Good for:
The main benefits of MLD are:
MLD stimulates your lymphatic system, which is your body’s detox system, cleansing waste products that travel from the blood, through the various lymphatic vessels and into the lymph nodes (we have up to 1000 in our bodies). Lymph nodes are like mini recycling centres, returning to the bloodstream anything that can be cleaned. Antigens are also filtered out by lymph nodes, as well as other lymphatic structures – the spleen, macrophages (a type of white blood cell) and dendritic cells (also connected to the immune system). Anything that can’t be recirculated is expelled in the urine or by sweating.
MLD stimulates the lymphatic system by means of specific techniques that speed up the flow of lymph to the lymph nodes. Due to the way lymph is pumped around our bodies, the way to improve this flow happens to be very gentle and rhythmical, making this a very relaxing treatment. Oil is not usually used, as the therapist works with the sebum in the skin instead. I am trained in the Vodder technique, which is internationally recognized – you can read more about it here: https://www.vodderschool.com/
I am qualified to Level 2, so am unfortunately unable to treat people with oedemas that are not caused by operation or injury, or general water retention. If you would like to find out where you can receive treatments for lymphoedema, or any information in general about MLD, you can visit the MLD UK website: Home – MLD UK.
As with massage, I advise drinking water after the treatment, to help the body flush out the waste products. I also give lymphatic-specific homecare advice. This may include simple tips such as information about compression stockings, or particular exercises and breathing techniques that may help to stimulate the lymphatic system.
The most common side effects of this cleansing treatment to be aware of are urinating more frequently (as your body expels waste products) and tiredness. Rarely, people can feel slightly nauseous. As with the feeling of soreness after a massage, the nausea is usually experienced by people who have not had the treatment before or not for a long time. Also similarly to massage, good results are achieved and side effects eliminated/reduced after a series of regular treatments.
Contraindications (when the treatment is not advised, or when necessary to proceed with caution):
MLD is a specialist massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system — the body’s natural detox and immune support network. Using very gentle, rhythmical movements, it speeds up the flow of lymph fluid towards the lymph nodes, which act as filtering and recycling centres, clearing waste products and returning clean fluid to the bloodstream.
MLD can be beneficial for pre and post-operative recovery, post-injury healing, water retention, post-operative oedema, sinusitis and hay fever (when not acute), digestive issues, chronic pain, post-exercise recovery, relaxation, and improving skin clarity and brightness.
The gentleness is deliberate and necessary. Due to the way lymph is pumped around the body, the techniques that most effectively stimulate lymph flow happen to be very light and rhythmical. This also makes MLD one of the most deeply relaxing treatments available.
Not usually. Rather than applying oil, Catherine works with the skin’s natural sebum. This is specific to the Vodder technique in which she is trained.
The Vodder technique is one of the most internationally recognised and respected methods of MLD. Catherine is trained in this method. More information is available at vodderschool.com.
No. Catherine is qualified to MLD Level 2, which means she is able to treat post-operative and post-injury oedema and general water retention, but is not qualified to treat lymphoedema. If you need lymphoedema treatment, visit the MLD UK website at mlduk.org.uk to find a suitable practitioner.
Catherine advises drinking plenty of water after treatment to help the body flush out waste products, and avoiding alcohol. She will also provide lymphatic-specific homecare advice, which may include information on compression stockings, and exercises or breathing techniques that help to keep the lymphatic system stimulated between sessions.
MLD is a very gentle treatment but as it is cleansing in nature, some people experience more frequent urination as the body expels waste products, and some feel tired afterwards. Occasionally, first-time recipients may feel mildly nauseous — similar to the feeling of muscle soreness after a first massage. These effects typically reduce or disappear with a regular course of treatments.
Yes. MLD is not suitable for people currently undergoing cancer treatment (though it may be possible after recovery with a doctor’s permission), those with acute infections or viruses, cardiac decompensation, or diagnosed unusually high or low blood pressure. During pregnancy, doctor’s permission is required before proceeding. If you are unsure whether MLD is suitable for you, please get in touch before booking.
As with other forms of massage, the best results from MLD are achieved through a regular course of treatments rather than a single session. Side effects also tend to reduce with repeated treatments. Catherine will advise on frequency based on your individual situation.