Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM), also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a gentle light touch restorative therapy. It is a specialised treatment designed to cleanse your body by stimulating the lymphatic system, a crucial part of your immune and waste removal systems. LDM uses light, rhythmical, and precise movements to encourage the natural flow of lymph fluid, flushing out toxins and metabolic waste.
Unlike traditional relaxing or Swedish-style massages, LDM focuses on opening the body’s seven major lymph nodes and guiding lymph fluid toward these nodes for cleansing. Here, the nodes filter out metabolic waste, excess water, toxins, bacteria, and foreign substances before returning clean lymph fluid back into the body. This therapy is ideal for anyone seeking a gentle yet effective way to support their body’s natural detoxification process.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage has a variety of benefits and can address issues such as swelling (oedema), skin conditions, headaches and migraines, sinus congestion, muscle sprains and aches, stress and tension and digestive disorders.
Lymph is a fluid that flows through the lymphatic system, which is a crucial part of your immune and waste removal systems. Lymph is made up of white blood cells, proteins and fats, and metabolic waste, toxins and bacteria. Lymph fluid is essentially the body’s “cleanup crew,” gathering and transporting waste and unwanted materials from tissues.
The lymphatic system is a critical component of the immune and circulatory systems. It consists of a network of vessels, tissues, and organs that help maintain fluid balance, transport fats, and defend the body against infections and diseases.
The lymphatic system performs several essential functions:
The lymphatic system acts as the body’s drainage and defense network, removing waste, toxins, and excess fluid while supporting immune function. Since it has no pumping mechanism, it relies on body movement, muscle contractions, deep breathing, and manual therapies like Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) to ensure proper flow. Maintaining good lymphatic circulation is essential for overall health and well-being.
Lymphatic massage is also a popular cosmetic treatment. Facial lymphatic drainage may:
Lymphatic drainage massage can be an effective, supportive therapy for a variety of conditions. However, certain conditions, such as acute infections, blood clots or severe heart problems, may make MLD unsuitable.
Lymphatic drainage massage can help if your lymphatic system isn’t working properly. You might have a congested lymph system if you develop:
The gentle, rhythmic movements often leave you feeling deeply relaxed and calm. You may also notice a sense of lightness in your body, especially in areas that were swollen or puffy.
You may experience some of the following after your treatment:
These are temporary and should clear within 1-2 days, they are a positive sign that the body is rebalancing itself.
We offer 30, 45 and 60 minute manual lymphatic drainage treatments. You can book in with one of our brilliant specialist Ellen and Katharine.
Manual lymphatic drainage is conducted in a safe and comfortable way by Therapists who are specifically trained in MLD and the treatment will be tailored specifically to you and your needs. Awarded “Physio & Wellbeing Clinic of the Year” for 2024, Comfort Health gained this award due to our therapist’s ability to “go over and above for your clients” and our “personal nature”.