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Lymphatic Treatments , so what is MLD?

Have you noticed that there is an abundance of information “lymphatic” out there. Are you getting inundated on your socials with lymphatic this that and the other? It can become a little overwhelming.

To clarify what I offer, I am chatting about what am Certified in, the fabulous Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) technique.

Who Was Dr. Emil Vodder?

In the 1930s, Dr. Emil Vodder, a Danish biologist and massage therapist, noticed that many patients with chronic sinusitis and poor immune function had swollen lymph nodes.
At the time, lymphatics were poorly understood — and therapists were told to avoid the nodes entirely.
But Dr. Vodder had a different idea.

  • He believed that stimulating the lymph could help the body heal itself.
  • After years of research, he and his wife Estrid developed a gentle, rhythmic method called: Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

    • What Makes the Vodder Technique Unique?

  • Gentle, circular movements — using just the surface layers of the skin
  • Precise direction — always following the natural lymphatic flow
  • Rhythmic & wave-like pressure — mimicking the body’s own pumping motion
  • Always starts with the “clearing” technique — prepping the main drainage points before working on problem areas

    • It’s not a massage — it’s a therapeutic medical sequence designed to stimulate your lymphatic vessels, enhance immune response, and reduce fluid build-up.

    The Science Behind It

    Your lymphatic system is:

  • A one-way drainage system — carrying waste, toxins, proteins, and immune cells
  • Made up of superficial vessels just under the skin — easily damaged by deep pressure
  • Pump-less — it relies on movement, breath, and external stimulation to flow
  • Dr. Vodder’s technique stimulates the initial lymphatics, opens the watersheds, and redirects lymph through healthy vessels when others are damaged or removed (like after surgery or cancer treatment).

    • Most people think a massage needs pressure to work! This is the first difference they note with Vodder MLD – the gentle skin movement

    What Can Vodder MLD Help With?

  • Lymphoeedema (primary or secondary)
  • Chronic fatigue or post-viral inflammation
  • Fibromyalgia and autoimmune issues
  • Digestive bloating and hormonal imbalances
  • Post-surgical / aftercare recovery (e.g. liposuction, joint replacement)
  • Sinus congestion, puffiness, and fluid retention
  • Stress and nervous system overload
  • It’s also used in Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as part of a medical approach to lymphatic disease.

    • A Therapy That Calms the Nervous System

    Because of its slow, rhythmic nature, MLD using the Vodder technique also:

  • Reduces cortisol levels
  • Activates the parasympathetic nervous system
  • Encourages deep rest and healing

    • It’s not just a drainage tool — it’s a nervous system support

    The Five Outcomes of Moving Lymph

    1. Improves immune surveillance
    2. Transports dietary fats from the intestines
    3. Returns proteins to the bloodstream
    4. Helps immune cells identify and respond to potential threats
    5. Maintains fluid balance throughout your body

    Did you know?

    1. If you press deeper or heavier instead of skin movements, this will compress the the superficial lymphatic vessels and restrict lymphatic flow
    2. Use of oils and creams create a barrier which means it is difficult to open and close the lymphatic vessels which will reduce the ability to move lymph. Think skin movement, not massage.
    3. Lymphatic drainage, properly applied, will not hurt or bruise!
    4. Pumping lymph nodes is not lymphatic drainage.

    So what is Lymphatic Massage or Sculpting?

    Lymphatic massage or Brazilian Lymphatic Massage can offer a tummy sculpt or deeper tissue work. This is just a different outcome than Vodder MLD.

    Things to look for

  • If there are creams, oils being applied to the skin, this is a body sculpt or massage
  • If the technique is fast, then this is a body sculpt or massage
  • If there tools to press deeper or roll over the skin, then… this is a body sculpt or massage
  • If they don’t start at the neck to open the lymphatic “gates then…this is a body sculpt or massage
  • The focus is on sculpting techniques for the abdomen or face with a bit of node pumping then… then this is a sculpt or massage

    • Qualified MLD Therapists are generally listed on the Australaisan Lymphology Association, Lymph Info Trust (look for ALA accredited) or Vodder School International

    Posted on July 23, 2026
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