How to get the most from your MLD sessions

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is not a massage — it is a drainage technique that assists your body in moving lymphatic fluid.
(Yes, I also offer a lymphatic massage that clears the lymph nodes, but it does not move as much fluid and is therefore not considered MLD.)

-Side note: Lymphatic fluid is essentially fluid that leaks — by design — from your blood vessels. It becomes your interstitial fluid, which includes nourishment for cells, waste from cells, dead cells, etc. A healthy lymphatic system can manage this on its own; every time you move, you’re helping your lymph move. The problem is that in our highly toxic, polluted, and sedentary world, even healthy bodies sometimes need a boost when it comes to "clean-out" time.
(People with lymphedema need MLD, compression, pumps, etc., to do the job that their compromised lymphatic system cannot do by itself.)- okay back to drainage

It's often best to start prepping for your session the day before — or even a few days before. Manual lymphatic drainage moves a lot of cellular waste, debris, etc., at a faster pace than the lymphatic system would on its own.

The manual clearing of lymph vessels and nodes pushes these “toxins” back into your cardiovascular system, where your liver, spleen, and kidneys further filter them out — and (hopefully) you urinate it all out.

This detox process can hit you like a bus.
You might feel like you're coming down with a mild flu, feel worn out, or just not quite yourself. That’s because your body is releasing a heavy burden. These reactions tend to lessen with continued sessions, but I wanted to share a few ways you can help mitigate or lessen these detox symptoms before they even begin.

So, what’s the #1 thing that will help your body process these “toxins” faster?

YES — you guessed it — hydration!

The number one thing is to hydrate more.
Avoid caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol. Instead, drink more water and eat more water-rich fruits and vegetables.

Here’s a short list of easy, effective ways to support your body before and after your session, and reduce any potential “healing crisis” symptoms: - these “healing crisis” do not last long and some people do not even notice them and they do lesson over time with continued MLD sessions as you continue to clean up your body from the inside out.

1. Hydrate
   Start a couple of days before your session by gradually increasing your water intake. Cut out alcohol, and try to limit caffeine if you can.

   Reduce sugar intake
   Sugar is hard on your body and your lymphatic system. Try to cut back — at least on the day of and the day after your session.

   Eat light and healthy
   Eat lighter and stick to a whole-foods-based diet the day before, the day of, and the day after your session. Whole, real foods are easier for your body to process. Eating Cheetos? Well… you already know those bog your system down. Add MLD to that mix, and you’ll really feel like you’ve been hit by that bus.

   Rest
   Plan to rest after your session.
   Please don’t schedule your session and your 10k run for the same afternoon. Rest allows your body to process faster and recover better. You may feel great when you leave your practitioner’s office, but feel run down a few hours later — so plan ahead and enjoy a quiet evening in.

   Keep it moving
   Between sessions, do self-MLD at home.
   Work on the six main lymph node clusters daily, or any version of self-MLD that feels right for you. Swimming, biking, yoga, walking, vibration plates, rebounding, and even just pumping your calf muscles are all excellent ways to move your lymph.

   Bonus round — Go for a full-fledged detox program.
   Connect with your favorite functional medicine doctor, naturopath, or other holistic healthcare practitioner, and take the next steps to a more vibrant, healthy you.
   Whatever you decide — I’m here to support and encourage you on your health journey.

Common Good reactions many experience after manual lymphatic drainage (incase you now need a reminder)

• Feeling lighter, more pure and clean in the body

• Mind might feel clearer, sharper, more focused or expanded

• Pleasant tiredness and better sleep following a session

• Relaxation

• Improved memory

• Improved senses such as taste, smell , color and distance vision

• Feel rejuvenated

• Less joint pain

• Higher energy levels

• Boosted immune response

  And of course, the standard benefits:

  • Reduced toxin load

  • Reduced swelling

  • Faster recovery

  • Less fibrosis

  • Quicker healing

My why

I get asked often about my why and what brought me into lymphatic work, so I thought I would just share it here for you. My why started when my mom, or mum as would be proper for her British roots, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019. Her treatments brought on almost immediate edema her extremities. Painful to watch so I naturally wanted to help her in any way that I could. I had heard of manual lymphatic drainage (it is covered for just a few hours in massage school) and felt it would be of benefit for my mum.

I took the certification course with Klose training since they are one of the top schools here in the US for certification and training for clinical manual lymphatic drainage. The course in it’s self turned out to be life changing for me. Learning about the lymphatic system and the power it holds and how it is mostly ignored until something is wrong. I spent that last week of that training in Hot Springs Arkansas getting this work done daily and also giving this work daily. Talk about a body and mind changing experience !! When I advise clients that MLD can leave you feeling tired, worn out and rundown I know what I am speaking of because that is how I felt at the end of every day during that intensive. By morning I would be full of energy again and by 8pm I was tucked up in bed each night. The health benefits of that week are still with me. My exercise and eating habits have drastically changed for the better and I now allow my body to rest more when it is needing rest.

My certification also taught me the contraindications for MLD and by then my mum’s aggressive treatment had given her congestive heart failure and renal disease. MLD is a very gentle but also a very powerful modality that moves large volumes of interstitial fluid back into the cardiovascular system, which could send someone with her congestive heart failure into failure. While I can not treat her directly with my certification I can help her eat a more detoxifying and liver supporting diet and after 6 years of this cancer she is still here, she is still beating the odds. I am ever grateful for her and for my journey to this modality that allows me to help those effected by lymphatic disease and those looking to keep their bodies healthy and supported.

-so that is my why story, that is how it all started and I am so grateful everyday to do what I get to do and to help so many people in my mum’s honor.

gratefully,

Jenny

Making the world a safer place for clients one session at a time.

Today, I want to share a simple but powerful belief: healing doesn’t end in the operating room.

For post-operative clients, recovery can be almost as challenging as the procedure itself. Pain, swelling, limited mobility—these are daily realities that deserve proper attention and care. Amid this recovery journey, one quiet, gentle therapy is making a world of difference: clinical manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) performed by a trained and certified practitioner.

Unfortunately, in today’s world of trendy bodywork and viral videos, there’s a lot of misinformation and unqualified practice floating around. Let’s be clear: not all MLD is created equal. Not all is safe after surgery, and not all is effective.

MLD should never be aggressive. True lymphatic drainage works just beneath the surface of the skin—right where the superficial lymphatic vessels live. This is the space where swelling (edema) builds and where your body is actively healing. Deep pressure or fast-paced strokes not only miss the mark—they can actually interfere with the healing process or cause harm.

Procedures like abdominoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation, thigh lifts, and even knee replacements all disrupt the normal lymphatic pathways under the skin. After surgery, the body’s lymphatic “watersheds” and drainage routes can change. A qualified MLD practitioner must understand both normal anatomy and post-surgical alterations to effectively—and safely—support your recovery.

Take abdominoplasty, for example: it drastically alters the lymphatic flow in the abdominal region. If your therapist is moving fluid toward a drainage point that’s no longer accessible, you’re not just wasting your time—you’re delaying your recovery.

My goal is simple: to offer safe, informed, and effective post-op care in what sometimes feels like the “Wild West” of the current lymphatic massage craze. You deserve more than trendy techniques and guesswork. You deserve skilled, intentional support tailored to your body’s unique healing journey.

One session at a time, we can make recovery smoother, safer, and more empowered. If you have questions I can answer please reach out, you can reach me via email, phone call, text or if you want to dive a bit deeper schedule a free 20min phone consult.

Top foods and herbs for lymphatic system support

Boost Your Lymphatic System with These Healthy Foods and Herbs

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining your body's immune function and detoxification processes. It's responsible for transporting lymph—a fluid that contains white blood cells—throughout your body, helping to protect against illness and inflammation. Supporting your lymphatic system with proper nutrition can boost its function, ensuring your body runs smoothly. Below, we’ll explore some of the best whole foods and herbs to keep your lymphatic system in top shape.

Whole Food Proteins to Support the Lymphatic System

Boiled free range or farm raised local eggs
Boiled eggs are a simple and convenient source of protein. Packed with high-quality amino acids, boiled eggs help rebuild and repair tissues, which is crucial for lymphatic health. The essential fatty acids and vitamins found in eggs, such as vitamin D and B12, also support immune function and reduce inflammation—key aspects of maintaining a healthy lymphatic system.

Salmon, wild caught not farmed
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation can overwhelm the lymphatic system and hinder its function, so incorporating wild-caught salmon into your diet can help combat this. Omega-3s also help boost immune function, aiding your lymphatic system in fighting off harmful pathogens.

Unsweetened Yogurt, or coconut yogurt
Rich in probiotics, unsweetened yogurt promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for optimal lymphatic health. A healthy gut is closely linked to a strong immune system, and probiotics help regulate the flow of lymph by supporting the digestive and immune systems. Opt for plain yogurt without added sugars for maximum benefits.

Healthy Fats

Avocados
Avocados are a fantastic source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which support the lymphatic system by reducing inflammation. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like vitamin K and E, avocados help with nutrient absorption, which is essential for detoxifying the body. Their high content of potassium also supports fluid balance, important for the efficient movement of lymph.

Olive Oil
Real* olive oil is a powerhouse when it comes to healthy fats. This oil is loaded with antioxidants, specifically oleocanthal, which has been shown to reduce inflammation. The healthy fats found in olive oil also help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin A, D, E, and K, which are vital for immune function and overall lymph health.

*How do you know if you have real olive oil? Put a few tablespoons in the fridge over night- real olive oil will turn solid.

Walnuts
Walnuts are another great source of omega-3 fatty acids. They are particularly high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that helps reduce systemic inflammation and support the body's detoxification processes.

Nutrient-Dense Veggies to Supercharge Detoxification

Spinach
Spinach is packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which protect your lymphatic system from oxidative stress. It also contains high levels of magnesium, a mineral essential for cellular energy production and fluid regulation.

Kale
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse rich in vitamins A, C, and K, all of which play a significant role in lymphatic health. Vitamin C helps with collagen production, which is vital for maintaining the health of your blood vessels and lymphatic tissues. Kale is also high in fiber, which supports the detoxification process by helping to eliminate waste products from the body.

Arugula
Arugula is another leafy green vegetable that supports the lymphatic system. It contains antioxidants, including vitamin C, which protect the lymphatic system from free radical damage.

Herbs to Enhance Lymphatic Health

In addition to these nutrient-dense foods, several herbs can further boost your lymphatic system’s function.

Echinacea
Echinacea is an immune-boosting herb that enhances the function of the lymphatic system. It's often used to prevent and treat colds and infections, making it a great ally for immune support. Echinacea helps increase white blood cell count, improving the body's ability to fight off harmful pathogens that the lymphatic system works to eliminate.

Ginger
This warming herb has long been used for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It helps stimulate lymphatic flow and supports the body in detoxifying. Ginger’s natural compounds also help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which supports the effective movement of lymph throughout the body. Try fresh ginger tea or add it to soups.

Red Clover
Red clover has traditionally been used to support the lymphatic system, promoting detoxification and improving circulation. It contains isoflavones, compounds that support healthy hormone balance and reduce lymphatic congestion. Red clover is also known for its cleansing properties, helping to flush out toxins and boost overall immunity.

Final Thoughts: Nourishing Your Lymphatic System

Incorporating these foods and herbs into your diet will provide your lymphatic system with nutrients it needs to function optimally. From whole food proteins like eggs and salmon to healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, along with the detoxifying power of leafy greens and herbs, you're giving your body the support it needs to stay healthy and resilient.

Remember, a balanced diet is key to supporting your lymphatic system, so make sure to enjoy a variety of nutrient-rich foods that help reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stress, and promote detoxification. By nourishing your body with these wholesome choices, you'll be setting yourself up for better immune health and enhanced overall well-being.

How many sessions will I need post operative?

This is a question I get a lot, so let me answer this for you with a few guideline and best practices.

How soon can we start?

Clinical manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can be started in most cases within 72hrs post operative, sometimes sooner if your surgeon feels it would be beneficial. Pleas note—This is not that deep pressure reopening draining technique that are often called MLD but are a different modality all together, check out my blog post Real Talk to find out more on why that modality fad is not what true MLD is and why it is not the best option for your body after surgery.

How often should I get MLD?

Typically you will want to have 3 MLD sessions the first week after surgery, then drop to twice a week for 2-3 weeks, if your swelling and healing are progressing nicely you can then drop down to just one session a week for a few more weeks. Remember depending on your recovery and your procedures this can very, sometimes I see clients less and some see me more, it all depends on you and your body. Just as your surgery was custom to you so is your MLD treatment plan.

What about scar tissue work?

We have already been working close to the incision and puncture points to help keep the new fluid coming to the areas and to help the collagen fibers lay nicely as they built back up. Gentle scar tissue work can start at around week 6 with deeper work waiting for week 10-12 or even later. Your first year after surgery is all considered recovery time keep this in mind when you look at your incision lines.- Pro tip——Keep your incisions out of the sun and no red light therapy on these areas, UV rays will lock in that color on your scars.

Have questions? Give me a call or drop me an email I am here to help.

Warmly,

Jenny

Real talk time

Okay real talk time.

Are you thinking about cosmetic surgery? Do you hear so many different things about the after care and specifically about post-operative manual lymphatic drainage? Should it hurt? When to start?

And the big one: Is it needed or not?

First lets be very clear. Manual lymphatic drainage (or as it is sometimes called Lymphatic massage) at its core is an option to aid in healing. Manual lymphatic drainage/lymphatic massage was never designed to help smooth out or correct bad surgery techniques.

Manual lymphatic drainage should never be painful-that is a different modality completely.

So what was manual lymphatic drainage designed for post operatively? Which means.. moves out dead immune and other dead cells, move waste from the interstitial fluid, reduce swelling to speed the healing process and to boost the immune system. It accelerate lymphatic fluid flow. If you look at this list what does all of this have in common? Yes, that is right the lymphatic system helps the body’s own healing and removes excess swelling.

Did you know that the only lymphatic system massage therapists can physically access from outside the body is the superficial lymphatic system? The superficial lymphatic system is located just under your skin---press too hard and you collapse the fascia which collapse the lymph vessels. You can’t move fluid via a vessel that is collapsed. Think of a garden hose.. kink the middle and what comes out the end? Yup nada.

The hard reality is that no amount of any kind of massage modality after cosmetic surgery has to ability to alter the long-term results that were created during that procedure. The truth is that your results will be determined during surgery, by the surgeon. Read that again….That is why it’s so important to choose an experienced cosmetic surgeon that has the years to fully develop these techniques to create the smooth, even minimally scaring results you really want. This takes great skills and artistry.

Dr. Cat, owner and surgeon at Beauty by Dr. Cat a cosmetic practice out of Los Angels CA, states it this way on her blog: “When choosing a surgeon, remember that these procedures must be performed in a precise, even, and artistic fashion to create natural and smooth results. Many patients waste time and money after having botched liposuction or tummy tuck, thinking lymphatic massage will smooth out the bumps.”

If Dr. Cat is correct, you may be asking why get clinical manual lymphatic after cosmetic surgery at all? Simple--Protect that artistry by helping your body’s healing process and to reduce your pain, swelling and recovery time. . remember lymphatic massages at its core is simply an option to aid in healing.

Post-operative manual lymphatic drainage work should clinical, it should be GENTLE and PAIN FREE. Period.

Anything else is not true manual lymphatic drainage and does not help your body heal.

Clinical manual lymphatic drainage is the safe modality after surgery.

It is gentle, light and pain free.

It can boost your immune system along with your healing time by removing waste, reducing swelling to allow nutrients to get the area easier, and assisting your body as it lays down new collagen to stay hydrated, moveable and nonfibrotic. Many patients feel lighter after just the first session and find their compression a bit easier to get back into and find that manual lymphatic drainage helps them get feeling back quicker too.

So do your research on surgeons and on your manual lymphatic providers. This is a big investment and you deserve to be completely happy with your end results. Ask questions-this is your body and you are allowed to be in control of it choose wisely and you will love your results.