Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

36 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

The lymphatic system is key in purification and serves as the body’s filter system, removing biological waste and carrying white blood cells that help prevent infection back into the bloodstream. Manual lymph drainage (MLD) removes metabolic waste by pushing it to lymph nodes for disposal and allowing for nutrients to flow through clean blood plasma, which, among other benefits, helps nourish and rejuvenate skin. The lymph system is interconnected with every artery and vein, and is both superficial and deep, running just below the skin and both above and deep below the fascia. These superficial vessels are extremely sensitive, so light pressure, no more than the weight of a nickel, is indicated .

movement with our hands encourages the natural drainage of the lymph. Waste products are carried away from the tissues and the lymph is recirculated in the body. Contraindications to MLD to the neck and face include carotid–sinus syndrome, atherosclerosis, having a heart condition, untreated thyroid disease, kidney failure, blood clots, an infection, primary tumors and metastases. 11,12 To be safe, your clients should talk to their primary care provider before having MLD. The Most Common Benefits of MLD Some of the most common benefits of facial MLD include: 13 Skin care . MLD can help with complexion and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in facial tissue, as well as reduce puffiness around the eyes. Old scar tissue can be reduced and the appearance of new scars can be minimized by softening the collagen fibers that form scars. MLD is commonly used before and after cosmetic surgery. Reduce swelling . After long periods of immobility, such as air travel or injuries or conditions that make mobility more challenging, fluid tends to stagnate in the tissue, making it puffy and tender. MLD can reduce water retention from poor circulation. Clients with conditions such as arthritis often have joints that are congested with fluid that might be helped with MLD. Pain . MLD may help with pain from chronic and acute conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, migraine and tension headaches, sprains/strains and whiplash. Relaxation . Because it is such a gentle treatment, MLD is widely considered one of the most relaxing. Chronic Conditions That May Benefit from MLD There are also some chronic conditions that might benefit from MLD, as well. 14, 15 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) . An autoimmune and inflammatory disease where your immune

Lymph flow lines

Unlike the circulatory system, the lymph system does not have a pump and so is dependent on our body’s movement. A combination of smooth muscle cells and skeletal muscle movement returns lymph to the heart as it moves through vessels to lymph nodes. 9 Lymph nodes are located in many places throughout the body, including the neck, armpit, chest, abdomen and groin. They filter the lymphatic fluid and store immune cells that can attack and destroy germs that are traveling through the body in the lymph fluid. Fluid from the head, scalp and face flows down through lymph nodes in the neck. 10 Typically, performing this type of gentle

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