When we think about health and healing, we often focus on muscles, joints, or organs, but one of the most vital systems in the body is often overlooked: the lymphatic system. This intricate network of lymph nodes and lymph vessels plays a crucial role in detoxification, immune function, and inflammation. At Cohesive Therapy, lymphatic drainage is more than a technique; it’s the foundation of our practice. Lymphatic care is a lifestyle, and we believe the lymphatic system is the key to overall well-being and vitality.
So, what is it again?
We like to describe it as the 'detox highway'. The lymphatic system consists of lymph nodes, vessels, and organs that work together to move fluid (lymph) back into the bloodstream. Its primary functions include removing waste and excess toxins from the body's tissues. Supporting your immune system by defending against viruses, parasites, and potential bacterial threats. As well as playing a key role in the absorption and transport of fats and fatty acids from the G.I. tract. The lymphatic system does not have a pump like the heart, so it relies on movement, breathing, and muscle contractions. When lymph flow becomes congested due to stress, surgery, injury, inflammation, or a sedentary lifestyle, the body may experience some of the following:
Digestive Issues / Bloating
Cold Extremities / Poor Circulation
Brain Fog / Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
Skin conditions (acne/rashes/irritation)
Headaches / Sinus Congestion
Edema (persistent and unexplained swelling)
Weight gain
What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage, and How Can it Help Me?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle technique designed to stimulate the natural movement of lymph fluid through the body. Typically performed using light, rhythmic touch to guide fluid through specific pathways toward lymph nodes, where the fluid can be filtered and processed. This can be done with various techniques, such as MLD, compression therapy, and at-home practices. At our facility, drainage is the cornerstone of our treatments. The benefits extend beyond swelling reduction because the lymphatic system interacts with many other body systems. When performed consistently and skillfully, it can aid:
Nervous system regulation + Emotional Wellbeing: The gentle rhythmic movements used during lymphatic massage stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest).
Improved Digestion: Stimulates digestive organs and helps food move through the digestive tract. Relieves constipation and bloating.
Detoxification: Removes metabolic waste and transports dietary fats.
Skin Health & Appearance: Reduces Puffiness and improves skin tone (facial treatments/cellulite).
Sleep Support: Acts as a 'reset button', inducing relaxation and better sleep.
Pain Relief: Manages discomfort with chronic conditions.
Faster Recovery: Speeds up healing from injuries and surgeries.
Lymphedema + Lipodema: Decreases edema and excess interstitial fluid.
Surgical Recovery + Scar Tissue: Reduces postoperative edema and bruising, and supports the removal of toxins and waste from damaged tissues. Accelerates recovery and prevents fibrosis. Drainage can soften and flatten developing scar tissue.
Why a Whole-Body Approach Matters
The body does not heal in isolation. We honor the body as an interconnected system, rather than a collection of separate parts. Working with the superficial and deep lymphatic systems allows for comprehensive fluid management, addressing both surface-level edema and deeper tissue congestion, yielding better long-term results. This perspective allows us to guide the body back toward homeostasis, creating optimal conditions for healing to unfold naturally and continuously.
Not all lymphatic work is the same. What sets us apart is the depth of our training, our dedicated team, and an intentionally personalized approach to care. All Cohesive Therapy practitioners are extensively trained in the complex modalities collectively known as the Gepina Method. This practice fuses a wide range of techniques, including our signature modalities (found here), Reflexology (learn more here), Sculpting Techniques, Fascial Work, Compression Therapy, Light Frequency Therapy, Movement/Breathwork, and Self-care Education. This variety allows us to meet the body exactly where it is, and to adapt as it changes.
Healing doesn’t stop when you leave the table. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge, movement, and practical tools so you can actively support your lymphatic health long after your session ends.
Word Key
BallancerPro ~ whole-body compression device that uses sensors to determine which areas of the body need the most attention and sets the pressure accordingly. Compression stimulates the lymphatic system
Biocharger ~ wellness device designed to optimize your body's energy field and cellular function using a unique combination of natural energies
Deep Lymphatic System ~ large vessels and nodes located beneath the deep fascia, primarily accompanying major arteries and veins to drain lymph from internal organs, muscles, and joints
Fascia ~ dense connective tissue composed mainly of collagen that wraps, penetrates, and surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, and organs
Gepina Method ~ A combination of eastern and western modalities created by lead therapist and owner Gepina Scringa that addresses fascia, superficial and deep lymphatic systems, as well as whole-body wellness. Designed to promote homeostasis within the body.
Interstitial Fluid ~ Clear fluid found in tissues surrounding cells, acting as a bridge between the circulatory system and body tissues. Facilitates the exchange of nutrients and metabolic waste between the blood and cells
Lymph ~ Clear protein-rich liquid derived from blood plasma that leaks into bodily tissues
Lymph Node ~ small, bean-shaped secondary lymphoid organ of the immune system that filters that trap germs, waste, and abnormal cells, activating immune responses to fight infection and disease, often swelling when fighting illness
Lymph Vessel ~ One-way tubes forming a network throughout the body that collect, filter, and transport lymph from tissues back into the bloodstream
MLD ~ Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Superficial Lymphatic System ~ a network of delicate vessels and nodes located in the subcutaneous tissue directly beneath the skin
Vodder Technique ~ a specialized form of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) developed in the 1930s by Dr. Emil Vodder. It uses gentle, rhythmic, circular motions with light pressure to stimulate lymphatic system contraction
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, September 19). Lymphatic drainage massage: What it is & benefits. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21768-lymphatic-drainage-massage
Ilahi, M., St Lucia, K., & Ilahi, T. B. (2023). Anatomy, lymphatic system. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. National Center for Biotechnology Information (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513247/
Carstens, A. (2021). How the lymph system pumps with no pump. AskNature. https://asknature.org/strategy/how-the-lymph-system-pumps-with-no-pump/
Crowhurst, S., Hammond, P., Chafranskaia, A., Durkee, L., & Phan, S. (2024). How to do self lymphatic massage on your lower body (Form D-5802). University Health Network. https://www.uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Documents/How_to_Do_Self_Lymphatic_Massage_Lower_Body.pdf
Relive Health. (2025, January 27). Lymphatic drainage: The key to boosting your body’s natural detox. Relive Health. https://relivehealth.com/skin-care/lymphatic-drainage-the-key-to-boosting-your-bodys-natural-detox/
Honguten, Agsipa, et al. “Effects of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy on Autonomic Nervous System Responses in Healthy Subjects.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2021. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.019
Relive Health. “Lymphatic Drainage: The Key to Boosting Your Body’s Natural Detox.” Relive Health, 27 Jan. 2025, relivehealth.com/skin-care/lymphatic-drainage-the-key-to-boosting-your-bodys-natural-detox/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026
Olivia Robinson
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