Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy Certificate Course (5 CE)

Discover how the lymphatic system's components—vessels, nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils, adenoids, and bone marrow—work with lymphocytes and B cells to support antibody production and immunity.

Explore the primary functions of the lymphatic system: fluid balance, immune defense via lymph nodes and lymphocytes, fat absorption by lacteals, and transport of immune cells.

Explore the lymphatic transport system, from capillaries with overlapping endothelial valves to collecting vessels and lymph nodes, draining into the subclavian veins via the thoracic and right lymphatic ducts.

Explore diseases and disorders of the lymphatic system, including lymphedema, lymphadenopathy, lymphoma, leukemia, and lymphadenitis, and how damage, infection, or cancer alter drainage and lymph node health.

Identify indications for lymphatic drainage massage, including lymphedema, post-surgery recovery, edema and pregnancy swelling, detoxification, immune support, fibromyalgia, skin conditions, and stress relief.

Learn contraindications for lymphatic drainage, including acute cellulitis, hepatic psoriasis, severe cardiac insufficiency, unstable hypertension, renal failure, untreated tuberculosis or thyroid dysfunction, metastasis, primary tumors, and pregnancy with abdomen avoidance.

Lymphatic drainage massage increases lymph formation and transport by boosting capillary filling and lymphangion propulsion, dilating vessels and lymphocyte flow, supporting detoxification, swelling reduction, and faster tissue healing.

Learn lymphatic drainage massage techniques, including effleurage, upward strokes, and two-handed pumps, with edema strokes and broad hand contact to drain swelling and stretch skin safely.

Master the stretch and relaxation phases of lymphatic drainage massage with gentle pressure, skin stretching to increase interstitial pressure, and a rhythm moving lymph 5 to 8 repetitions per area.

Learn central and proximal pre-treatment techniques using deep diaphragmatic breathing to open deep lymphatic vessels, drain distal fluid, and gently pump neck and axillary lymph nodes.

Learn the ground rules of lymphatic drainage massage: no oils, direction-specific skin stretch, slow movements with rest, edema-focused pumping; start centrally in the neck and drain legs with deep breathing.

Learn face, head, and neck lymphatic drainage massage through guided self-practice, deep breathing, skin drag pumps, and channel drainage to support relaxation, skin health, and lymphedema care.

Learn the treatment sequence for a full body lymphatic drainage massage, outlining the order for each body part and encouraging practice with a partner or on oneself.

Begin a full body lymphatic drainage with three to five deep belly breaths, placing hands on the abdomen and chest to move lymph toward the heart.

Neck lymphatic drainage uses light effleurage, skin stretch, and 5–8 pumps to open cervical and auricular nodes; indications include post-surgery swelling, neck injury, and health and wellness.

Learn back of head and neck lymphatic drainage techniques that open the clavicular and auricular spaces, apply broad contact strokes toward the ears, and finish at the clavicles.

Perform a facial lymphatic drainage treatment to de-puff, improve skin glow, and ease sinus issues by gentle, directed pumps from the jaw to the temples, finishing at the supraclavicular nodes.

Master chest lymphatic drainage by opening proximal nodes, applying five pumps from midline to the axilla, with bilateral axillary strokes, circles, and breathing to encourage fluid movement.

Treat the arm with lymphatic drainage to reduce post-surgical edema and support wellness, elevate the arm, open axillary nodes with 5 to 8 pumps, and work in four quadrants.

Perform abdomen lymphatic drainage to relieve edema, fluid stagnation, lipedema, and digestive disorders, guiding tissue toward the heart with clavicular and axillary pumps, using warm hands and diaphragmatic breathing.

Stimulate the inguinal lymph nodes to help fight infection and filter bad fluid and inflammation with hand contact and 5-8 pumps, one side at a time or both sides together.

Deliver leg lymphatic drainage by opening clavicular and inguinal nodes, then perform sequential pumps from thigh to foot, using broad contact and slow breathing to relieve swelling.

Demonstrates back lymphatic drainage with client face down, opening axillary, clavicular, and inguinal nodes; indications include swelling and back-pain, using five broad strokes toward collarbones and armpits, finishing with effleurage.

Learn lumbar and glute lymphatic drainage techniques, outlining contraindications and indications while guiding fluid pumps from the outer hip toward the inguinal region, with rest periods and stepwise reverse motions.

Finish the full body treatment by turning the client over. Then guide 3 to 5 deep diaphragmatic breaths to drain the lymphatic system and move distal fluid toward the heart.

Practice along with a facial and neck lymphatic drainage massage demonstration video, designed for clinic or spa settings, with a partner-guided routine.

Practice a full body lymphatic drainage massage sequence with a partner, following a proximal-to-distal flow to embed the routine into memory.

Explore upper-extremity lymphedema management with a drainage sequence that drains to watershed areas, inguinal nodes, and the unaffected armpit, including steps for home care and post-surgical considerations.

Learn lymphedema management for the lower extremities, including lymphatic drainage techniques, elevation, and pumps that move toward the axillary space and inguinal region to decongest the legs.

Learn complete decongestive therapy (CDT) for lymphedema, combining manual lymph drainage, compression, bandaging, exercise, and skincare to reduce pain and swelling and improve well-being.

Phase one mobilizes fluid via decongestive therapy sessions and bandages worn most days; phase two maintains swelling reduction with daytime compression garments and nighttime bandages plus self manual lymph drainage.

Learn how compression therapy reduces swelling in lymphedema through bandaging and compression garments, part of complete decongestive therapy, guided by physiotherapists, doctors, or massage therapists.

Begin with gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises to stimulate lymph flow, then progress to aerobic activities like cycling, yoga, swimming, and light lifting as lymphedema stabilizes.

Learn a therapeutic skincare routine for lymphedema, including daily washing, keeping skin folds clean and dry, applying moisturizers, avoiding sunburn and scented irritants, and consulting a doctor if concerns arise.

Learn dry brushing for lymphatic drainage and lymphedema support, exfoliate the skin, and apply guided abdominal, arm, and leg strokes draining toward axillary and inguinal spaces for home care.

Learn a full-body lymphatic drainage massage at home through a self-massage sequence with guided hand placements and breath-directed lymph flow toward auricular, axillary, and inguinal nodes.

Learn a facial cupping lymphatic drainage massage sequence that opens axillary, supraclavicular, and auricular nodes, uses effleurage and flash cupping, and targets a jaw and sinus lift for 15-minute treatment.

Learn facial cupping through a client demonstration, practicing with a model and then on your own to build confidence. Seek client feedback to improve technique.