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Lymphatic Literacy™: Foundations of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an introductory 8-hour continuing education course designed to provide massage therapists and bodywork professionals with a foundational understanding of the lymphatic system, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and its appropriate applications within massage and wellness practice.
Students will review the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, including lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymph formation and transport, and the relationship of the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Particular attention is given to indications, precautions, contraindications, and circumstances in which treatment should be postponed or referral to an appropriately qualified healthcare professional may be indicated.
The course introduces the history and major schools of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and explains the differences between introductory MLD education, advanced MLD training, lymphedema education, and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Students will discuss professional training pathways so they can accurately represent their education and understand when additional training or certification is necessary.
Students will also explore the differences between therapeutic and spa/wellness applications of lymphatic techniques. Spa applications, treatment planning, client expectations, and appropriate terminology will be discussed alongside professional scope of practice.
An important component of the course addresses ethics and truth in advertising. Students will examine responsible communication regarding MLD, including the appropriate use of terms such as “detox,” avoiding unsupported medical or curative claims, accurately representing training and credentials, and communicating the limitations and intended purposes of massage and wellness services.
The hands-on portion introduces foundational MLD principles, including pressure, rhythm, direction, sequencing, and practitioner body mechanics. Students will learn and practice a basic approximately 60-minute wellness-oriented MLD protocol that can serve as a foundation for continued study.
This course is introductory in nature and does not constitute certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, lymphedema therapy, or Complete Decongestive Therapy.
Location: The Olympia Center 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
Date: March 29th, 2027
Times: 10am-7pm Lunch break from 12:30-1:30
What to bring: Sheets, (oils typically are not used with MLD, but you may bring some)
Provided: Tables, handouts, pdf, slides, resources for further study
More details will be provided under our “Event Details” page
**Please note if you do not select that you accept advertizing when you sign up you will not get an automatic confirmation email. I do not sell or spam your email. I send out a semi quarterly informational email on upcoming classes.
Email with details on the course will come one week prior to class.
Lymphatic Literacy™: Foundations of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an introductory 8-hour continuing education course designed to provide massage therapists and bodywork professionals with a foundational understanding of the lymphatic system, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and its appropriate applications within massage and wellness practice.
Students will review the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, including lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymph formation and transport, and the relationship of the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Particular attention is given to indications, precautions, contraindications, and circumstances in which treatment should be postponed or referral to an appropriately qualified healthcare professional may be indicated.
The course introduces the history and major schools of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and explains the differences between introductory MLD education, advanced MLD training, lymphedema education, and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Students will discuss professional training pathways so they can accurately represent their education and understand when additional training or certification is necessary.
Students will also explore the differences between therapeutic and spa/wellness applications of lymphatic techniques. Spa applications, treatment planning, client expectations, and appropriate terminology will be discussed alongside professional scope of practice.
An important component of the course addresses ethics and truth in advertising. Students will examine responsible communication regarding MLD, including the appropriate use of terms such as “detox,” avoiding unsupported medical or curative claims, accurately representing training and credentials, and communicating the limitations and intended purposes of massage and wellness services.
The hands-on portion introduces foundational MLD principles, including pressure, rhythm, direction, sequencing, and practitioner body mechanics. Students will learn and practice a basic approximately 60-minute wellness-oriented MLD protocol that can serve as a foundation for continued study.
This course is introductory in nature and does not constitute certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, lymphedema therapy, or Complete Decongestive Therapy.
Location: The Olympia Center 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
Date: March 29th, 2027
Times: 10am-7pm Lunch break from 12:30-1:30
What to bring: Sheets, (oils typically are not used with MLD, but you may bring some)
Provided: Tables, handouts, pdf, slides, resources for further study
More details will be provided under our “Event Details” page
**Please note if you do not select that you accept advertizing when you sign up you will not get an automatic confirmation email. I do not sell or spam your email. I send out a semi quarterly informational email on upcoming classes.
Email with details on the course will come one week prior to class.