Lymphatic Drainage
Targeted treatments to support whole-body well-being.
our services
Lymphatic Drainage
Unlock your natural glow. At A Healer’s Hand + The Nest, we like to think of the lymphatic system as the silent hero of your well-being. It’s the body’s built-in detox network, playing a vital role in maintaining fluid balance and supporting overall immune function. Unlike your circulatory system, however, it doesn’t have a pump and instead relies on muscle contraction and breath for movement. When lymph flow becomes sluggish — often due to stress, a sedentary lifestyle, inflammation, or even hormonal shifts — the body may experience persistent fatigue and a general feeling of heaviness or being weighed down.
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic technique designed to support the natural movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. This targeted approach goes beyond simple relaxation to provide measurable physiological benefits, from decreased swelling to improved range of motion. By encouraging circulation within this system, we help provide a more structured environment for your body to recover faster and more comfortably. Our goal is to ensure that your internal filtration system is operating at peak performance, so you can focus less on discomfort and more on feeling like yourself again.
Reduce swelling + fluid retention
Enhance post-surgical recovery
Support immune function
Promote detoxification
Improve skin health
the benefits of lymphatic drainage
Reduces swelling + fluid retention
Encourages the movement of excess interstitial fluid, helping decrease swelling and fluid retention throughout the body.
Supports immune function
Stimulates lymph flow to assist immune circulation and support the body’s natural defense processes.
Promotes detoxification
Facilitates the transport of metabolic waste, supporting the body’s natural elimination pathways.
Enhances post-surgical recovery
Reduces inflammation and tissue congestion, supporting healing and minimizing fibrosis after procedures.
Improves skin health
Decongests tissues and reduces inflammation, promoting clearer, more balanced, and revitalized skin.
Calms the nervous system
Uses slow, rhythmic techniques that activate the parasympathetic response, encouraging deep relaxation and restoration.
provider spotlight
Certified Professionals
Two of our aestheticians, Shelbie Tripp (pictured left) and Ericka Parduhn (pictured right) are Certified Holistic MLD Practitioners (C-MLD). This specialized training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage allows them to further support skin health and whole-body well-being as part of a holistic approach to care.
lymphatic support treatments we offer
Full Body
Experience the ultimate in detoxification and relaxation with our full body lymphatic support treatment. This specialized therapy uses gentle, rhythmic techniques to stimulate the lymphatic system, reducing swelling and enhancing your body’s natural detoxification process. It also includes a light facial featuring our signature triple cleanse. Perfect for maintaining overall health and wellness, this treatment leaves you feeling lighter and more balanced.
Face
Experience a radiant, sculpted complexion with our targeted lymphatic support treatment for the face, featuring our signature triple cleanse. This deeply relaxing treatment promotes the natural detoxification process while reducing puffiness and enhancing your skin’s natural glow.
Upper Body
Refresh and rejuvenate your upper body with our specialized lymphatic support treatment. This treatment using gentle, rhythmic techniques focuses on the arms, chest, and back to stimulate lymphatic flow and support your body’s natural detoxification process. You’ll leave feeling lighter and more relaxed.
Legs
Revitalize tired, heavy, or swollen legs with our targeted leg lymphatic support treatment. This treatment and gentle, rhythmic therapy promotes improved circulation and supports your body’s natural detoxification process, leaving your legs feeling lighter and refreshed. Perfect for reducing fluid retention and enhancing overall wellness.
Perinatal Lymphatic Support
Our Perinatal Lymphatic Support services are designed to gently encourage lymph flow and support circulation during pregnancy and postpartum. These treatments can help address common concerns such as swelling, fluid retention, and overall discomfort as the body changes. Sessions are available in 15-, 30-, and 45-minute options, allowing for targeted support or more comprehensive care depending on your needs.
FAQ
What is lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic manual therapy technique designed to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. The lymphatic system plays a key role in immune function and tissue health by encouraging natural fluid balance and waste removal. By supporting this system, lymphatic drainage can help reduce swelling and promote overall health and well-being.
How is lymphatic drainage different from traditional massage?
Unlike traditional massage, which works deeper into the muscle tissue, lymphatic drainage uses very light pressure and slow, intentional movements. The goal is not to manipulate muscle, but to stimulate the lymphatic vessels just beneath the skin to improve fluid flow.
What does lymphatic drainage feel like?
Lymphatic drainage typically feels like a very slow, gentle massage. The strokes are light and rhythmic, with many clients describing it as a calming experience.
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage?
The benefits of lymphatic drainage are many as it may help reduce swelling and fluid retention, support post-surgical recovery, improve circulation, encourage immune function, reduce inflammation, enhance range of motion, promote relaxation, and aid in the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Who is a good candidate for lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage may be beneficial for clients experiencing swelling, puffiness, or fluid retention, especially in the ankles or face; post-surgical clients (with medical clearance); prenatal or postpartum clients; individuals managing inflammation; clients seeking gentle support for immune health; and those looking for a deeply calming, restorative therapeutic session. Other common signs your lymphatic system may be “sluggish” could include persistent brain fog or fatigue, skin congestion or dullness, or swollen lymph nodes.
Is lymphatic drainage safe during pregnancy?
Yes, lymphatic drainage is absolutely safe during pregnancy when performed by a trained provider and with the appropriate precautions. Prenatal lymphatic drainage can be booked as a standalone service or as a great complement to massage. It is great for reducing pregnancy-related swelling and discomfort while promoting healthy circulation and immune function. As always, clients should inform their provider of any complications or high-risk factors, and we encourage discussing any treatments with your OB/GYN.
How many lymphatic drainage support sessions will I need?
For general health and wellness, we recommend lymphatic drainage support treatments once a month. For prenatal support, we recommend once every two to four weeks during the second trimester, moving to once a week in the third trimester as tolerated. If you are seeking lymphatic support for specific conditions, such as post-surgery or injury recovery, we encourage you to speak with one of our providers to discuss a timeline that works best for you and your individual goals.
Will I see results immediately following a lymphatic drainage support treatment?
Many clients noticed reduced swelling or a general feeling of lightness shortly after their session. Please note that results always vary by individual, however, and can depend on things like hydration, overall health, and the reason for treatment.
What should I expect after a lymphatic drainage support session?
After lymphatic drainage, you may urinate more frequently; feel relaxed or mildly fatigued; notice reduced swelling; and/or experience improved mobility. We recommend staying hydrated to support optimal results.
Are there any contraindications for lymphatic drainage?
Yes. Lymphatic drainage is not appropriate for individuals with certain conditions, including those with an active infection, untreated congestive heart failure, acute deep vein thrombosis, or certain kidney disorders. Our providers will always review your health history to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you.
What does “Certified Holistic MLD Practitioner (C-MLD)” mean?
A Certified Holistic MLD Practitioner (C-MLD) has completed advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques and understands both the unique physiological and systemic aspects of lymphatic health. This specialized training allows for more safe and effective treatment planning. Two of our Advanced Aesthetics providers, Ericka Parduhn and Shelbie Tripp, are both Certified Holistic MLD Practitioners and eager to support you in your lymphatic health goals.
Can lymphatic drainage help with skin health?
Absolutely, yes. Because the lymphatic system plays a role in fluid balance and inflammation, supporting its overall function can contribute to clearer, healthier-looking skin. Our full-body lymphatic support treatment intentionally includes a light facial component. This integration reflects our commitment to whole-body care, recognizing that skin health and lymphatic function are deeply connected. Throughout your session, we’ll also provide education to help you understand how lymphatic support impacts both internal wellness and visible skin health.
How should I prepare for my lymphatic drainage support appointment?
The best ways for you to prepare for your lymphatic drainage appointment include drinking water before and after your session, eating a light meal beforehand, avoiding alcohol prior to treatment, and wearing comfortable clothing.
What lymphatic drainage services does A Healer's Hand + The Nest provide?
We are pleased to offer lymphatic support treatments for the full body, upper body, face, and legs. We also offer a 15-minute, 30-minute, and 45-minute Perinatal Lymphatic Support treatment for prenatal and postpartum clients.