What is Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic drainage, also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a gentle, rhythmic skin technique designed to support the natural function of the lymphatic system.

MLD uses light, precise movements that are intended to stimulate lymphatic vessel activity and encourage the movement of lymph fluid through the body’s natural pathways. When performed correctly, lymphatic drainage works with the body’s physiology rather than forcing change.

This technique is intentionally gentle and should never be painful.

What is your Lymphatic system?

You may be familiar with your lymphatic system from times when you were ill and noticed swollen lymph nodes, such as in the neck or throat. This swelling is a sign that the lymphatic system is actively responding to immune stress.

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in:

Fluid balance
Immune system support
Waste and metabolic byproduct transport

It is made up of a network of vessels, lymph nodes, and organs that help process excess fluid, proteins, fats, and metabolic waste from the body’s tissues.

Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have its own pump. It relies on movement, breathing, and gentle stimulation to function efficiently.

A healthy lymphatic system supports a healthy immune response.

How Lymphatic Drainage Works

Manual lymphatic drainage works by using light, rhythmic movements that follow the anatomy and natural flow of the lymphatic system.

Proper lymphatic drainage:

Uses very light pressure
Follows specific sequencing
Targets superficial lymphatic vessels just beneath the skin
Respects the body’s natural rhythm and response

More pressure does not improve results — precision does.

How to Support a Healthy Lymphatic System

Because the lymphatic system does not have a pump, daily movement and breathing play an important role in maintaining healthy lymphatic flow.

Helpful practices include:

Regular movement and gentle exercise
Deep diaphragmatic breathing
Adequate hydration
Periods of rest and recovery

When movement is limited due to injury, illness, surgery, or life stage, manual lymphatic drainage can be a helpful supportive tool.

Clinical Indications for Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is used internationally as a supportive technique for a wide range of conditions when the lymphatic system is intact and functioning, and when care is provided by a properly trained therapist.

According to foundational Vodder Method™ education, MLD may be appropriate as supportive care in the following situations, when medically cleared and clinically appropriate.

Head, Neck & Face

MLD may support lymphatic flow and tissue comfort in cases involving:

Neck and shoulder tension or trauma
Whiplash-related congestion
Sinus congestion (non-infectious)
Acne, rosacea, and inflammatory skin congestion
Facial swelling related to elective procedures
Headaches and facial nerve irritation

Back, Pelvis & Trunk

Lymphatic drainage may support comfort and fluid movement in cases involving:

Low back congestion or strain
Sacral or pelvic swelling associated with hormonal cycles
Sciatic or pseudo-sciatic patterns related to tissue congestion

Arms & Upper Body

Supportive lymphatic care may be helpful for:

Tendon and repetitive strain conditions
Frozen shoulder patterns
Postural strain
Carpal tunnel–type congestion
Scar tissue and connective tissue congestion

Chest & Breast Tissue

(When infection is ruled out and medical clearance is provided)

MLD may be used as supportive care for:

Breast tenderness or cyclical swelling
Non-infectious mastitis or fibrocystic congestion
Upper chest congestion following illness

Legs & Lower Body

MLD is commonly used to support:

Swelling during pregnancy
Post-surgical or post-injury swelling
Varicosity-related congestion
Orthopedic recovery involving joints or fractures
Heaviness or fatigue in the legs

Abdomen & Digestive Support

Gentle lymphatic techniques may support:

Abdominal fluid congestion
Digestive sluggishness
Premenstrual fluid retention

Care is always adapted to tolerance and medical considerations.

General & Whole-Body Applications

Full-body lymphatic drainage may be used to support:

Stress regulation and relaxation
General fluid balance
Chronic inflammation or connective tissue congestion
Scar tissue and skin texture changes
Recovery following illness, injury, or surgery

When Is Lymphatic Drainage Helpful?

Lymphatic drainage may be appropriate when the lymphatic system becomes overwhelmed or suppressed, such as during:

Injury or trauma
Illness or immune stress
Surgery (pre- or post-operative)
Pregnancy or postpartum recovery
Periods of reduced mobility

Care is always individualized and adapted to each person’s needs and medical considerations.

Pregnancy & Postpartum

Gentle lymphatic drainage during pregnancy and postpartum may help support circulation, manage swelling, and promote comfort during times of significant physiological change. Care is always adapted for safety and stage of pregnancy or recovery.

Athletic Performance

Lymphatic drainage may help support recovery from intense physical activity by encouraging fluid movement and tissue recovery, particularly in cases of delayed-onset muscle soreness or overuse.

Injury & Trauma

Following injury, lymphatic drainage may support the body’s natural healing response by addressing swelling and tissue congestion associated with sprains, strains, and orthopedic conditions.

Surgery

Pre- and post-operative lymphatic drainage may support the body before surgical stress and assist with swelling management during recovery when medically appropriate. Timing and technique are adapted to surgical guidelines and healing stages.

Skin Health

Healthy lymphatic flow plays a role in tissue health and fluid balance. When lymphatic congestion is present, it may contribute to skin concerns such as puffiness, congestion, or inflammation.

Digestive Health

& Weight Loss

Lymphatic drainage may be used as part of a broader wellness approach to support digestive comfort and overall system regulation when combined with appropriate lifestyle factors.

Lymphatic Drainage Is Not Massage

Although often grouped together, lymphatic drainage is not traditional massage.

Massage therapy primarily targets muscles and deeper tissues.
Lymphatic drainage focuses on the superficial lymphatic vessels, which require a completely different approach.

Because of this, lymphatic drainage requires:

Specialized training
Advanced anatomical knowledge
Careful pressure control

When performed incorrectly or with excessive pressure, lymphatic work may be ineffective or inappropriate — especially for post-surgical or medically sensitive clients.

Why Proper Training Matters

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a highly specific modality that requires advanced anatomical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and precise technique. The wide range of situations in which lymphatic care may be supportive is exactly why proper education and training are essential.

The Vodder Method™ is considered the gold standard of Manual Lymphatic Drainage education. It emphasizes:

Detailed understanding of lymphatic anatomy and physiology
Gentle, rhythmic techniques that respect tissue integrity
Correct sequencing and pressure application
Safety-first decision-making for medically complex and post-surgical bodies

Because lymphatic drainage works with the body’s natural systems rather than forcing change, improper technique or excessive pressure may be ineffective—or inappropriate—particularly for individuals recovering from surgery, injury, or illness.

Vodder-trained therapists are taught to evaluate:

When lymphatic care is appropriate
How to adapt treatment based on presentation and stage of healing
When precautions or contraindications require modification or referral

This level of training helps ensure that lymphatic drainage remains supportive, gentle, and clinically appropriate, working alongside medical care rather than replacing it.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is supportive care, not a diagnostic or curative treatment.
MLD does not replace medical care, diagnosis, or treatment.

All sessions are adapted based on:

Medical history
Surgical or physician guidelines
Individual presentation and tolerance

Contraindications and precautions are always reviewed prior to treatment.

What Our Clients Say

Brenton Marrelli

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