Your lymphatic system relies on movement to function properly. Muscle contractions, from activities like walking or exercising, are the primary active movers of lymph fluid. Deep, full breathing serves as the main passive mover. This consistent movement ensures proper filtration and flow, enabling your lymphatic system to do its job.

When activity levels drop, fluids may not circulate effectively. In such cases, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) can compensate. MLD is a critical component of the "Gold Standard" care for Lymphedema & Lipedema, and is also essential for managing other forms of chronic swelling or preventing acute swelling from worsening.

While general massage can assist, certain techniques may disrupt the natural flow of lymph and could potentially exacerbate swelling. MLD is a specific, gentle, hands-on technique that balances bodily fluids, enhances filtration rates, and boosts immune system function, all vital for tissue and fluid homeostasis.



My MLD approach is grounded in the anatomy of the lymphatic vessels, rather than any single historical theory. I believe the effectiveness of various techniques depends entirely on the unique presentation of swelling and the condition of the skin. MLD therapy can alleviate a wide range of symptoms, including swelling, pain, fatigue, stiffness, pre- and post-surgery issues, and various chronic conditions like allergies, sinus congestion, and insomnia.

Specialized Skin & Hygiene Care emphasizes the crucial role of proper skin care in managing chronic conditions and preventing complications like infection.  To keep your skin healthy and comfortable, I recommend:

• Best Topical Treatments: Access to the most effective, clinically validated topical products to address specific skin concerns such as dryness, irritation, or fragility.
• Specific Therapies: Tailored therapeutic interventions to manage and improve skin health, integrated with your overall treatment plan.
• Home-Care Education: Personalized training on daily skin hygiene practices and preventative care, empowering you to manage your condition effectively at home.

Compression Garments & Bandaging are cornerstones of effective lymphedema and edema management, using controlled external pressure to reduce swelling and improve fluid circulation.  I am not currently offering these services but I do offer comprehensive assessment of your condition. 

For those with primary lymphedema, advanced LE stages, or complex medical cases, I provide recommendations and referrals through my professional networks such as the Clough Family Rehab Lympedema Center at Emerson Hospital for ongoing management.

• Ordering and Referrals: Streamlined process for physician referrals and ordering of medically necessary compression items, including both custom-made and off-the-shelf options.
• Multi-layer, Short-stretch Bandaging: Application of specialized multi-layer, short-stretch compression bandages, the most effective method for initial volume reduction (decongestion phase). These bandages provide high working pressure during muscle activity and low resting pressure for comfort.
• Self-Bandaging Education: Hands-on training and education on proper self-bandaging techniques, allowing for independent management and maintenance of limb volume.

Garshana: An Ayurvedic Approach to Lymphatic Stimulation

Garshana is an Ayurvedic dry brushing technique that utilizes light skin friction to stimulate the lymphatic system, promote detoxification, and remove dead skin cells. The name translates from Sanskrit to "rubbing" or "polishing" and is essentiall skin exfoliation.

This technique is often performed using raw silk or linen gloves, with strokes directed toward the heart to encourage lymphatic flow. It is considered beneficial for clearing metabolic waste, energizing the body, and improving circulation.

Castor Oil Treatments

Castor oil Abdominal Packs and the Lemon/Castor Oil Foot Treatment are both a refreshing, cleansing, experience!  These treatments are offered in conjunction with a bodywork session.

Castor oil is considered one of the most healing oils on the planet with a wide and impressive therapeutic application. The oil is derived from the castor bean plant, Ricinus Communis, which is native to India. 

It is a key medicinal used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia and was studied and promoted in the US during the mid-20th century by

Dr. Edgar Cayce, holistic health pioneer.

Castor oil Abdominal Packs:

Castor oil is applied topically to the abdomen and is absorbed through the skin into the underlying visceral and tissues spaces, along with the application of heat which helps it to penetrate.

Its therapeutic action on the tissues include flushing, cleansing, emollient / softening of gall stones, skin, and dry, arthritic tissue, liver-detoxifier, mild to moderate laxative effect and so on. It also increases lymphocyte production and the circulation of the lymphatic system.

Lemon/Castor Oil/Salt Foot Treatment:

The combination of castor oil, salt, and lemon, is a powerful triple effect that opens the pores and the nerve endings in the feet, and the excretory channels of the kidneys and liver, drawing out impurities. 

The salt has a gentle skin exfoliating effect as well as balancing tissues pH. The lemon is an excellent stimulant to the lymphatics moving stagnant lymphatic fluid in the feet back into venous circulation. The treatment also helps to cool the body and feels wonderful!

Sunlight™ Far Infrared Portable Sauna

The Sunlighten™ Solo is a unique, portable far infrared sauna system designed to fit over a massage table, offering numerous wellness benefits. Unlike traditional saunas, it utilizes advanced heaters to emit invisible far infrared light that directly warms the body from within.

Key Benefits & Features:

• Advanced Infrared Technology: Approximately 50% of the sun's energy is infrared light. The Solo harnesses this safe, beneficial light without harmful UV rays, eliminating the risk of sunburn or skin cell damage.
• Deep Penetration: Far infrared light reaches the subcutaneous tissue, stimulating sweat glands and potentially mobilizing specific toxins like mercury, which may make it more effective for detoxification than traditional saunas.
• Pain Relief & Recovery: By causing blood vessels to dilate, the sauna increases blood flow and improves circulation, helping muscles recover faster and offering relief from tension and general pain.
• Wellness Boost: Regular use can provide cardiovascular benefits, increase core body temperature to help the body fight illness, and may elevate serotonin levels for stress relief.

Summary of Benefits:

• Detoxification
• Relieves Stress & Tension
• Improves Recovery & Circulation
• Provides Pain Relief
• Effects Similar to a Cardiovascular Workout
• Helps Build Muscle & Increases Flexibility
• Causes a Spike in Growth Hormones (hGh)
• Increases Resistance to Illness

This system provides a convenient way to experience the benefits of far infrared therapy. You can choose to add this therapy to your session.