Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle hands-on method that works with the natural processes of your body to support healthy lymphatic movement, fluid balance, and relaxation.

Molly McLaughlin at Being In A Body Better providing a manual lymphatic drainage to a woman laying on a massage table in a cozy, well-lit living room.

Services

  • 75 minutes / $125

    15 minutes intake/assessment + 60 minute MLD treatment.

  • 60 minutes / $100

    This hour-long treatment is a great way to support your immune system when dealing with allergies, head and neck inflammation, ear blockages, TMJ tension, and more.

  • 60 minutes / $100

    When you are looking for a gentle and highly effective way to feel better, a full body MLD treatment is just the thing. This session will leave you feeling relaxed, hydrated, comfortable in your joints, and is incredibly helpful in reducing inflammation — which makes being in your body feel way more fun!

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    • Pain reduction & quality of life improvement

    • Immune system enhancement

    • Beneficial in managing allergies, eczema, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, neuropathy, long COVID, autoimmune conditions, phantom limb pain, respiratory infections and more

    • Accelerated wound healing and scar mobility

    • Reduced swelling and bruising

    • Fewer post-operative complications

    • Ideal for cosmetic surgery and orthopedic procedures

    • Injury prevention & recovery

    • Improved lactate clearance for reduced swelling and muscle soreness

    • Faster tissue healing

    • Best for endurance athletes, contact sports and overuse injuries

    • Stress reduction, relaxation, improved sleep and optimal health maintenance

    • Clearer, healthier-looking skin

    • Improved vitality and energy

    • Valuable for sedentary workers and environmental toxin exposure

Additional support for your body

Gender transition

Postpartum folks

Pre-op dental surgery

Anxiety & depression

Tonsil removal

Edema

Post-op healing

Inflammation

Chronic/acute allergies

Scar mobility

Lymphatics 101

Your lymphatic system is responsible for filtering, removing and processing waste. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymph system does not have a central pump like a heart 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.

“Molly is a phenomenal teacher, listener, healer, and guide. I am using skills she has taught me to care for myself as a therapist and show up in my own life with a better sense of grounding and clarity. I am now seeing Molly at BIABB for MLD and am learning so much, about the science and physiology of these treatment underpinnings, as well as my own systems functioning. She really does teach how to be in my body better!!! Should you have a question, Molly has done her research, is a passionate learner; a wealth of knowledge, through study and experience. I am so thankful for Being In A Body Better and Molly’s work. BIABB is essential self-care, and I cannot recommend Molly McLaughlin enough.”

-Dana Acheson, MSW, LCSW, LICSW

FAQ

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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