Our bodies constantly repair and heal themselves, but the lymphatic system can become sluggish or congested. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) are specialised techniques that support your body’s natural drainage system. This gentle, precise treatment helps clear congestion, reduce swelling, and address diverse health concerns, from post-surgical recovery and chronic inflammation to hormonal changes and fatigue.
Your Lymphatic System: The Body’s Drainage Network
Your lymphatic system is a vital part of both your circulatory and immune systems, your body’s natural drainage and defence network. It comprises lymphatic vessels that transport lymph fluid toward the heart, lymph nodes that act as filtering stations filled with immune cells, and organs like the thymus and spleen that produce infection-fighting cells.
Every day, your circulatory system processes around 20 litres of blood. While 17 litres are reabsorbed into your bloodstream, about 3 litres remain in your tissues as interstitial fluid. This is where your lymphatic system becomes essential, collecting and processing this excess fluid and returning it to circulation.
Movement Is Key
Unlike your cardiovascular system, which relies on the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system depends on peristalsis (wave-like muscle contractions), breathing, and regular movement. That means physical activity, posture, and digestive health all play a vital role in supporting lymphatic flow.
Your lymphatic system works constantly to:
- Fight infections and eliminate damaged or abnormal cells (including cancer cells)
- Remove excess fluid from tissues to prevent swelling
- Absorb and transport fatty acids from your digestive system
- Move white blood cells to where they’re needed
- Control inflammation and promote healing
How Inflammation Affects the Lymphatic System
Inflammation plays a central role in lymphatic dysfunction. When tissue is injured or under stress, the body releases inflammatory cytokines, small signalling proteins that coordinate immune responses and healing.
However, these same cytokines can alter vessel permeability, impair lymphatic pumping, and drive the fibrosis characteristic of chronic swelling. When lymphoedema develops after surgery or injury, this underlying inflammation sustains the problem and contributes to long-term dysfunction.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps by gently stimulating lymphatic pumping and flow, supporting the body’s natural repair mechanisms.
The Chikly Method
I am trained in Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) developed by Dr Bruno Chikly, MD, DO. Like other established schools such as Vodder and Földi, the Chikly approach is grounded in research and clinical practice, but with its own unique characteristics that emphasise precision and restorative integration.
The Chikly method includes:
Gentle Pressure: Using only about 5 grams of pressure, roughly the weight of a five-cent coin, the technique works with delicate lymphatic vessels without compressing them.
Precise Anatomical Mapping: Dr Chikly’s extensive research created detailed maps of lymphatic pathways throughout the body, allowing highly targeted treatment that aligns with your body’s natural drainage patterns.
Comprehensive Assessment: Each session begins with an assessment of your lymphatic flow to identify areas of congestion and tailor the treatment to your body’s needs that day.
Whole-System Integration: The Chikly method recognises the connection between lymphatic, fascial, and fluid systems, addressing not just lymph, but also interstitial, cerebrospinal, and blood circulation.
Brain Lymphatic Drainage: Dr Chikly pioneered techniques for the recently discovered lymphatic vessels in the brain (the glymphatic system), supporting treatment for headaches, migraines, concussion recovery, brain fog, and sleep disturbances.
Who Benefits from Lymphatic Drainage?
LDT is remarkably versatile and supports a wide range of needs:
Medical Conditions
- Lymphoedema (primary or secondary)
- Post-surgical recovery and healing
- Cancer treatment side effects (especially after lymph node removal)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Immune deficiencies
- Respiratory conditions (including in children)
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury recovery
- Chronic headaches and migraines
Reproductive & Hormonal Health
- Pregnancy-related fluid retention
- Postnatal recovery
- Post-miscarriage healing
- Menopausal symptoms
Wellness & Aesthetic Support
- Cellulite reduction
- Detoxification and metabolic support
- Athletic recovery and performance
- Stress reduction and nervous system regulation
Understanding Lymphoedema vs. Oedema
Lymphoedema is localised fluid retention caused by a compromised or damaged lymphatic system. It can be primary (inherited) or secondary (due to injury, surgery, or radiation). Treatment usually combines manual lymphatic drainage, compression garments, and bandaging.
Research shows that MLD significantly reduces lymphoedema volume and improves quality of life for post-breast cancer surgery patients.
Oedema, on the other hand, is a temporary fluid buildup when the lymphatic system struggles but isn’t damaged. Common causes include heat, high salt intake, hormonal changes, or stress. Symptoms often include swelling in feet, hands, and ankles, stiffness, and mild weight fluctuation.
While less serious than lymphoedema, similar approaches, hydration, movement, and MLD, can bring excellent results.
What to Expect During Your Session
Your First Visit: Begins with a comprehensive health history and assessment of your lymphatic flow, using the Chikly method to identify specific areas of congestion.
During Treatment: You’ll remain comfortably clothed (or appropriately draped) while lying on the table. The touch is light and rhythmic, many clients describe it as deeply relaxing, even meditative. Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes.
After Treatment, You May Notice:
- Increased urination (a healthy sign of release)
- A sense of lightness or renewed energy
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced swelling or puffiness
- Occasionally, mild detox symptoms such as temporary skin breakouts or fatigue
Drink plenty of water, around 4-8 glasses, to support your body’s natural cleansing.
Supporting Your Lymphatic Health at Home
Between treatments, simple habits help sustain your lymphatic health:
- Hydration: 2–3 litres of water daily
- Nutrition: Eat plenty of leafy greens and quality protein; minimise sugar and processed foods
- Movement: Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming supports lymph flow
- Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours per night, the glymphatic system works hardest during deep sleep
- Rest & Recovery: Include genuinely restorative activities that calm your nervous system
- Dry Brushing: Stimulate lymphatic flow by brushing toward the heart before showering
- Deep Breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing encourages lymph movement through natural pressure changes
Treatment Frequency
- Acute Conditions (post-surgery or injury): 2–3 sessions per week initially, then taper as healing progresses
- Chronic Conditions (lymphoedema, fatigue): Weekly to fortnightly sessions, then monthly for maintenance
- Wellness & Prevention: Monthly sessions for immune and fluid balance support
- Detoxification Programmes: Weekly for 4–6 weeks, alongside dietary and lifestyle shifts
Your treatment plan will always be tailored to your individual needs.
Important Safety Information
LDT is not suitable for:
- Oedema from kidney, heart, or liver failure
- Active infections or fever
- Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Active chemotherapy (wait at least 48 hours after treatment)
- Acute bacterial inflammation
Special Considerations:
- Pregnancy: Safe and beneficial when adapted appropriately
- Cancer Recovery: Excellent for post-treatment care, but timing depends on your medical plan
- Pre-eclampsia Warning: Seek medical care immediately if you experience severe swelling with protein in urine, sudden headaches, blurred vision, or abdominal pain during pregnancy
Always consult your healthcare provider if unsure.
The Evidence
Research continues to validate the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage:
- Reduction of lymphoedema and swelling
- Improved mobility and pain reduction
- Enhanced immune response and detoxification
- Decreased inflammation and tissue fibrosis
Dr Chikly’s research has also deepened our understanding of how cerebrospinal fluid, lymphatic, and fascial systems integrate throughout the body, helping practitioners work more effectively with the fluid systems of both the brain and body
References
Chikly Method:
- Chikly, B. Silent Waves: Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy (2nd edition, 2005).
- Chikly, B., & Quaghebeur, J. “Reassessing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamics: a literature review presenting a novel hypothesis for CSF physiology.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2013.
- Chikly Institute: chiklyinstitute.com
Are You Ready to Experience the Benefits?
If you’re recovering from surgery or illness, managing chronic fatigue, or simply wanting to support your immune and nervous systems, Lymph Drainage Therapy may be an ideal complement to your healing journey.
If you’re dealing with swelling, recovering from surgery or illness, managing a chronic condition, or simply want to support your immune system and overall wellbeing, Lymph Drainage Therapy may be beneficial for you.
The combination of anatomical precision, gentle touch, and deep respect for the body’s intelligence makes this treatment both therapeutic and deeply relaxing.
Book your session at The Healing Practice and experience the difference of renewed lightness and energy.