Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Strict hygiene and safety protocols are in place to ensure client health and safety. All massage services are conducted in a safe and nurturing environment from EsoLab in South Melbourne, Victoria

“Mich creates a safe and peaceful space for healing. I felt complete relaxation during the lymph drainage massage, and the fluid movement was audible. After the treatment, I slept deeply, woke more refreshed than usual and the whites of my eyes looked clearer. The days following I noticed a pleasant feeling of body warmth, despite the cool weather, and my circulation had improved. Mich explained the treatment well and was attentive and caring, even in the days post treatment.”
— O.S., Vic

What are the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

  • boosts the body’s immune response

  • assists the body’s detoxification process

  • reduces swelling and fluid retention

  • excellent for stress reduction and anxiety management due to gentle engagement of the vagus nerve pathway, encouraging the nervous system to elicit a regulatory response, making for a deeply relaxing experience

  • assists post injury by decreasing swelling and the body’s pain receptors

  • can be helpful pre and post surgery to soften fascia and promote healing

  • can assist to relieve sinusitis and hay fever

  • may assist with skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis

  • can reduce the level of inflammation in the body and balance hormones, making it an ideal treatment during perimenopause and menopause

How do you know if you need a Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage?

  • You are frequently sick/unwell

  • You have recently had a virus/cold/Covid

  • You are experiencing fluid retention/puffiness in your body (limbs, abdomen and/or face)

  • You feel heaviness and/or tightness in your limbs

  • You have a limited range of motion due to swelling in your joints

  • Swollen lymph nodes (make sure to get this checked by a medical professional)

  • You suffer from chronic constipation

  • You feel sluggish and tired

  • You notice a pungent body odour from your underarms and/or feet

  • You are under chronic stress that is interfering with your ability to sleep (the vagal nerve activation as part of the Lymphatic Drainage treatment works wonders)

How is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage different from other massages?

As the name suggests, an MLD treatment specifically works on the body’s lymphatic and immune systems, with 70% of lymphatic fluid sitting just below the surface of the skin. It is for this reason that the pressure is very GENTLE, SLOW and RHYTHMIC to allow for the movement of lymphatic fluid around the body.

As the lymphatic system does not have its own pump, lymphatic drainage massage is an important method of ACTIVATING the body’s lymphatic system, via the LYMPH NODES and directing the FLOW of LYMPHATIC FLUID to benefit one’s overall state of health

  • boosting the body's immune response,

  • improving circulation,

  • encouraging the detoxification process,

  • reducing swelling and fluid retention.

Recommendations prior to a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

  • you will need to complete a thorough client history which will be emailed to you and discussed with you by your therapist

  • ensure that you are well hydrated

  • book your treatment later in the day, or have an activity free day planned after your treatment

Treatment approach

Michelle likes to work with her physical therapy clients to ensure that they feel safe enough to be an active participant in their treatment, encouraging them to meet themselves where they are at and be curious about how their body responds during the session, in a bid to maximise therapeutic outcomes. Each session is tailored to suit the needs of her clients, taking into account how they are feeling physically, mentally and emotionally.