Manual Lymphatic Drainage

vodder method

A gentle but powerful tool for healing. By delicately stimulating the movement of lymphatic fluid, we pave the way for vibrant cellular health. Our cells thrive in an environment free from stagnation. By encouraging the removal of toxins, cellular debris and waste, manual lymphatic drainage supports the body’s natural detoxification process and offers a pathway to rejuvenation at the most fundamental level.

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

What is it?

a gentle, skin-stretching, pain-relieving technique

We stimulate the flow of fluid from the body’s tissues into and along pathways (lymphatic vessels) that live just below the skin’s surface. The fluid is cleaned as it passes through lymph node clusters before being recycled back into the cardiovascular system. This skin-stretching technique impacts both the lymphatic structures and fascial tissue, releasing restriction while moving fluid. The movement of fluid and release of restrictive fascia plays a powerful role in pain relief.

a nervous system reset

The gentle, rhythmic strokes of manual lymphatic drainage help bring the nervous system into a state of safety and ease while also stimulating a neurochemical cascade. Oxytocin is released which amplifies a deep sense of relaxation and connection.

A renewal for your cell bath

Imagine your cells floating in a bath of interstitial fluid, a dynamic matrix that surrounds and nurtures them. This interstitial fluid is the lifeblood of cellular health, providing a medium for nutrient exchange, waste removal, and overall cellular function. Lymphatic drainage helps us excrete toxicities and renews our cell bath with clean, flowing water.

“Illness is mainly due to stagnation of body fluids. If you can stimulate blood flow and other fluid motion including cerebrospinal fluid and lymphatic drainage then the body will recover.”

Dr. andrew taylor still

Frequently Asked

The lymphatic system is responsible for maintaining the balance and cleanliness of the fluid surrounding our cells. It absorbs, transports and purifies this fluid before recycling it back into the circulatory system. As lymph fluid drains, it acts as a carrier, whisking away toxins and cellular waste, while creating space for nutrients to reach and nourish our cells.

Stagnation and congestion of our internal fluids creates inflammation in our tissues and breeds disease. Cells are happy, healthy and vibrant when floating in clean, flowing waters. Lymphatic drainage acts as a gentle current, bringing movement through stagnate areas. MLD enhances internal flow, increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells, and boosting internal hydration for more supple, resilient tissues. One session of MLD has been shown to increase lymphatic flow by up to 20X, and it’ll stay elevated for up to 24-48 hours.

At its core, MLD acts as a catalyst for the body’s internal healing mechanisms to work more efficiently. Its impact extends beyond just fluid balance, as it plays a critical role in addressing what lies at the root of dis-ease: inflammation. The lymphatic system acts as the body’s drainage network, responsible for clearing excess fluid, proteins, toxins, metabolic waste and inflammatory substances from the interstitial spaces around cells. When tissues become inflamed, cellular waste and inflammatory byproducts accumulate, hindering the body’s ability to restore balance. MLD helps to reduce and remove inflammatory substances that may be causing pain and irritation to tissues. Lymphatic drainage also assists in circulating disease-fighting immune cells called lymphocytes throughout the body.

Some conditions that may benefit from MLD include:

  • Fluid retention
  • Edema from injuries, surgeries, or pregnancy
  • Neurological conditions
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Sinus issues
  • Digestive issues
  • Migraines/headaches
  • Brain-fog 
  • Tinnitus
  • Diabetes
  • Mold/heavy metal toxicities
  • Lyme disease
  • Lipedema/lymphedema
  • Chronic pain
  • Stress-related disorders like anxiety and PTSD
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Sleep disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Cancer (palliative care)

Absolute Contraindications:

  • Acute cellulitis/inflammation caused by bacteria or viruses
  • Fever
  • Untreated congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Renal failure
  • Untreated acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Relative Contraindications (Technique will be modified/certain areas avoided)

  • Active cancer (MD approval required)
  • Renal dysfunction (MD approval required)
  • Cardiac arrhythmia – specifically AV block
  • Hypersensitive carotid sinus
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hx or risk of arteriosclerosis
  • Recent vaccination or chemo infusion
  • Pregnancy/menstruation 
  • Recent abdominal surgeries
  • Abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA)
  • Asthma

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