Manual Lymph Drainage
A gentle and rhythmic skin stretching technique, MLD massage improves the performance of the lymphatic system, the body’s “plumbing” and filtration unit.
Your lymphatic system works tirelessly behind the scenes, supporting your immune system, helping your body heal, and keeping your fluids in balance. But sometimes this hardworking system could use a little extra support – and that's where Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can make a difference in how you feel.
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Pricing for Manual Lymph Drainage
GST is included in all rates
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75m
$170 -
60m
$135-140 -
45m
$115
Relax & Drain: The Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage
MLD cleanses
MLD lightly stretches the skin towards nodes, increasing lymphatic valve contraction.
Lymph fluid contains toxins, hormones, cellular debris, large proteins, fats and other molecules that are too large for the cardiovascular system to carry away. The lymph vessels drain fluid to the nodes, where it is filtered and cleaned. The lymph is recirculated into the bloodstream or leaves the body as waste.
MLD relaxes
MLD massage relaxes and helps you enter a parasympathetic nervous state.
We mostly live in a sympathetic nervous system state – “fight or flight” mode. My gentle, steady, and rhythmic treatments will help you breathe deep, feel calm, and release feel-good endorphins.
MLD relieves
A lymphatic massage helps to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Not all edema hurts, depending on the cause, such as medication side effects, pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations. With lymphedema, when there is a surplus of fluid, the affected limb may feel achy, heavy, and pressured, like it might "burst."
MLD helps remove pain mediators like histamine, inflammatory waste, and excess protein-rich fluid from the affected congested areas. This light touch also benefits people with sensitive skin who find light massage too painful or uncomfortable.
MLD defends
The lymphatic system produces immune cells called lymphocytes, which defend against pathogens and viruses. It also maintains overall health and well-being by preventing illness and maintaining fluid balance. Lymph nodes filter the lymph fluid, trapping and removing bacteria and allergens. As the body ages, along with hormonal changes, the lymphatic vessels weaken and don’t perform as well.
In other words, a healthy working lymphatic system is a crucial component of having strong immunity.
MLD nourishes
The lymphatic system absorbs dietary fats from the small intestine. After eating a meal, the fat portion is broken down into smaller molecules and absorbed into the bloodstream. If the fats are too big to be transported directly into the bloodstream, lacteal lymphatic vessels absorb them instead.
Eventually, the fats drain into the bloodstream near the heart through the thoracic duct. This process helps maintain proper nutrition and energy balance, keeping tissues healthy so they can regenerate.
MLD helps alleviate side effects from radiation and chemotherapy. A weakened immune system may leave the body vulnerable to infection and illness. MLD is soothing and helps manage discomfort and swelling.
Reasons to Book MLD Massage
MLD is beneficial for general wellness, supporting lymphedema, aiding recovery post-surgery, and more.
If you’re feeling pain
- Headaches: migraines, tension headaches, and PMS-related pain
- Nerve conditions: facial palsy affecting facial and trigeminal nerves
- Chronic conditions: fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis
- Recent injuries: whiplash, concussion, sprains, and strains
- Fatigue and stress: gentle support for overall wellness
If you have circulation or digestion issues
- Circulation concerns: cold hands and feet, varicose veins, diabetes, and Raynaud's disease
- Digestive issues: bloating, water retention, pain, and constipation
If you have hormonal or skin concerns
- Hormonal imbalances and menopause: Ease discomfort from pain, bloating, generalinflammation and water retention
- Skin concerns: help improve drainage and health of acne, psoriasis, eczema, and scars
- Pregnancy: Reduce swelling
If you have inflamation or swelling
- Inflammatory conditions: sinusitis, joint pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia
- Chronic ear, nose, and throat infections
- Lymphatic conditions: lymphedema and lipedema
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Cancer treatment support: radiation-related discomfort
- Post-surgical recovery: reduce swelling after operations
- Vascular issues: ulcers and chronic venous insufficiency
- Localized swelling: neck, breast, face, or trunk areas
- Burn recovery and healing support
Treat your lymphatic system to a massage – it works so hard for you!
Contraindications Is MLD Right for You?
While MLD is beneficial for many people, certain medical conditions require consideration or may make this treatment unsuitable. In many cases, I can adapt the technique or incorporate traditional massage methods to safely meet your wellness goals.
Please review the conditions listed below where MLD may not be recommended, or feel free to contact me to discuss whether this treatment is appropriate for your specific situation.
Contraindicated conditions
- Active cancer: metastatic or systemic malignant tumours
- Acute infections: bacterial, fungal, or viral inflammation
- Blood clot risk: acute thrombosis that could cause embolism (not currently being treated with medication)
- Kidney failure: acute renal conditions
- Deep vein thrombosis: acute DVT
- Heart conditions: cardiac edema or congestive heart failure
Precautions
- Kidney or thyroid conditions: low-functioning and unmedicated
- Respiratory conditions: bronchial asthma
- Cancer treatment effects: swelling following carcinoma therapy
- Heart-related swelling: edema from cardiac decompensation
- Diabetes: requires careful monitoring
- Pacemaker: protection of device and wiring
- Venous port: prevention of damage to access device
Top 5 FAQs for Manual Lymph Drainage
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What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
I understand that plans can change! You may cancel or reschedule your massage appointment free of charge – as long as you give at least 48 hours' notice. Simply log into your online booking portal or give the clinic a call to make the change.
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What types of MLD massage do you offer?
If you've had a lymphatic massage before, I'll ask whether it involved lotion or was oil-free. Since MLD techniques vary globally, this helps me tailor your treatment to your preferences and familiarity.
My primary approach is Vodder's MLD - widely considered the gold standard. This gentle, systematic technique uses oil-free skin-stretching and rhythmic pumping motions to stimulate lymphatic vessels.
I occasionally offer the Joana Medrado Method, which includes lotion for a more flowing type of stroke combined with lymph node pumping.
As well as maderotherapy, which isn’t lymphatic massage. This method uses wooden tools to warm and soften congested tissues like cellulite, tight fascia, and areas of fibrosis or water retention. It primarily focuses on body contouring and tissue mobilization. The tools manipulate and soften tissues into a gel-state, enabling the lymphatic system to drain these areas.
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Are there any side effects or risks associated with manual lymph drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage is generally safe and has few side effects. However, there are some instances where receiving MLD may not be recommended. Please review the contraindications listed here to determine if MLD is suitable for you. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to get in touch with me.
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How often should I have a manual lymph drainage massage?
The frequency of MLD massages varies depending on your specific condition, the severity of your symptoms, and the purpose of your treatment – whether it's for therapeutic benefit or overall wellness. For a more detailed answer to this question, please refer to my article "How Often Should I Get a Lymphatic Massage?"
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Can MLD help with menopause symptoms?
Yes, manual lymphatic drainage can provide supportive relief for some menopause symptoms by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
MLD may help with:
- Fluid retention and bloating - gently reduces water retention and abdominal puffiness
- Poor circulation - improves blood flow, reducing cold hands/feet and promoting warmth
- Sleep quality - promotes deep relaxation and stress reduction for better rest
- Muscle tension and joint stiffness - eases aches and improves mobility
- Stress and anxiety - activates the body's relaxation response, calming the nervous system
- Skin changes - supports healthy circulation for improved skin tone and texture