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Learn how to do manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD) from best-selling massage course instructor, Mark Perren-Jones.

Studies have shown that by doing manual lymphatic drainage massage techniques you can speed up the movement of lymph in the body by up to 20 times faster.

Adding manual lymphatic drainage massage to your massage therapy skill set opens up numerous possibilities for client referrals. Manual lymph drainage massage is a gentle but powerful manual technique that stimulates a malfunctioning or fatigued lymphatic system.

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Learn how to do manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD) from best-selling massage course instructor, Mark Perren-Jones.

Studies have shown that by doing manual lymphatic drainage massage techniques you can speed up the movement of lymph in the body by up to 20 times faster.

Adding manual lymphatic drainage massage to your massage therapy skill set opens up numerous possibilities for client referrals. Manual lymph drainage massage is a gentle but powerful manual technique that stimulates a malfunctioning or fatigued lymphatic system.

Keeping the lymphatic system in good condition is imperative for promoting good health, and for restoring good health when the system has been compromised.

Adding manual lymph drainage massage to your massage therapy skill set opens up numerous possibilities to help your massage clients and for to get more massage client referrals.

Manual lymph drainage massage is a gentle manual technique that stimulates a malfunctioning or fatigued lymphatic system. Keeping the lymphatic system in good condition is imperative for promoting good health, and for restoring good health when the system has been compromised.

A big part of the lymphatic system is located very close to the surface of the body, thus manual lymph drainage techniques are applied very effectively with much less pressure than regular massage. This reduces wear and tear on the massage therapist’s body.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Do self manual lymphatic drainage massage to your body to help with your own health

  • Know how to do a full body manual lymphatic drainage massage on another person

  • Do a rejuvenating facial treatment for yourself or your massage clients

  • Use essential oils to enhance lymphatic drainage massage

  • Do scar release techniques to make any scars less restrictive and more pliable

  • Treat people with auto-immune diseases using manual lymphatic drainage massage such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis

  • Give people a full body manual lymphatic drainage massage to give them an incredible sense of deep relaxation

  • Help people with sluggish lymphatic systems that make people feel low in energy

  • Treat people post-operatively from orthopedic and cosmetic surgeries to speed up their healing time

  • Treat acute injuries to help people heal more quickly

  • Effectively treat chronic inflammatory conditions

  • Give dietary recommendations to help with fluid retention problems

  • Understand and treat mild lymphedema both for yourself and your massage clients

  • And so much more.

What are people saying?

"I just wanted to say I am so impressed with the content of this course as a qualified lymphatic drainage therapist, I am always looking for JUST that something that can fill the gaps and really just explain the practical side better.

Well, all I can say is WOW. Your course is even better than the well known Lymphatic drainage courses that are seen to be the best, teaches you a lot of theory but the practical side is often rushed and makes one feel you haven't quite grasp it all.

I am overjoyed with your course and cannot wait to take my practice to the next level. "

Who needs MLD?

Lymph massage can benefit just about everyone.

Many massage therapy clients suffer from either acute or chronic conditions that affect the lymphatic drainage system where normal massage techniques are not suitable or ineffective. These conditions are therefore more appropriately addressed with manual lymph drainage than regular massage.

Clients who respond very favorably to manual lymph drainage include those with post-traumatic and postsurgical swelling, also known as edema. Swelling from a soft-tissue injury causes significant discomfort and pain and slows the healing process. Manual lymph drainage addresses this painful swelling and significantly reduces overall healing time.

Post-surgical clients who can benefit from manual lymph drainage massage include those recovering from cosmetic surgeries such as face-lifts, breast augmentation, and liposuction and orthopedic surgeries such as joint repair or replacement. Manual lymph drainage massage is incredibly effective in reducing swelling even before appropriate muscle movement and function can be restored.

Reduction in swelling is not the only benefit this technique provides. According to a 1989 study, “Experimental and clinical studies of the mechanism of effect of manual lymph drainage massage therapy,” in the German publication Zeitschrift fur Lymphologie (Journal of Lymphology), manual lymph drainage improves lymph flow; since waste elimination is an essential function of the lymphatic system, it follows that improved lymph flow helps eliminate waste products and inflammatory mediators from injured tissue. This leads to less pain, reduced scar tissue formation and faster healing overall.

Manual lymph drainage massage is also very effective in a variety of autoimmune disorders where regular massage can be contraindicated, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. The most significant benefits of manual lymph drainage massage for these clients are a decrease in hypersensitivity and pain, as indicated in the study “Comparison of MLD Therapy and Connective Tissue Massage in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” National University of Health Sciences, Turkey, 2009; a decrease in tissue congestion and inflammatory mediators; and increased range of motion. In addition, in many of these clients, manual lymph drainage promotes a more restful sleep pattern and less overall fatigue.

Manual lymph drainage massage also assists with stimulating the parasympathetic response in the body, so it’s indicated in situations where the nervous system has been compromised, such as with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. These clients will benefit from general stress reduction, detoxification and enhanced immune function.

Over the last decade, manual lymph drainage has come to be recognized for its profound benefits to oncology clients immediately after surgery and later during their ongoing recovery period. MLD reduces edema, helps control pain, relieves constipation caused by pain medications, provides general relaxation, reduces stress and improves sleep. Due to the complexity of treatment and care for oncology patients, massage therapists may need to coordinate with their client’s physician.

Oncology clients who have undergone lymph node removal as part of their cancer treatment often develop a very specific swelling called lymphedema caused by localized damage to the lymphatic circulatory system. While a manual lymph drainage practitioner is able to address simple, medically uncomplicated lymphedema, more complex clients—especially those with additional medical issues—should be referred to a physician or certified lymphedema specialist.

Remember, that you have 100% money back guarantee so there is absolutely zero risk.

You also have lifetime access to this course.

On completion of this course you will also get a beautiful certificate that you can proudly hang on your wall.

See you in class.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Offers real world applications for manual lymphatic massage techniques
Taught by a massage educator who has also published a book on lymphatic drainage massage
Suitable for both beginners and experienced massage therapists
Learn manual lymphatic drainage techniques for improving lymph flow and supporting overall health
Provides confidence to use the techniques on oneself and others
May require additional tools for application

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Certificate Course (6CEU) with these activities:
Review anatomy of lymphatic system
Understand the location, structure, and function of the lymphatic system.
Browse courses on Lymphatic System
Show steps
  • Read textbook chapter on lymphatic system
  • Review notes from previous anatomy course
  • Complete practice questions on lymphatic system
Review lymphatic system anatomy
Refreshes your knowledge of the lymphatic system anatomy, helping you build a stronger foundation for understanding manual lymphatic drainage techniques.
Browse courses on Anatomy and Physiology
Show steps
  • Review diagrams and illustrations of the lymphatic system.
  • Identify the major lymph nodes and vessels.
  • Describe the functions of the lymphatic system.
Compile a list of resources on manual lymphatic drainage, including books, articles, and videos
Expands your knowledge base by providing access to a curated collection of resources on manual lymphatic drainage, allowing you to explore different perspectives and deepen your understanding.
Browse courses on Information Gathering
Show steps
  • Search for books, articles, and videos on manual lymphatic drainage.
  • Create a spreadsheet or document to organize the resources.
  • Include information such as the title, author, publication date, and a brief summary for each resource.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice MLD on a variety of clients
Gain hands-on experience and confidence performing MLD on clients with varying needs.
Show steps
  • Volunteer at a local massage therapy clinic
  • Offer MLD services to friends and family
  • Attend a supervised practice session
Join a MLD study group
Engage in discussions and learn from the experiences of other MLD practitioners.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or create your own
  • Meet regularly to discuss MLD techniques and case studies
  • Share resources and support each other
Join a study group with classmates to discuss and practice manual lymphatic drainage techniques
Enhances your learning through collaboration and peer support, allowing you to share insights, practice techniques, and gain valuable feedback from other students.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Find a group of classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Determine a regular meeting time and frequency.
  • Discuss and practice manual lymphatic drainage techniques together.
  • Give and receive feedback on each other's techniques.
Practice manual lymphatic drainage techniques on a model
Provides hands-on experience in applying manual lymphatic drainage techniques, enhancing your practical skills and confidence.
Browse courses on Massage Techniques
Show steps
  • Find a massage model or practice on a mannequin.
  • Review the proper techniques for each stroke.
  • Practice applying the techniques on different areas of the body.
  • Receive feedback on your technique and make adjustments as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Certificate Course (6CEU) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Certificate Course (6CEU).
Comprehensive guide to the lymphatic system and its role in health and healing. It is an excellent resource for those who want to learn more about the lymphatic system and how to keep it healthy.
This more specialized text provides massage therapists with the knowledge and skills they need to provide safe and effective massage to oncology patients. It includes information on the effects of cancer and cancer treatment on the lymphatic system, as well as specific massage techniques for oncology patients.

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