MLD is different from massage in that you are clothed the entire time and no oil or lotion will be used.

Ideal clothing includes light cotton and linen, or fitted workout-like clothing. Thick jeans and sweaters are a bit harder to work with so avoid those if you can.

There are times when reduced clothing may benefit a treatment. You and I would discuss that as an option and decide together.

MLD is all about hydration! Plan to drink about 20 ounces of water 90 minutes before your session. Please also bring water to your session so you can drink right after.

It’s important to avoid alcohol a minimum of 12 hours before your session, 24 hours if you can. Ideally you would also reduce any dehydrating substances 24 hours beforehand — THC, tea/coffee, acidic foods, salt. If you end up having a salty meal and a cup of coffee just make sure to DRINK MORE WATER!

As usual, please arrive clean, turn off your phone, and ask questions before and during your treatment.

MLD is not for everyone. Your medical information allows me to safely apply techniques and take precautions to keep everyone safe.

If you are experiencing active cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, blood clots, or any active infection, MLD is not a match for you. You may benefit from a different modality or a lymphedema specialist. Please reach out with any questions.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage has been proven to improve hydration, reduce allergy symptoms, lead to better sleep, aid digestion, improve mood, and reduce pain. After I have a full body MLD treatment it feels like I’ve had an oil change in my body — my knees feel good, my ankles are happy, and it’s easier to want to keep moving. The head, neck and face treatment is super helpful in clearing out sinus gunk, reducing headaches and TMJ grinding, and is very supportive of clearing neck inflammation.

Plan to drink water immediately after your MLD session and continuously throughout the rest of the day. Sometimes lymph treatments can move a lot of debris that will lead to temporary symptoms like a headache or feeling very tired. If you can, try to schedule time to rest after a treatment.

Your lymphatic system is responsible for filtering, removing and processing waste. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymph system does not have a central pump and so relies on movement and muscle contraction to flow. Healthy lymph is 95% water and becomes thick like honey when dehydrated. This impacts its ability to transport nutrients and waste:

• 2% dehydration = 15-20% decrease in lymph flow

• 5% dehydration = 40-50% decrease in lymph flow

MLD can increase flow rate up to 20x and stimulate new lymphatic pathways after surgery or injury.

If you are undergoing active treatment for cancer or experiencing uncontrolled heart disease, acute infection, fever, systemic infection, cellulitis, dermatitis, skin wounds/lesions, deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, renal impairment or kidney disease, MLD is not a good match for you. You may benefit from a different modality or seek a lymphedema therapist for support. Please reach out with any questions.