Manual lymphatic drainage, often called MLD, is a gentle massage technique that encourages the natural flow of lymph, the clear fluid that carries waste and excess water out of your tissues. Unlike a deep tissue massage, MLD uses very light pressure and slow, rhythmic, stretching strokes on the skin, always moving in the direction your lymph naturally flows.
Who MLD is for
- Puffiness and fluid retention, including hormonal or cyclical bloating
- Heavy, tired or swollen legs and ankles
- Swelling after travel or long flights
- Feeling sluggish, run-down or stressed
- Anyone who wants a deeply relaxing treatment that calms the nervous system
What happens during a session
You'll lie comfortably on the table, covered as with any massage. Donna begins at the neck and collarbone, where your lymph drains back into your bloodstream, to "clear the pathways." She then works systematically through the abdomen, arms and legs with soft, pumping, wave-like movements. The pressure is about the weight of a nickel on your skin. It sounds simple, but the order and rhythm matter, and that's where 10 years of experience comes in.
Why people love it
Many clients describe feeling lighter, less swollen and more "drained" in the best way. Because MLD switches on your rest-and-digest nervous system, it's also one of the most relaxing treatments you can book. More than a few clients fall asleep.
Curious about the science? Read What is lymphatic drainage? or signs of a sluggish lymphatic system.