Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Self-Facilitated Lymphatic Activities for those with healthy bodies and chronic illness

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique that uses gentle, light pressure to stimulate the lymphatic system, encouraging the drainage of lymphatic fluid and waste products. It’s not a deep tissue massage; instead, it involves light, repetitive strokes to move fluid through the lymphatic vessels and towards lymph nodes.

There are many benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage:

  • Boosting the immune system
    • By massaging lymph nodal areas and decongesting connective tissues. For example, MLD can help before travel (exposure to lots of germs), and also help reduce frequency of illness and length of cold symptoms (after acute phase of illness).
  • Improving digestion and Nutrient Absorption
    • The lymph structures in the digestive system helps with absorption of fats and fat soluble vitamins. Deeper abdominal massage techniques assist with this.
  • Reducing edema to improve aesthetics
    • Reducing swelling/edema in the abdomen, face, and legs for more toned look. AKA debloating the belly 😊
  • Exercise/injury/surgery recovery
    • By stimulating lymph drainage movement in the body, MLD helps remove metabolic waste like lactic acid or trauma-induced inflammation from affected areas, speeding up recovery.
Graphic representing the lymph system in the body, with a word overlay describing the benefits of MLD

As a person living with chronic illness, including (Ulcerative Colitis, Asthma, Allergies, mental health conditions, Chronic Fatigue and other idiopathic inflammatory conditions), regular lymph work has:

  • Reduced myofascial and joint pain in my body
  • Reduced symptoms of PMS, including less bloating and milder mood swings
  • Reduced frequency and severity of chronic headaches
  • Reduced brain fog
  • Increased energy-levels
  • Improved sleep
  • Improved digestion

How can this work help you or someone you know with (or without) chronic illness?

As a chronic illness warrior, I aim to hold space, sympathize with clients and their individual health journeys, offering personalized treatments drawing from my various education and experiences in the wellness, massage, and fitness industries. As a Massage and Yoga Teacher, I am motivated to help others utilize tools to help support their wellness at my office and themselves. Learning about the lymphatic system and activities to support this system at home has been a game changer for my health and others I’ve worked with. For a list of activities that can support your lymphatic system and daily/weekly tracker, please click here.

For more lymph education, I recommend:

Online Resources

Online Class:

Recommended Books:

  • The Book of Lymph by Lisa Levitan Gainsley, CLT

“If you aren’t draining, you’re accumulating.”
“If you are not eliminating, you are reabsorbing”

Kat McArthur is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Fitness Instructor specializing in Manual Lymphatic Drainage for those with healthy bodies and chronic health conditions. After facing years of debilitating symptoms related to autoimmune diseases, conditions and other idiopathic medical issues, she discovered the benefits of lymphatic massage in helping reduce and manage symptoms. Her passion is providing lymphatic education and fitness to her clients, community, and beyond. She is dedicated to helping clients take accountability for their health and wellness by offering to improve their daily lives.

Picture of Kat McArthur
Kat McArthur