Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic massage treatment

The massage uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of lymph and reduce toxins in your body. The lymph system is part of your body's immune system and helps fight infection.

What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage that gently assists the lymphatic system in maintaining the body’s fluid balance, blood circulation, and immune mechanisms. The lymph system is made up of vessels and nodes that transport and filter lymph fluid (made up of proteins, fats, water, and cellular debris). The lymph nodes are the filters your body depends on to clean up the lymph fluid before sending it back out into the rest of the body. You have between 650-750 lymph nodes found throughout your body - with the largest clusters in the neck, underarms, and groin area. These major collections of lymph nodes ensure that the lymph passes through as many nodes as possible before it returns to the circulatory system. The purpose is to stimulate the lymphatic system without compressing the vessels – allowing lymph to move easily through the tissues and lymph nodes. Compression and muscle engagement are not the desired effects, so do not be surprised when the strokes applied are very light (Don't be fooled though! Light does not mean ineffective!). MLD follows a specific sequence over the body so lymph isn’t trapped anywhere, making sure every area is treated effectively.

How Does MLD Work?

Here's an easy example: Say I give you a brand new car. All the parts are clean and perfect. Now how good do you think that car would run if you never did basic maintenance like changing the oil or filters? Would everything keep running smooth, or would things start to slow down, get thick, and eventually become clogged? Lymph fluid’s role can be compared to the oil and your lymph nodes are like the filter. Clean lymph fluid is as important to our body as new, clean oil is to the car. This means that it must also go through a filtration process. Naturally, the process is done with muscle movement, breathing, healthy diet and adequate hydration. But, how many get enough to keep lymph flowing and filtering at a healthy pace? With MLD, cellular debris (a component of lymph) is eradicated as lymphangiomotoricity (the speed at which lymph is pumped through your body) is activated by the gentle strokes of MLD and filtration is achieved at an accelerated pace.

Why Get A Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Today, men and women incorporate lymphatic drainage massage into their skincare and wellness routines given its detoxification and esthetic benefits. MLD proponents say the massage technique is effective for pain relief, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions (such as acne and rosacea), cellulite, allergies, headaches, and a long list of other issues. It’s also being used following cosmetic surgery to reduce swelling and flush byproducts of anesthesia out of the body. MLD has become a popular spa treatment for skin care, managing season allergies, detoxification, jet lag, general stress reduction, and there is even a specific type of MLD devoted to facial rejuvenation.

What To Expect During Your Session?

While the gentle strokes can be compared to a light massage, the technique is directed at the delicate lymph vessels just below the skin. The goal of MLD is to increase lymph flow, whereas massage is focused on muscles. While both have therapeutic benefits which are equal in importance they are different in performance.  Therefore, a client or patient can expect a pain free and relaxing session while getting all of the great benefits that Vodder-style MLD has to offer.

Is Lymphatic Drainage Right For Me?

You may be wondering whether MLD is right for you, and why you would choose lymph drainage over a more traditional massage. You may want to cleanse your body’s tissues during the change of seasons, after an illness or injury, or following a particularly stressful time in your life. MLD’s focus on detox and purification revitalizes your energy, leaving you feeling ready to face anything. MLD offers benefits and relief for many conditions, it is a gentle, conservative approach with minimal side effects. As with all treatments, MLD should be discussed with your physician who will determine if Manual Lymph Drainage is the right treatment for you and contraindications to treatment.

So now, maybe you're interested - but you have absolutely no idea where to start. Well, I've tried to make it as easy as possible for you to navigate the different options and the benefits of each service. However, if you still have questions please feel free to reach out to me directly and we can discuss your specific situation and decide what is the best path for you. Continue reading to find out more!

How do you know what kind of session to schedule? Well, let's take a look.

Different Services I offer:

Boca Lymphlift of the head, neck and face

Why would someone get this?
The main reason is to clear waste from the lymph vessels in your face and neck, while also reducing swelling, abscesses, and pain. Extra waste and proteins in the lymph vessels of your face can cause many issues such as migraines, acne, and swelling. Facial manual lymphatic drainage also helps thin out mucus in the sinuses, which reduces congestion and alleviates sinus pressure. While the Boca Lymphlift is very useful for physical ailments, it also works great as a restorative treatment that leaves your skin glowing and younger looking because you are getting rid of all the stagnant fluid and debris that has been sitting in the tiny hair size lymph vessels of your face all these years! It is because of this that it is also recommended as an anti-aging and wellness beauty routine.

How long are the sessions?
30 minutes - this is not a stand alone service and is only offered as an add on to other massage services
60 minutes - this can be added on to another session or it can be it's own session

Conditions that can be helped with this service:
*Anti-aging *Headaches *Post-Op Healing *Acne *Under Eye Swelling/Circles *Sinusitis *Allergies *Alopecia *Teigeminal Neuralgia *Bell's Palsy *Ear Aches *Burns *Glaucoma *Alzheimers

Conditions that would prevent you from getting this service:
*Heart, Kidney, Liver Failure *DVT - Blood Clots (2 years clear) *Cancer *High Risk Pregnancy *Unidentified Skin Issues *Flu or Fever *After Injectables  (make sure you check with your doctor to see when it's ok to get MLD) *Infection in Gums

Full body Manual Lymphatic Drainage (VODDER TECHNIQUE)

Why would someone get this?
This is a full body lymphatic drainage session. Clients choose this service for many reasons. Some of them include: fight off infection; speed up healing and recovery from the cold and flu (***you must be getting regular lymphatic drainage prior to getting sick in order to get this kind of benefit, since once you become sick I will not do lymphatic drainage on you); reduction in fluid retention - therefore boosting weight loss efforts; improve skin swelling, scar tissue, acne, and stretch marks; reduce stress and fatigue; help with post exercise recovery (DOMS). I have included a more detailed list of conditions further down on the page. If you still have questions about this or any other service, please feel free to reach out to me directly by phone, email, or txt.

How long are the sessions?
30 minutes - this is used as an add on to other massage services
60 minutes - this can be added on to another session or it can be it's own session

Conditions that can be helped with this service: *Post-op healing (edema reduction, pain reduction, reduction of bruising, scar reduction) *Weight-loss (edema related) *Allergies *Eczema *Fibromyalgia *Neuropathy *Cystic breasts *Scars *DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness - after working out) *Faster recovery from sports injuries (sprains/strains/breaks) *Detox boost

Conditions that would prevent you from receiving MLD: *Heart, Kidney, Liver failure *Cancer *DVT - must be 2 years clear *Infection *Skin irritation/rashes *Open wounds *Fever/flu *Blood thinners **including aspirin**

BRAZILIAN LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE/BODY CONTOURING 

So what is Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage anyway?
Get all the same benefits to your lymphatic system as with the Vodder Technique, PLUS body contouring! No painful tools, no questionable machines - just my 2 hands!! Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage not only helps with your lymphatic system and body contouring, but with consistent treatments, you will also see improvement in the quality of your skin, improved digestion, improved sleep, and prevention of swelling and fluid retention resulting in a reduction of bloating and feeling "puffy". 

How long before you see results?
While some results will be noticeable immediately after your session, the fluid will continue to drain for 24-48 hours after your treatment. The rate of drainage will depend on each client and their lifestyle, so it's common for each person to notice different results. You can check out my Instagram for photos of some before and after pics. 

How long do the results last?
Usually up to 5 days, but again, lifestyle and frequency of lymphatic drainage massage plays a big part in how long your results will last. Things like eating habits, exercise, alcohol consumption, etc. will all play a role in how long your individual results will last.

How often should you get Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage?
If you're looking for optimal results, you should expect to schedule your sessions once a week, but it really depends on what results you're looking to get and for what reasons. You can always reach out to me, and we can discuss any questions you have about frequency of your sessions. You will see results after one session - but again, depending on what you're looking for you may want to come more than just once.

Before your session...
Avoid eating heavy meals at least an hour before your session and be prepared to heavily hydrate after. Also try to eat as clean as possible in the days following your treatment in order to make your results last longer. Please remember that this is not possible for everyone to do based on individual health reasons and you should never do anything that will otherwise compromise your health in a negative way in an effort to "boost" the effects of your Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage. 

POST-OP LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE 

What is Post-op Lymphatic Drainage?
This is a session specifically for women who have recently had plastic surgeries like BBL, Tummy Tuck, Lipo, etc. As many of you know, post-op lymphatic drainage is an essential part of the healing process after most plastic surgeries and will help not just in reduction of bruising/swelling, but it will also help in the reduction of scar tissue and smoothing out the skin around the incisions. 

Is this session different from traditional and Brazilian lymphatic drainage?
Yes. The pressure is different, and the techniques can vary a bit depending on the type of surgery you had and any individual complications or issues your doctor wants me to pay special attention to. 

How many sessions will I need?
It really depends, but most people need 10-12 sessions over 2 weeks following their procedure. These sessions usually start 24-48 hours after your surgery. Depending on where you get your surgery done, you may start your sessions at your doctor's office before coming home, and this will affect how many sessions you do with me. Everyone is different and some people need more and some need less, but on average you should expect to set aside time and funds to cover at least 10-12 sessions after your procedure. 

What is "post-op taping'?
Post-op taping is using kinesiology tape (the same thing personal trainers and chiropractors use to help with pain management) cut in certain ways to help with lymphatic drainage after surgery. This helps with the healing process as well as with helping to reduce the creation of scar tissue around the incision areas or other areas affected by the procedure. Post-op taping is available under the "add-ons" section of my booking menu.

Keep in mind...
If you have had a surgery and cannot travel to my office, I may be available to come to you depending on where you live and what your schedule looks like. There is an additional fee for in-home treatments, and those appointments cannot be scheduled online because I will need to adjust my schedule for travel time to your home. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out and ask. 

Common Reasons to come in for Lymphatic Drainage:

and How Often Should To Get MLD. It depends on why you are getting it in the first place.

Going in For SURGERY

YOU ARE GOING IN FOR SURGERY AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A SPEEDY RECOVERY WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF PAIN AND DISCOMFORT POSSIBLE.
5 sessions the week before you go in for surgery and then at least 5 sessions post-op starting 48-72 hours after the procedure as long as there are no issues/infections/doctor concerns.
*Make sure you get a release form from your doctor saying it is ok to get MLD.

Boost Your DETOX

YOU WANT A BOOST FOR YOUR DETOX
At least 5 individual 60 minute sessions (sessions should be done daily for 5 days)

YOU HAVE LYMPHEDEMA

This depends on the severity of the edema and the causes for your contition. I will work together with you and your doctor for as long as needed to get your condition under control. *I am also certified to do the measurements for any compression garments you may need for your arms or legs!

SINUSITIS/ALLERGIES

YOU JUST WANT SOME RELIEF FROM YOUR SINUSITIS OR ALLERGIES
One 60 minute Boca Lymphlift should do the trick but you can always do a one or two more if you feel you need it.

***Remember*** ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES YOU ARE CURRENTLY BEING TREATED FOR OR HAVE RECENTLY BEEN TREATED FOR BEFORE SCHEDULING A MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE SESSION.