Gentle Lymphatic Reset
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a very gentle, rhythmic treatment that supports the movement of lymph fluid through the body. I use the Vodder method, which is known for precise, light, directional techniques designed to encourage healthy flow and reduce fluid stagnation.
This is not a deep tissue treatment. Pressure stays light and specific. The aim is to support circulation of lymph, reduce heaviness and puffiness, and help your body clear waste products more efficiently. Many clients describe feeling lighter, less congested, and deeply calm after treatment.
Key Facts
• Session lengths: 60 or 90 minutes
• Method: Vodder-style Manual Lymphatic Drainage
• Pressure: Very light, rhythmic, skin-stretch techniques
• Oil use: None
• Clothing: Treatment is section by section. Only the area being treated is uncovered, with full professional draping throughout.
• Best for: Reducing fluid retention, puffiness, and bloating, easing heavy-leg fatigue, supporting post-load recovery, calming the nervous system, and promoting healthy immune function.
• Format: Can be one-off, but often works best as a short series for persistent fluid patterns
Who It Is Best For and What It Can Support
MLD is a strong option if your body feels puffy, heavy, sluggish, or overloaded and you want a very gentle reset. It suits people under high stress, frequent travellers, desk-based professionals, and active clients who want recovery support without deep pressure. Of all the treatments I offer, this is the lightest touch. It is the complete opposite of deep tissue work.
Clients commonly choose MLD for fluid retention, swelling tendencies, bloating, heavy legs, post-exercise recovery, and a general sense of congestion. It can also be helpful during demanding work periods, long sitting days, and after physically intense weeks when the body feels slow to recover.
Please note that my MLD service is for generally healthy clients and non-clinical wellbeing support. I am NOT qualified to provide clinical lymphoedema treatment. If you have diagnosed or suspected lymphoedema, you should see a fully qualified clinical Vodder lymphoedema practitioner via your medical team or specialist referral route. If helpful, I can also point you towards an appropriate practitioner.
Safety and Contraindications
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is very gentle, but it is not suitable for everyone at all times. MLD is not offered if you currently have an acute infection, decompensated heart failure, acute venous conditions such as DVT, or severe unexplained pain or swelling. It is also not suitable with serious uncontrolled circulatory risk.
Medical clearance may be needed first if you have active or recent cancer care, recent surgery, significant scarring or fibrosis, hyperthyroidism, carotid sinus sensitivity or arrhythmia history, inflammatory bowel flare-ups, previous abdominal irradiation, history of ileus, pregnancy, or any condition where your clinician has advised caution with manual therapy.
Important: Lymphoedema treatment is NOT offered at Nordic Therapies. I provide Vodder-style MLD for general wellbeing and recovery in otherwise healthy clients only.
Treating lymphoedema requires advanced clinical lymphoedema training, which I have not completed, so I cannot accept lymphoedema cases. If you have diagnosed or suspected lymphoedema, I will refer you to a suitably qualified advanced Vodder practitioner, or you can arrange referral through your GP or specialist team.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
F.A.Q
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
F.A.Q
MLD is a very gentle, rhythmical treatment that supports natural lymph flow. I use Vodder-style techniques with light, precise pressure to help reduce fluid stagnation and support recovery.
Both work with the lymphatic system, but the style, pressure, and goal are different.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD, Vodder-style) is very gentle, slow, and rhythmical. It uses light directional techniques to support lymph flow, calm the nervous system, and reduce fluid stagnation. It is usually chosen for recovery, puffiness, heavy legs, and overall wellbeing support.
Brazilian MLD is more dynamic and shaping-focused. It uses faster, firmer contouring techniques to create a more sculpted look and visible de-bloating effect, often for events or when someone wants a stronger cosmetic result.
In short, classic MLD is the gentler clinical-style option for regulation and recovery, while Brazilian MLD is the more sculpting-focused option for appearance and immediate contour effects.
No. MLD is the opposite of deep tissue work. Pressure is very light and specific, with slow, controlled movements.
I offer 60-minute and 90-minute MLD sessions only.
A 60-minute session works well for focused support or regular maintenance. A 90-minute session allows more comprehensive full-body flow support and is often preferred when heaviness, puffiness, or overall load is higher.
Clients commonly book MLD for puffiness, fluid retention, heavy-leg feeling, bloating, post-travel swelling, recovery after demanding weeks, and nervous system calming. Many also choose it when they feel generally congested or sluggish.
MLD can support healthy lymph movement, which is part of the body’s natural immune and waste-clearance processes. It is supportive care, not a treatment for infection or disease.
MLD is not a fat-loss treatment. Some clients feel lighter and less puffy after treatment because fluid movement improves, but this is different from body-fat reduction.
No. MLD is not painful at all. It uses very light, precise, rhythmic touch on the surface layers of the skin, not deep pressure into muscles. Most clients find it deeply calming and comfortable throughout, and many drift off to sleep during the session.
Treatment is done professionally with careful draping. Only the area being treated is uncovered at any time, and the rest of the body stays covered.
No oil is used.
Wear comfortable, easy clothing. If needed, I will guide you before the appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Many clients report feeling lighter, calmer, and less congested. Some feel more thirsty or need to use the bathroom more often afterwards, which can be a normal short-term response.
That depends on your goals. Some clients book weekly for a short period, others every 2 to 4 weeks, and some use it as monthly maintenance.
Pregnancy requires individual assessment and may need medical clearance depending on stage and health status. Please message before booking.
Yes. There are situations where MLD is not suitable, including acute infection, suspected or confirmed DVT risk, uncontrolled heart conditions, and some active medical issues. Please check the contraindications section above for the full list. If you have a diagnosis, recent procedure, or are under medical care, message me before booking so I can advise safely.
No. I do not provide clinical lymphoedema treatment. Lymphoedema care requires advanced specialist clinical training, so if you have diagnosed or suspected lymphoedema, I will refer you to a qualified lymphoedema practitioner.
Yes. MLD can be combined within selected treatment plans where appropriate. If you are unsure, book a consultation-style session and I will guide you to the best option.
Yes. It is one of the gentlest options I offer and often suits people who find deep tissue too intense.
