Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized, light-touch technique designed to encourage healthy lymphatic flow and support your body’s natural processes for managing fluid and maintaining tissue health.
Your lymphatic system plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance throughout your body. Unlike your circulatory system, it doesn’t have a heart pumping fluid through it. Instead, lymph moves through a network of vessels with help from muscle movement, breathing, and other natural processes.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses gentle, rhythmic movements intended to encourage lymphatic flow. The pressure is much lighter than traditional massage and follows specific pathways of the lymphatic system.
That’s why an MLD session may feel very different from the massage you’re used to. This isn’t about deep pressure or working out sore muscles. It’s slow, intentional care designed specifically with the lymphatic system in mind.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be a good fit if:
Temporary fluid buildup can leave your body feeling uncomfortable or simply different than usual.
When medically appropriate and cleared by your healthcare provider, MLD may be incorporated into post-surgical recovery care.
MLD can be part of a broader approach to supporting lymphatic health and healthy fluid movement.
Not every form of bodywork needs to be intense. MLD offers a light-touch approach that many people find calming and restorative.
MLD doesn’t have to begin with a specific problem. Some people choose to incorporate it into their broader approach to caring for their body and supporting healthy lymphatic flow.
Alison will talk with you about your health history, what you’re experiencing, why you’re interested in MLD, and what you hope to get from your session. This is also an opportunity to discuss recent procedures, medical conditions, or other concerns that could affect whether MLD is appropriate for you.
During your session, you’ll remain comfortably positioned while Alison works with gentle, intentional movements along specific areas of the body. Many people find the experience quiet and relaxing.
Your care will be tailored to your body, your health history, and what you need that day.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage may feel gentle, but your health history should never be an afterthought.
As a Registered Nurse and Certified Holistic Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner, Alison brings clinical knowledge into the room with her. She understands the importance of screening, asking the right questions, recognizing when medical clearance may be appropriate, and knowing when a wellness service may not be the right next step.
If something about your health history or symptoms suggests you should speak with your healthcare provider before receiving MLD, Alison will tell you.
Because feeling cared for should include feeling confident in the care you’re receiving.
MLD may not be appropriate for everyone or in every situation. Certain medical conditions, active infections, unexplained swelling, cardiovascular concerns, current or recent blood clots, recent procedures, or other health circumstances may require medical evaluation or clearance before receiving MLD.
Your health history will be reviewed to help determine whether MLD is appropriate for you. When necessary, medical clearance may be requested before treatment.
Your safety always comes before the service.
Whether you’re dealing with puffiness or heaviness, looking for support during recovery, or simply want to give your body some intentional care, you don’t have to know exactly what you need before you walk through the door.
We’ll start with where you are.
