Meet our MLD Specialist, Sara!

What is it?

​A gentle and effective massage specifically targeted to encourage the natural drainage of lymph through the body by applying pressure and skin-stretching toward lymph nodes to manually clear lymphatic fluid.

What is lymph?

​Lymph is the extra fluid, usually clear-to-white, that drains from our cells and tissues. It carries lots of substances like proteins, fats, bacteria, even cancerous cells.  Lymph moves through the body by our muscular contractions, movements, and our breathing. Manual lymphatic drainage helps to increase lymphmotoricity, that is the speed with which the lymph travels.  

Why should I consider lymphatic drainage massage?  

​Manual lymphatic drainage massage is a relaxing and effective technique often used pre- and post-op surgeries to encourage healing, reduce inflammation and relieve swelling that happens when you’ve had a medical procedure or when there is a blockage in your lymphatic system causes edema, or undue swelling.

​It also has anti-aging benefits as it diminishes puffiness and fluid retention.

What is it used for?

• Reduces swelling in the face, arms and legs caused by lymphedema

• Helps prepare the body for surgery by flushing the lymphatic system

• Helps in recovery post-op from plastic surgery, breast cancer surgery

• Helps reduce inflammation and distress associated with

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic venous insufficiency (when leg veins aren’t working as well)

• Lipedema (when lymphatic pathways of lower body are blocked by excess fat)​

What to expect from a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

​MLD massage is very light and incredibly relaxing. The trained therapist will track the various lymph vessel lines of your body and with soft, skin-stretching movements will help activate lymph movement and clear any block lymph nodes.  It is important to remember that lymph is primarily made of water. An MLD massage may encourage more  voiding (urination/defecation) to remove excessive lymph. Clients leave generally feeling exceedingly relaxed and rejuvenated.

For more information on Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage and whether it is right for you, contact Shine On Massage and ask to speak with our certified MLD massage therapist who can answer your questions and help you decide if MLD is right for you.