🌿 What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

A Gentle Way to Support Your Body's Natural Detox System

At Well Rested Massage, we’re excited to now offer Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) a gentle and deeply relaxing manual therapy technique designed to support your lymphatic system. This powerful yet subtle therapy can help reduce swelling, boost circulation, and encourage your body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance.

💧 So... What Is the Lymphatic System?

Your lymphatic system is like your body’s inner cleanup crew. It moves lymph (a clear fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, and waste) through a network of vessels and nodes. Along the way, this system filters out bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted materials. But unlike blood, lymph doesn’t have a pump (like your heart). It relies on breathing, movement, and gentle touch to flow efficiently.

✨ How MLD Helps

Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses soft, rhythmic strokes to encourage the natural movement of lymph through your body. The pressure is light and soothing, not deep or intense, and focuses on specific pathways mapped out by your lymphatic anatomy.

Clients often describe MLD as deeply calming and surprisingly effective.

💡 Who Can Benefit?

MLD is helpful for a wide variety of needs. Some of the most common include:

• Swelling or puffiness (especially in the face or limbs)

• Pre- and post-surgical recovery

• Chronic fatigue or brain fog

• Fibromyalgia, Eczema, and other chronic inflammatory conditions

• Post-COVID symptoms

• Bloating and sluggish digestion

• Stress and anxiety

It’s also a great preventative treatment to keep your system functioning optimally.

🚫 When MLD Might Not Be Appropriate

While MLD is incredibly gentle, it’s not right for everyone. We’ll always review your health history to ensure it’s safe, especially if you have:

• Active infection or fever

• Cancer or recent chemotherapy

• Heart, kidney, or liver failure

• Blood clots (DVT) or open wounds

💆 What to Expect in a Session

MLD is NOT a massage. You’ll rest comfortably on the table while your therapist uses slow, circular strokes over your clothing to guide fluid through your lymphatic pathways. Most clients feel relaxed within minutes and many doze off during their session. Afterward, you may notice:

• Improved energy

• Reduced puffiness or tension

• Better sleep

• Increased urination (totally normal!)

We recommend drinking plenty of water both before and after your appointment.

For best results, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is most effective when sessions are done closer together especially in the beginning. Ideally, we recommend 4–5 sessions within the first week to help stimulate the lymphatic system, reduce inflammation, and jumpstart the body’s natural detox process. Once that initial phase is complete, monthly maintenance sessions can help keep the lymphatic flow optimized and support long-term results.

Ready to Feel Lighter, Clearer, and More Balanced?

You can book online at wellrestedmassage.com or reach out with any questions. We're happy to help you decide if MLD is right for you. Please note: MLD is a specialized modality that requires additional training and education beyond standard massage therapy licensure. At Well Rested Massage, this service is offered exclusively by Erin and Tiffany, who have both completed the necessary continuing education to provide MLD safely and effectively. This ensures that every session is rooted in a thorough understanding of MLD, body systems, and client safety.