Experience a whole new old style of bodywork. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gently, rhythmic technique that encourages healthy lymphatic flow and may help reduce swelling while supporting the body's natural healing process.
With specialize training in the Vodder technique of lymphatic drainage massage, I offer personalized Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage sessions tailored to your individual needs, in the comfort and privacy of your Maui location.
So, you're on Maui and considering a Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) session - but what exactly is MLD, and is it really a massage? MLD and the lymphatic system are trending heavily on social media, but not everything you see online is necessarily accurate. One common claim is that a single MLD session will automatically make you lose pounds and inches. While you may notice changes in swelling or how your body feels, this is not an outcome you should count on.
Maybe you have recently had surgery, experience swelling after a long flight or hours of hiking at higher elevations, or you're simply curious and want to experience MLD for yourself. Or perhaps you're tired of being beaten up by overly aggressive "deep tissue" massages. MLD is a gentle rhythmic and deeply relaxing form of bodywork that can be a wonderful option for health and wellness in both the young and aging population.
I offer MLD as a mobile service on Maui. You can also visit me at Black Rock Spa at the Sheraton Hotel & Spa in Kaanapali, Lahaina on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where you can enjoy your session and then relax on the beach afterward.
Your lymphatic system is a fascinating part of your body's natural circulatory and immune system. It is a network of vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphatic tissues that moves lymph fluid throughout the body and helps maintain fluid balance while supporting immune function.
Unlike your cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system does not have a heart to pump lymph. Lymph relies on gentle movement from breathing, muscle acitivity, and the surrounding tissues to keep it flowing. This is one reason the light, rhythmic movements used in Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage can be so different from traditional massage therapy.
Understanding the lymphatic system helps explain why MLD is such a specialized form of bodywork. Learning where the lymphatic system is located, how lymph moves through the body, and why healthy lymphatic flow matters is knowledge I have learned in my many Lymphatic Drainage trainings and look forward to sharing with you.
One of the benefits of receiving Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage as a mobile service is that you don't have to get back in your car after your session. You can keep lymph moving by immediately going for a short walk, even if just around your house. You can receive your MLD treatment in the comfort and privacy of your Maui home or vacation rental.
This can be especially appealing when your body is already dealing with swelling, recovering from surgery, or simply feeling tired after travel or a full day of activity. MLD is gentle, relaxing bodywork, and being able to stay where you are afterward can make the entire experience more comfortable.
If you prefer a spa setting, I also off MLD at The Spa at Black Rock at the Sheraton in Kaanapali on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can enjoy your session and then take some time to walk the beach or hotel beach walk afterward.
The Vodder technique is a specialized approach to Manual Lymphatic Drainage developed by Dr. Emil Vodder and Dr. Estrid Vodder. It uses very light, precise, rhythmic movements designed to work with the superficial lymphatic system rather than applying the deeper pressure used in many traditional massage techniques.
The technique follows specific pathways and directions on the body to encourage the movement of lymph fluid. The lymphatic system follows a very specific route for it to drain properly and avoid stagnation. Because the lymphatic vessels are located close to the surface of the skin, MLD does not require deep pressure to be effective bodywork.
My training in the Vodder technique gives me a specialized foundation for providing gentle, intentional lymphatic drainage massage. For a very long time the teaching of this technique was only available to Physical Therapists. When it was finally made available to Massage Therapists I jumped at the chance to become certified in its application. I believe it is worth sharing with everyone.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is very different from traditional Deep Tissue Massage or even Swedish Massage for that matter. Sure, one can say that all massage therapy moves lymph but the specific movements of MLD encourage lymph to flow in it's most effective state and without threat of harm to the vessels, nodes or collectors. The lymphatic vessels are located very close to the surface of the skin, so MLD uses gentle, rhythmic movements rather than heavy pressure. More pressure does not mean better lymphatic drainage.
Deep, aggressive massage can leave tissues sore, irritated, or inflamed, especially when the body is already swollen or recovering from surgery. Trying to forcefully manipulate tissues is not the goal of lymphatic work. MLD takes a much gentler approach and works with the body's own lymphatic pathways and collectors.
If you are accustomed to massage that leaves you feeling like you've been "worked over," MLD may be a completely different experience. It is gentle, relaxing bodywork that focuses on supporting healthy lymphatic flow rather than overpowering the tissues.
Swelling is a common part of the body's response to surgery, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is often used as part of postoperative care protocol. Gentle, targeted and specific lymphatic work may help support the movement of fluid stagnation and provide a soothing form of bodywork while your body is healing.
Post-surgical and Post-cosmetic surgery MLD is not about aggressively working on or around healing tissues. The timing and type of treatment can depend on the procedure and your individual recovery, so it is important to follow your surgeon's instructions and receive appropriate clearance before beginning treatment.
If you are considering MLD after surgery, I can work with you and your healthcare team's recommendations to provide a gentle, personalized session.
"I had an amazing experience with Laura—she truly has a gift. From the moment the session began, she made me feel completely comfortable and at ease. Her technique was both relaxing and therapeutic, and she knew exactly how to target areas of tension without me even having to say much. I left feeling refreshed, lighter, and completely rejuvenated. Laura is professional, attentive, and clearly passionate about what she does. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a high-quality, calming massage experience."
Malia Kence owner West Maui Skin
