Lymphatic massage, and why it is so gentle
Light-touch bodywork that encourages lymph fluid to move — the system that carries waste away from your tissues. Nothing about it is deep or forceful.
The housekeeper of the body
Manual lymphatic drainage is a form of massage used to encourage lymph fluid to move through the body.
The lymphatic system plays an important role in immune function, and helps maintain circulation and fluid balance. Lymph fluid bathes your tissues, collecting waste products, bacteria and damaged cells along the way.
Think of it as the housekeeping system. Imagine what happens if you stop taking the rubbish out and let it pile up inside the house — the place gets harder to live in. That is roughly the difficulty the body runs into when the lymphatic system gets sluggish and could use some support.
Why the touch is so light
Lymph vessels sit just under the skin, and they do not have a pump of their own. Pressing harder does not move more — it closes them.
Fluid collects
Lymph bathes the tissues throughout the body, picking up waste products, bacteria and damaged cells as it goes.
It drains inward
The fluid drains into the lymphatic capillaries and vessels, which carry it through the body toward the nodes.
The nodes filter it
It passes through numerous lymph nodes, which filter out what should not be there before the fluid returns to circulation.
Where it comes from, and how often to come
Developed in 1932
Lymphatic massage was developed by the Danish physiologist Emil Vodder. The purpose is to stimulate and open the lymphatic glands so lymph flows more freely and the body can clear excess waste. The technique has changed remarkably little since.
A course works better than a single session
After a lymphatic massage, the draw on the system lasts roughly a week. Having a session once a week over several weeks keeps that draw going, which gives the body a longer window to recover and rebuild.
One session is perfectly fine if that is what you want. But if you are coming for something that has been building for a while, a course of weekly sessions is usually the better use of your money.
- Fatigue and low energy
- Sluggish circulation
- Swelling in the arms and legs
- Before a surgical procedure
- After a surgical procedure
- General relaxation
- Skin and complexion
- Mood and wellbeing
- Recovery and rebuilding
What this is, and is not
This is a complementary service for relaxation and general wellbeing. It is not medical treatment, and it is not a substitute for care from a licensed physician.
If you have a diagnosed condition, or a surgery scheduled, please check with your doctor before booking.
What a session is like
You stay fully clothed on the table. The pressure stays light the whole way through — most people find it deeply restful and some fall asleep. Bring water, and skip a heavy meal beforehand.
Results vary
How people respond differs from person to person. Nothing here is a promise of a specific outcome.
Pressing harder does not move more lymph. It closes the vessels you are trying to open.
— Dorie Olds
Sessions & pricing
Trained in lymphatic massage in 1998, and practising ever since. Your first consultation is free either way.
Lymphatic massage session
- Generally 60–90 minutes
- Light, gentle pressure throughout
- Fully clothed on the table
- In person in Murray
- Weekly courses available for ongoing support
Pairs well with
- CranioSacral work — also quiet and light-touch
- Reiki — energy work on the same table
- Hypnosis — for the mental side of recovery
Not sure whether lymphatic massage is the right starting point? The consultation is free and takes about thirty minutes. If something else here suits you better, I will say so.
Other ways we work together
Many clients pair bodywork with hypnosis or coaching. Others come only for one.
Hypnosis
Sessions, pricing, and self-hypnosis classes.
Reiki Sessions & Classes
Sessions plus Level I–III certification training with a Reiki Master Teacher.
CranioSacral Work
Quiet, subtle sessions that pair well with hypnosis.
Creation Coaching
Goal and purpose work built on the Napoleon Hill Institute framework.
Book your first session
Thirty minutes, no cost, no obligation. Tell me what you are hoping this will help with, and I will tell you honestly whether it is the right fit.
Book your free consultationPrefer to talk now? Call or text 801-674-7329