What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is a large part of our very complex immune system. It is a system of strategically placed lymph nodes, which are filters. Most people know about lymph nodes but don’t realize that they are connected by a series of organized and specialized lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic vessels have a very low pressure and a very slow beat, depending on gravity or specialized motion to carry a very specialized life saving fluid, lymphatic fluid. Lymphatic fluid is the fluid we are trying to move with lymphatic massage, it needs help moving when it is injured or overwhelmed. Lymphatic fluid carries cellular debris away from your body tissues: from the tips of your toes and fingertips, from the top of the head down to the neck. The ultimate destination of this fluid is the heart where it joins with your blood and goes out for further filtration in the kidneys or liver. So it is known in some circles as “cleansing”, and it is indeed one way our bodies continuously eliminate waste products. 

What is lymphatic massage and why do I need to do it?

The medical term for lymphatic massage is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), which means moving your lymphatic fluid with my hands in a very specialized motion, pressure, sequence through the vessels and nodes. The specialized sequence is called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which means moving lymphatic fluid in the sequence in which it flows naturally. This is the most effective way to open the lymphatic pathways and is the foundation of a sound lymphatic care plan regardless of the location of your lymphatic issue. The right pressure, motion, and sequence is exactly what lymphatic massage means.

What conditions might benefit from lymphatic care?

Pain or swelling might be clues! Doctors may refer for post-op care, lymphedema management, injuries, inflammation. As an important part of the immune system, the lymphatic system is often misunderstood but may be involved in an array of health issues. Some wellness philosophies view lymphatic work as “cleansing” but the correct term is “decongesting”: a systematic forward flow of the lymphatic fluid’s cellular debris back to the bloodstream for further filtration. Forward is the direction you want this specialized fluid to be moving, find out how! Do you know which direction is your fluid moving?

Does lymphatic massage hurt?

Sometimes it hurts briefly if I come across a lymphatic road block, that area of injury I talked about above. Injuries can be new or old - ranging from a recent incision like a tummy tuck to a fractured ankle from 20 years ago. If we run across an area of pain, it is a message from your body that there is an injury or something we need to explore together. Don’t worry, I’m listening. That’s why they call me The Lymphatic Whisperer. Lymphatic massage is usually experienced as a very relaxing and rewarding experience!

Is it true that lymphatic drainage work will make me sick?

It can make you feel sick, but it usually won’t “make you” sick. Always keep in mind what is in lymphatic fluid: cellular debris, commonly referred to as “toxins”, moving back to your bloodstream. This is a normal process, and lymphatic drainage is facilitating this process. This is why I will ask you to be hydrated and eat lightly, further optimizing your other filtration functions: kidneys, liver, gut. As a nurse, I am collaborating with your healthcare team and monitoring your ability to tolerate this specialized medical procedure before, during and after the work. 

If this is a medical procedure, will I be on a gurney in a hospital gown?

No! The Lymphatic Whisperer clinic is a wonderful healing space where many people have found peace, healing, understanding, and lymphatic fluid health. You will be welcomed into a private space where it is safely just the two of us in a warm environment. My clinic looks like a forest, surrounded by art by artwork by local artists. There is a private bathroom and dressing area, I will preserve your dignity at all times and I schedule plenty of time so there is no rushing. 

What are the qualifications i should look for when choosing a lymphatic practitioner?

I have a background in nursing for 3 decades, 2 of those decades were in ICU so I am ready for anything medical. I am also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist for the past 10 years. This a medical certification for RN’s, PT’s, OT’s to treat lymphatic problems such as lymphedema. Many people come to me with a spectrum of issues, from wellness seekers to complex medical issues. Because I am a nurse, I require collaboration with your healthcare team and I am an advocate when you hit roadblocks in your care. This is my unique experience and approach as a lymphatic practitioner, but you’ll also find a variety of practitioners and services. Some massage therapists alternative practitioners are experienced or certified in lymphatic massage and teaching. Don’t be afraid to ask about any practitioner’s viewpoint, I find that most lymphatic practitioners are very passionate about this work. Always fact check any health information and follow reliable sources. What I look for in good lymphatic care is the practice of Complete Decongestive Therapy.

How often should i come in for a lymphatic massage?

After your first appointment, we’ll discuss your lymphatic response and determine how your health will benefit from ongoing work together. You are welcome to come in any time but the medical necessity for the lymphatic massage will be determined by your response to the massage combined Lymphatic Lifestyle adjustments. My goal is to save you money and time whenever possible. Many times, people are spending money and time chasing cures, trying “everything”, running down another dream cure. The right care for the lymphatic system often relieves this heartache, we will see if this is perhaps the one thing you haven’t tried yet and brings relief. Because it is often difficult to obtain a test of the lymphatic system, we will monitor you for symptom relief. As your Lymphatic Nurse, I am here to help you even if lymphatic care does not solve your problem. I will work with your physician, your care team, your family, to find a solution.

Is there any follow up care after lymphatic massage?

Follow up daily self-care is essential to a lymphatic health plan. I teach all of my clients how to do this using Lymphatic Lifestyle principles, my method for boosting massage efficacy and ongoing daily lymphatic flow. I will also ask you to communicate with me after our work to find out your response and start a plan for ongoing care if needed.

How do i prepare for my first appointment?

Please focus on hydration the day before our appointment. I will ask you to schedule your appointment for a day when you can plan to rest for 24-48 hours after our work. Why? Because we must always maintain a healthy respect for the lymphatic system’s job and what we doing with this work. Wear comfortable clothing, you can disrobe as much or as little as you are comfortable. Lymphatic massage is a specialized pumping motion, the work is optimized with my hand’s contact with your skin. Again, you will be kept covered and your dignity preserved! Eat lightly before you come in, I prefer that you try to stay plant based in the time around this work if it is not medically contraindicated for you. Some lymphatic problems will require follow up compression garments, such as an arm sleeve after breast cancer. Bring with you any compression garments you may have, we will try to work with what you have to save money whenever possible.

What about lymphatic diet and supplements? I’ve been hearing a lot about that.

This is no my area of expertise, and I currently do not endorse any supplement for the lymphatic system. Many times these are expensive propositions, but I find that your money would be better spent on a beautiful pair of lymphatic leggings or an ocean vacation! My focus is on moving the lymphatic fluid with Manual Lymphatic Drainage and daily self care lifestyle changes. As a nurse I do not make dietary recommendations other than encouraging fresh fruits and vegetables with attention to hydration and fluid balance within your medical restrictions.

I’ve heard that strong emotions can come up with this work, why?

Our body’s survival mechanisms are constantly involved in our everyday lives, in our major events, our injuries, our exposures to chemicals, pathogens, even people. The body remembers. The immune system remembers in its own unique way. Here we find your survival, stored in your body in a very specialized way. As we gently uncover your wounds it can be an emotional experience. It’s ok, I’m here for it, I understand it. I will guide you through it in our work and in advocacy to appropriate care.

How much does it cost?

Sometimes all you need is an hour, but if you need more time I have packages which bring the price down considerably. I am always mindful of cost and medical budgets. All referrals to a care team or products will be mindful of cost savings. In keeping with my humanitarian mission, sliding scale is available on a case by case basis.

$185 - hourly

$725 - 5 hours

Classes & Consulting packages are priced individually, let’s talk about it.