The Lymphatic System is an extension of the circulatory system and acts as the body’s waste-removing service. Whatever foreign debris the circulatory system misses, the lymphatic system absorbs.

The Lymph System helps balance bodily fluids and defends the body against infection. It plays a major role in the functioning of our immune system. By transporting the colorless fluid (lymph) through the body with white blood cells, it helps sweep out dead cells and toxins that create swelling and inflammation in the body.

The Lymphatic System is a closed system, which means that once these foreign particles are absorbed, they are transported to the lymph nodes and then remain stationary. This can cause lymph nodes to swell, which backs up our immune system and overtime, can weaken our immune funtion.

Lymphatic Drainage stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid. It aids in relieving swelling and inflammation that are caused by blockages in our lymphatic system. This, in turn, helps boost the immune system.

Bloating, Head Colds, Sinus Congestion, Digestive Problems, Allergies, Skin Conditions, Inflammation and Puffyness, Hormonal Imbalances, Stress, Fibromyalgia, Menopause, and Joint Discomfort, are all symptoms that can benefit from Lymphatic Drainage.

This type of ‘massage’ uses light pressure to promote fluid movement through organs, tissues, and lymph nodes. The majority of the lymphatic system resides just under the surface of the skin (as well as within deeper layers of muscle and organs), so techniques do not need to be super deep.

The goal of this treatment is to create a suction-like effect to draw the lymphatic fluid toward the lymph nodes where they can be refiltered. Lymph nodes cluster together in the Cervical (neck), Axillary (armpit), and Inguinal (front hip) areas. Your therapist will work to open these spots first so that lymph fluid from other parts of the body can flow more easily to these areas to be filtered.

We will also work the digestive tract during your session, which is where 70% of the immune cells reside and a good portion of lymph nodes are located.

This varies from person to person. Generally, it is best to receive a series of these sessions initially, and then tapering off.

If you have never had a professional lymphatic drainage massage before, this helps open up the pathway for lymphatic fluid to move and flush out any accumulated cellular debris that is causing inflammation or impeded flow in the body.

A 60-minute lymphatic drainage massage once per week for 3-6 weeks, or biweekly, is a good place to start. Then trailing off to monthly or seasonally.

Your practitioner will be able to assist you in determining what routine is best depending on your symptoms.

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A healthy individual:
who eats nutritious foods, exercises regularly, refrains from drinking excessive alcohol and caffeine, refrains from smoking, and manages stress well might benefit from a 60-minute Lymphatic Drainage massage once every 1-4 months.

Someone who may have more visible inflammation or puffiness, chronic digestive complications, pain or chronic stiffness, is highly stressed or is prone to sinus congestion, migraines or head tension would benefit from a 60-minute, 75-minute, or 90-minute lymphatic drainage session once a week to once a month to quarterly routine visits.

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Post-Surgery: (reconstructive or cosmetic)
a series of 1-2 60-minute lymph drainage massages per week for at least six weeks is recommended.

We advise scheduling your first one within the first week after your surgery.

• For BBLs:

  • schedule your 1st appointment within 2 days after your surgery

  • schedule 3-4 appointments within the first two-weeks post-surgery

  • your practitioner can guide you on how many sessions and what frequency you may need following

• For Liposuction:

• schedule your 1st appointment within 2 days after your surgery

• schedule 3-4 appointments within the first two-weeks post-surgery

• your practitioner can guide you on how many sessions and what frequency you may need following

• For Blepharoplasty:

• schedule your 1st appointment within 2 days after your surgery

• schedule 3-4 appointments within the first two-weeks post-surgery

• your practitioner can guide you on how many sessions and what frequency you may need following

• For Tummy Tucks:

• schedule your 1st appointment within 4 days after your surgery

• schedule 3-4 appointments within the first two-weeks post-surgery

• your practitioner can guide you on how many sessions and what frequency you may need following

• For Breast Augmentation:

• schedule your 1st appointment within 4 days after your surgery

• schedule 3-4 appointments within the first two-weeks post-surgery

• your practitioner can guide you on how many sessions and what frequency you may need following

• For Face Lifts:

• schedule your 1st appointment within 4 days after your surgery

• schedule 3-4 appointments within the first two-weeks post-surgery

• Recent face injections, botox, or filler:

  • wait 3 weeks to schedule any facial lymphatic drainage

• Recent chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or threading:

  • wait 1 week to schedule any facial lymphatic drainage

If you have had a combination of surgeries (for example: a Breast Augmentation and Lipo and/or a BBL) you can schedule the soonest recommended appointment and your practitioner will know what can and cannot be worked during that first visit and will integrate the necessary work in other areas on your next visit.

We also request you obtain clearance from your doctor.

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Since we are constantly being exposed to debris in the air, the things we consume, and other products we put on our body (deodorants, cosmetic supplies, lotions, tattoos, etc.), lymphatic drainage is beneficial for everyone as routine maintenance for health and wellness.

Not one session will be the cure-all. Just like trash pick-up, it happens routinely, so garbage does not build up.

If you have untreated Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Kidney Failure, are prone to blood clotting, have DVT, have malignant tumors, or have an acute infection (viral bacterial, fungal) or acute inflammation (local edema, redness, tenderness, radiating heat), receiving lymphatic drainage work is NOT advised.

If you are experiencing any of the following, you could benefit from a Lymphatic Drainage Session:

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Digestion Problems

• Puffiness

• Inflammation

• Swelling

• Chronic lethargy

• Lack of energy

• Sinus Congestion

• Allergies or food sensitivities

• Anxiety or Depression

• Brain Fog

• Noticeably swollen lymph nodes

• Stiffness or feeling sore

• Poor Circulation

• Dry or Itchy Skin

• Frequent colds or flu

• Weak Immune Function

• Recently had surgery

Before:

• Drink plenty of water (at least 64 oz. per day) - this helps keep lymph more fluid so the body can detox more effectively.

• Don’t eat a big meal within 2 hours of your appointment - we will be working on the abdominal area and being full can cause discomfort, plus, the body can focus on moving lymphatic fluid versus digesting.

• Wear looser fitting clothing - some clothing can restrict the flow of lymph. While you will be undressed for the session, it helps the fluid to move easily after the session.

• Certain medications will drain out of the body - lymphatic fluid can move some medications through your system more rapidly as drainage occurs. (example: pain medication) Botox injections can also have a shortened lifespan from lymphatic drainage so wait at least 2-3 weeks after your injections to schedule a facial treatment session.

• If feeling unwell before your session, Cancel - lymphatic drainage can make you feel worse if you’re currently feeling under the weather.

After:

• Continue to drink plenty of water - lymph will be draining for the next 48 hours and the more water in your system, the faster the drainage will happen.

• Refrain from drinking alcohol, caffeine, or processed foods and beverages - this can slow down the drainage process.

• Get 15 minutes of gentle movement - either a 15-minute walk, 15-minutes of deep focused breathing, or 15 minutes of jumping (on a rebounder is a bonus).

• Avoid extreme temperatures - no saunas, super hot baths, cold plunges, hot yoga, etc. after your session as these can affect the flow of the work.

• Relax and rest - aside from the gentle 15 minutes of movement, refrain from strenuous exercise.

Your Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, Courtney, has been certified in MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) since 2021.

In August 2021, I completed the 22-hour course through ACE Massage Cupping to become a Certified MediCupping Therapist (CMCT), which enables me to use gentle suction and vibration to assist in Lymphatic movement.

In January 2022, I earned my MLD-C through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. This extensive 40-hour course reestablished the foundations of lymphatic drainage using the Vodder Technique, allowing me to use additional drainage methods.

In April 2022, I received certification in Advanced Lymphatic Drainage of the Liver & Gallbladder at Cumberland Institute. This course enables me to work more deeply with these organs to promote cleansing, detox, and assist in lymphatic flow should either organ be malfunctioning or if removed from the body.

In August 2023, I completed the Advanced Lymphatic Drainage class for Post Surgery Lymphatic Drainage through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies and earned my MLD-PS certification. This course layered in more advanced techniques to assist those after surgery (including reconstructive and cosmetic).