WHEN WE FIRST HEARD about the Transcendent Revival lymphatic drainage treatment at Pasadena’s Well Studio, we were immediately intrigued by owner Colette Connor’s revolutionary approach to the classical detoxifying, sculpting treatment.

Unlike most lymphatic massages, which are performed manually with a host of drain-worthy tools like wooden paddles, rollers, and brushes, Well Studio relies on the patented, LED/Laser Icoone machine. The machine, which looks like something out of a cartoon, has been  imported directly from Italy and uses medical-grade technology to provide a gentle, deep tissue massage that stimulates the lymph system to drain toxins and fats. With over 21,600 micro-stimulations per minute, the Icoone not only aids in reducing inflammation, but also helps target areas that may be resistant to diet and exercise. 

Considering this machine is coveted at some of the best wellness spas in Europe, we had to try it out for ourselves to see if the results were something to write home about.

OUR DRAINING EXPERIENCE:
Well Studio is gorgeously located in downtown Pasadena in a space that feels refined enough to be a wellness studio and cozy enough to be someone’s personal living space.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Colette, who—because of the intimate nature of the treatment—only takes one client at a time, so essentially, the space is yours for the duration of your treatment. We changed into, what can only be described as, a white, tight bodysuit (when we say “tight,” we mean it was literally made of nylon) so the Icoone could seamlessly glide over the body.

At the start of the treatment, we benefited from an energy cleanse, holding a crystal of our choosing for the entirety of the treatment. Then, for the remaining 70 minutes, Colette spent meticulous time working our lymphatic system from head to toe and back again (yes, that includes our face!), and it was unlike anything we had ever experienced.

The machine almost feels like a blend between a rolling suction and a continuous pinch, pushing the lymph and sculpting along the way. Colette customizes throughout your session so as to optimize comfort and effectiveness to avoid any lip-biting, face-scrunching moments…although if it’s super tender or painful, Colette will help explain why that’s happening and what to do about it. Information is power!

THE RESULTS:
When we went in for our Transcendent Revival treatment, we were feeling extra puffy and bloated in spite of our incessant health-and-wellness regimens (thank you, hormones!). Almost immediately, we were able to see better definition, reduced inflammation and water retention, and felt a huge surge in energy and physical levity.

Colette advised that we continue our lymphatic drainage throughout the day with increased hydration, a sauna if possible (we obliged), and continuing with gentle movement. 

What was most notable was that the results lasted several weeks, and significantly complemented our pre-existing detoxification protocol that was already in motion. We’re still noticing better sweating during our workouts, better digestion after eating, brighter skin, and less water retention in our lower extremities.

WHY WE’RE OBSESSED:
The Transcendent Revival is anything but a luxury, it’s a health necessity. The lymph system is essentially your body’s natural garbage disposal, however it can’t do its job without a little help. Although exercise, massage, breathing, and drinking water can help the lymphatic system flush toxins from the body, the environment, pollution, and everyday toxins in our food, products, clothes, and routines leave us with stagnant systems, which can wreak havoc on all of our other bodily systems in return.

We digress. Beyond the Icoone’s life-changing results, we were most impressed by the wealth of knowledge Colette had to share, thanks to her own robust healing journey that, indeed, included the Icoone machine. In talking to Colette, it felt like we were speaking with a true health expert—someone who has garnered so much wisdom from every practitioner, experience, and modality throughout the 10+ years of working to figure out how to heal herself naturally.

Her deep understanding of the holistic world facilitates a more connected experience that revolves around preventative measures for longevity and wellbeing, and we are literally going back in a few week’s time for our next treatment.