Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, light and rhythmic touch, where the neck and deep abdominal lymphatic nodes are always stimulated first. A personalised treatment is then created depending on your current concerns. It can promote a deep sense of calm, relaxation and peace, encouraging the body to absorb excess fluid in the tissues into the lymphatic vessels as the therapist applies gentle pressure and stretches the skin in the direction of the servicing nodes (the watershed).

I support clients with a fully functional lymphatic system. I am unable to support clients with primary lymphoedema (where the system is permanently affected, often from birth) or secondary lymphoedema (where a healthy lymphatic system has been permanently damaged, sometimes after cancer treatment) — please seek a Vodder Level 3 therapist.

Facial MLD — starts with deep abdominal breathing, then opening the neck lymph nodes and stimulating the Terminus (above the collarbone), followed by the deep abdominal nodes with wave-like moves over the colon. The neck, face and scalp are then worked, and a jade Gua Sha can be used to support drainage and stimulate collagen production, finishing by returning to the neck-opening routine and deep abdominal breathing. This treatment takes 45 minutes.

Full Body MLD — includes the same opening sequence (face, neck, Terminus, deep abdominal nodes and breathing). I work from the upper body to the tips of the toes, front then back, regardless of the area of concern, creating space for the lymphatic fluid to flow up through the watersheds and return to the Terminus — a watering can must be emptied before it can be filled. This treatment takes 75 minutes. Please be aware the lymphatic nodes sit in areas not normally massaged (the axilla in the armpit; the inguinal nodes inside the hip and at the top of the thigh; the popliteal behind the knee). You will be covered with a sheet and asked to wear loose-fitting pants for easy access; the chest will be bare, with disposable draping provided.

Aftercare — being gentle and rhythmic, MLD is deeply relaxing. You will be advised to drink more water than normal for the next 24 hours and to refrain from stimulants, smoking, caffeine, alcohol and rich food. A one-off treatment is relaxing and stimulating for the lymphatic system; for continued results a course of treatment is recommended.

Recommended pre & post-operative pathway — a four-week MLD pre and post-operative package: an online consultation form completed and returned before your first visit; a 1:1 consultation with a 75-minute MLD treatment (90-minute appointment) before the operation; four 75-minute post-operative MLD treatments over the following two weeks; and a final 75-minute post-operative treatment to review progress. Please pre-book your appointments to maintain continuity.

It is advisable to have an MLD treatment before your operation to stimulate the lymphatic system so it can better support your recovery, when additional lymphatic fluid is produced. You may be advised to refrain from vitamin supplements, caffeine, alcohol and rich foods for several weeks before and after surgery, and depending on the procedure you may have post-operative MLD as soon as 48 hours afterwards. Surgery temporarily alters the lymphatic watersheds and the direction fluid can flow, so working these areas beforehand improves healing.

Post-surgery you will wear compression garments for several weeks. I can support you through this critical healing stage with compression-garment fitting checks, K-taping to stimulate the lymphatic system between treatments, and mental and emotional support. You are likely to need more than these initial six treatments — each client heals in their own time; you are welcome to purchase another block of six (10% discount) or pay per treatment.

My training with the After Care Academy was held at the world-renowned Medi-Spa in Devon, where we observed live surgery via an online screen and could question the surgeon, James McDiarmid, and observed trainer Petra Irving performing post-operative MLD on clients who had just undergone surgery.