MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAININAGE
Feel lighter. Inside and out.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is one of the gentlest, most deeply restorative treatments we offer at Meraki Holistic Health in Clifton Hill. A feather-light touch that gets everything moving reducing puffiness, supporting immunity and calming your nervous system in a way that feels almost miraculous.
ABOUT MLD
Not like any massage
you've had before
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is nothing like a regular massage. There's no deep pressure, no working into muscles, no intensity to push through. MLD uses incredibly light, rhythmic strokes barely heavier than the weight of a hand that work with the surface of the skin to stimulate the lymphatic vessels underneath.
Most clients describe it as one of the most profoundly relaxing treatments they've ever experienced. And the results reduced puffiness, clearer skin, lighter legs, stronger immunity, calmer nervous system often surprise them.
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Your body's built-in
drainage system
Your lymphatic system is one of the most important and least talked about — systems in your body. It's a vast network of vessels and nodes that runs parallel to your circulatory system, responsible for draining excess fluid and waste from your tissues, transporting immune cells, and maintaining the fluid balance that keeps everything functioning properly.
Unlike your heart, the lymphatic system has no pump. It relies on movement, breathing and the gentle compression of the vessels against surrounding tissue to keep flowing. When it slows through illness, surgery, inactivity, stress or hormonal changes you feel the result: puffiness, heaviness, congestion, sluggishness and a general sense of being off.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses specific hand techniques to gently stimulate the lymphatic vessels, encouraging the system to move more freely. It's one of the most effective ways to support your body's natural detoxification and immune function and it feels extraordinary while it does it.
WHO IS MLD FOR?
You might be surprised
who benefits
MLD works beautifully for a wide range of presentations, from post-surgical recovery to hormonal bloating, chronic fatigue and nervous system support.
Fluid retention & Puffiness
Face, legs, ankles, hands — wherever your body tends to hold fluid. MLD encourages drainage and helps your body let go of what it's been holding onto.
Chronic Fatigue & Immunity
When you keep getting sick or can't seem to recover fully, your lymphatic system may need support. MLD stimulates immune cell activity and supports recovery.
Sinus Congestion
Chronic sinus issues and recurring colds often have a lymphatic component. MLD around the face and neck helps drain congestion and supports immune function.
Post-surgical Recovery
Especially after cosmetic procedures — rhinoplasty, facelifts, liposuction, abdominoplasty. MLD significantly reduces post-operative swelling and speeds healing.
Hormonal Bloating
Particularly around your cycle or during perimenopause. MLD helps move the fluid retention that hormonal fluctuation causes — often providing relief within one session.
Nervous System Support
The extremely gentle, rhythmic nature of MLD is profoundly calming for an activated nervous system. Many clients with anxiety, burnout or high stress find it transformative.
Post-Cancer Lymphoedema
For those managing lymphoedema following cancer treatment, MLD supports drainage and comfort. Always in coordination with your oncology team.
Skin Health & Congestion
Dull, puffy or congested skin responds beautifully to MLD. By improving lymphatic flow to the skin, sessions support a clearer, brighter, more vibrant complexion.
That heavy sluggish feeling
Sometimes there's no single diagnosis — you just feel heavy, congested and off. If that resonates, your lymphatic system probably needs some attention.
IMPORTANT CONTRAINDICATIONS
MLD is not suitable
for everyone
We want to be upfront about this. MLD is contraindicated in certain situations — please read before booking. If you're unsure, contact us first.
Active Infection or Fever
MLD stimulates lymphatic flow which can spread infection. Please wait until you have fully recovered before booking.
Acute deep vein thrombosis
Active blood clots are an absolute contraindication. MLD is not safe until the clot has resolved and your doctor has cleared you.
Acute kidney disease
The kidneys process the fluid moved by MLD. If kidney function is compromised, please consult your GP before booking.
Active cancer (not in transmission)
MLD is not suitable without explicit referral and guidance from your oncologist. If you are in remission and managing lymphoedema, please let us know.
Congestive Heart Failure
MLD moves significant volumes of fluid back into circulation — this can be dangerous for those with heart failure. Medical clearance is required.
Not sure?
Please contact us before booking and we'll let you know whether MLD is appropriate for your situation. We'd rather check first than have you miss out.
YOUR SESSION
What actually happens
in an MLD session
MLD is unlike anything you've experienced in a massage. Here's exactly what to expect — no surprises.
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Before you arrive
You'll receive a short intake form covering your current concerns, health history, medications and any contraindications. This takes about 5 minutes and means Casey arrives in the room already prepared.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. You'll remain fully or partially clothed throughout unlike a regular massage, MLD works through light fabric as effectively as directly on skin.
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The treatment itself
You'll lie on a comfortable, heated table in a warm, calm room. Then the therapist begins with gentle work on the neck and major lymph node clusters this primes the lymphatic pathways before moving to the areas of primary concern.
The pressure is extraordinarily light, far lighter than you'd expect for a treatment that produces such significant results. Most clients enter a deeply restful, almost meditative state within the first few minutes. Many fall asleep.
A full-body session covers the neck, face, arms, abdomen, legs and feet. A focused session targets specific areas for example, the legs and abdomen for hormonal bloating, or the face and neck for post-surgical swelling.
• Fully or partially clothed throughout • Heated table • Feather-light pressure • Deeply meditative and calming
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After your session
Most clients feel noticeably lighter immediately: puffiness reduced, legs less heavy, face less congested. Some feel a gentle tiredness as the body processes and detoxifies and this is completely normal and passes within a few hours.
We'll recommend you drink plenty of water, rest if possible, and avoid alcohol for 24 hours. The lymphatic system continues working for several hours after the session, so the full effect often develops over the following day.
Your therapist will discuss what she found, how many sessions might be beneficial for your situation, and any home care recommendations.
THE MERAKI DIFFERENCE
MLD works beautifully
alongside
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture supports fluid metabolism and Spleen Qi — the Chinese medicine system most closely associated with fluid regulation. Combined with MLD, the results compound beautifully.
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Chinese Herbal Medicine
Specific herbal formulas support lymphatic and fluid function from the inside. Casey can prescribe alongside your MLD sessions for a comprehensive approach.
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Energy Healing & Reiki
For clients carrying emotional weight or nervous system dysregulation alongside physical fluid issues, combining MLD with energy healing addresses every dimension simultaneously.
Session pricing
A genuine limited-time opportunity to experience MLD at Meraki while Casey builds her practice hours.
FAQs
