So first let's talk about what lymphatic massage is and isn't...

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The main roles of the lymphatic system include:

• managing the fluid levels in the body.
• reacting to bacteria.
• dealing with cancer cells.
• dealing with cell products that otherwise would result in disease or disorders.
• absorbing some of the fats in our diet from the intestine.
• What is doesn't do...

The lymphatic system does not:

• help you loose weight.
• eliminate toxins through sweating
• reduce swelling with deep massage techniques
• reduce swelling when heat is applied
• have any part of manual draining through surgical wounds RED FLAG!
• Who is qualified to perform MLD safely and effectively

Everyone says they are certified, how do I know?:

• look for CLT (certified lymphedema therapist) credentials
• Look for LANA credentials to ensure your therapist is board certified. LANA is the Lymphology Association of North America.
• Massage therapists without a CLT credential are qualified to work on a healthy system only if they are certified in MLD. This provider would not be a good fit for someone with a lymphatic disease.
• Aestheticians are not able to participate in certification courses. They will not be certified outside of the face and décolletage.
• Body contouring has not regulating body in many states. This means your accountant can purchase a machine and advertise body contouring (often misunderstood to mean lymphatic massage). Buyer beware when purchasing body contouring.
• will I pay more for a CLT?

Likely no. A certified lymphedema therapist offering manual lymphatic drainage is typically the same price as a massage therapist without training. And in the long run you should expect to recover faster and require fewer session which will ultimately save you money.

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