, more even pressure over a larger area than fingers can, which is why many people describe it as a deeper, more satisfying treatment than hands-only drainage.

What does a session feel like?

It is firmer than a classic lymphatic drainage massage and lighter than a deep tissue massage. The rollers glide over oiled skin; the cupped and ridged tools work more specifically around the thighs, hips, stomach and arms. It should never be painful. Gigi checks pressure with you throughout, and you can ask for lighter or firmer at any point.

Most people feel lighter and less puffy straight afterwards, particularly around the legs and stomach. Some people notice mild redness on the skin for an hour or so, which is normal. You will be asked to drink water afterwards.

Who books it?

At our Hornchurch clinic the people booking Brazilian wood therapy tend to be people who feel bloated or puffy, especially in the legs, after long days on their feet or at a desk; people who have tried hands-only lymphatic drainage and want something with more pressure; people who like the firmer, contoured feel of the treatment as part of a regular self-care routine; and people in the weeks after cosmetic surgery, once their surgeon has cleared them for manual lymphatic drainage.

If you are in that last group, please tell us when you book. Post-surgical drainage has its own timing and we will talk you through what is suitable.

Who should not book it?

Lymphatic drainage of any kind is not suitable if you have an active infection, a fever, a blood clot or a history of deep vein thrombosis, uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart or kidney failure, or active cancer without your consultant's agreement. We also do not carry out wood therapy over broken or inflamed skin or varicose veins, or during pregnancy. If you are unsure, ask us before booking. A short health form is completed before every first treatment.

Who carries it out?

At Motion Remedy, Brazilian wood therapy is carried out by Gigi, our clinical lead and sports therapist, who trained in the technique in 2026. Gigi is registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), and has completed more than 3,000 treatments at the clinic.

How long is it and what does it cost?

We offer two lengths. 1 hour 30 minutes for a full-body treatment is £110. 2 hours, which allows more time on the areas you want worked, is £130. There is no 1-hour option, because a proper full-body drainage cannot be done well in that time. Prices include VAT. A 50% deposit is taken when you book online, and the full treatment time is yours; our calendar blocks a separate 15 minutes afterwards for room turnaround.

How often should you have it?

For a specific goal, such as puffiness after a long trip or the weeks after surgery, a short course of weekly sessions is usual. For general maintenance, once a month is enough. Gigi will suggest a plan after your first session rather than before, because it depends on how your body responds.

Getting to us

We are at 27a Station Lane in Hornchurch town centre, between Frankies Wine Bar and Lloyds Bank. The Hornchurch Town Centre bus stop is a minute away and Hornchurch station on the District line is a ten-minute walk. We are open 10am to 8pm, seven days a week, so evening and weekend appointments are available without taking time off work.

Booking

Book online on Fresha, choose Brazilian Wood Therapy (Lymphatic Drainage), and pick 1hr30 or 2hr. If you have a question first, message us on WhatsApp or ring 01708 898950.

Frequently asked questions

Is Brazilian wood therapy the same as a body contouring treatment? It is sometimes marketed that way. We describe it as lymphatic drainage with wooden tools. Many people like the firmer, smoother feel afterwards; we do not make claims about fat loss or permanent change in body shape.

Does it hurt? No. It is firmer than hands-only lymphatic drainage but should not be painful. Pressure is adjusted to you.

Can I have it if I am pregnant? No. We offer a separate Pregnancy Massage from 16 weeks, and Postpartum Massage after birth.

Motion Remedy is a massage and sports therapy clinic at 27a Station Lane, Hornchurch, serving Havering, Upminster, Romford and Emerson Park. Nothing in this article is medical advice. If you have a health condition, check with your GP or consultant before booking any lymphatic drainage treatment.