I have worked as a lymphatic drainage massage therapist for almost twenty years, but the history of this practice dates back nearly 100 years. Often, my clients ask me how lymphatic drainage massage got its start. Well, in this post I answer that question.

Let’s look at how what is also known as the Vodder lymphatic drainage, was discovered along with its many health benefits.

The Father of Lymphatic Drainage

During the 1930s, a man named Emil Vodder moved from Denmark to France due to poor health. However, his deep interest in anatomy never wavered and an intense fascination with the lymphatic system. As a result, he developed a massage technique, later called Vodder lymphatic drainage, and presented it at a conference in Paris.

By the 1960s, his lectures started to draw attention from doctors who admired his work and made the connection between this massage technique and lymphoedema. In 1965, Emil Vodder made another presentation describing breathing, dieting, and relaxation techniques to accompany lymphatic drainage massage.

Vodder’s lymphatic massage techniques involved rhythmic manipulations to stimulate lymph flow and fluid movement. After much success with his patients, he developed a series of techniques for a more systematic approach. This technique eventually became known as Manual Lymph Drainage.

In the 1970’s the Vodder lymphatic drainage technique was brought from Austria to North America. It became increasingly important for the skin and beauty industries as well.

Today, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is one of the most widely practice massage techniques throughout the world. Read more about Vodder and his connection with Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage.

The Many Medical Conditions Lymphatic Massage Treats

Of course, it isn’t uncommon for my clients to ask me how or what conditions Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage can treat. The answer is, the list is endless! In my personal practice, I use lymphatic massage to treat the following conditions:

• Lyme Disease
• Sinusitis
• Chronic Fatigue
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Pre-& Post-Surgical Recovery
• Cleansing and Detoxing the Body
• Edema (If Unrelated to Heart or Kidney Disease)
• Traumatic Injury
• Veinous Insufficiency
• Mini Facelifts
• Digestive Disorders
• Immune Disorders
• Cancer Related Symptoms

I am always amazed by how many conditions lymphatic massage can treat. Improving the health of my clients is my goal, and lymphatic drainage massage is one more piece to a healthy lifestyle. It can also be used to improve weight loss, as I outlined in my recent blog post.

Why Lymphatic Massage Is Important & Who It’s For

The lymphatic system is designed to support the immune system while nourishing and cleansing cells. If your lymphatic system begins to fail, so will your overall health. The good news is, lymphatic massage techniques can reverse environmental elements and poor lifestyle decisions that lead to a compromised lymph system.

In reality, lymphatic massage is important for everyone. This is especially true if you sit at a desk all day or lead an inactive lifestyle. The lymph system doesn’t circulate like blood or other bodily fluids, which means it relies on physical activity to properly move lymph fluid throughout the body. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is one way to do that.

However, I highly recommend lymphatic drainage massage for edema, which can occur as a result of cancer treatments, or anytime your body is post-surgery.

To schedule an appointment with me for a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, please use my contact page. I look forward to supporting your healthy lifestyle goals.