
Explore techniques to remove restrictions to lymphatic flow and promote lymphatic drainage, using the sternocleidomastoid and cervical chain nodes, including effleurage, thoracic pump, pedal pump, and mandibular drainage.
Begin central and proximal pre-treatment by stimulating central areas with five pumps to clear the lymph highway. Open terminus and proximal nodes—neck, axilla, inguinal—to maximize drainage toward the venous angles.
Learn hyoid and thyroid cartilage release to enhance lymphatic drainage, support swallowing and vocalization, free anterior neck fascia, and improve breathing and vagal tone through gentle neck mobilization in supine.
Utilize the maxillary drainage technique to ease sinusitis and allergies, reduce facial puffiness, and clear dental inflammation by gentle lymph effleurage from the mid-face toward the ear and neck.
Perform the submandibular release to ease facial swelling after dental work, sinus congestion, and tmj tension by releasing the digastric muscle and submandibular fascia.
Master the miller thoracic pump technique to aid respiratory conditions, alleviate lymphatic congestion and edema, and boost immune response by chest wall pumping and guided breathing sequences.
Apply the ascending colon lymphatic technique to relieve constipation, bloating, and IBS from right-sided congestion and adhesions, using supine positioning, a 20–60 second hold, and abdominal pumping.
Lymphatic Drainage Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for Manual Therapists
Unlock a deeper understanding of the lymphatic system and learn how to apply manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) techniques safely, effectively, and confidently in professional practice.
This comprehensive course is designed to help manual therapists develop practical skills for supporting lymphatic movement, reducing fluid congestion, and enhancing overall client well-being. Through clear instruction and hands-on demonstrations, you’ll learn how to assess lymphatic restrictions and apply targeted techniques that integrate seamlessly into existing treatment sessions.
Taught by Michael Eric Everson, Manual Osteopath and Registered Massage Therapist, this course blends anatomical understanding with practical application to ensure techniques are both effective and clinically appropriate.
Whether you are a massage therapist, physical therapist, aesthetic practitioner, or bodywork professional, this course provides a structured and accessible approach to incorporating lymphatic drainage techniques into your work.
What you’ll learn
A clear, practical overview of the lymphatic system
How to identify common restrictions to lymphatic flow
Manual techniques to support intrinsic and extrinsic lymphatic movement
Key indications and contraindications to ensure client safety
How to integrate lymphatic drainage techniques into full treatment sessions
Techniques covered include:
Auricular and facial drainage approaches
Trigeminal nerve–related drainage concepts
Alternating nasal pressure technique
Hyoid and thyroid cartilage release
Submandibular and mandibular drainage
Cervical chain and maxillary techniques
Rib raising, diaphragm doming, colon techniques, pedal pump, and more
Hands-on practice and technique review
Each technique is demonstrated step by step with clinical reasoning and anatomical context. Emphasis is placed on correct hand placement, pressure, sequencing, and therapist ergonomics to help you build confidence through repetition and understanding.
Who this course is for
Massage therapists and bodyworkers
Manual and movement-based therapy practitioners
Aesthetic and spa professionals
Students seeking a structured introduction to lymphatic drainage techniques
The content is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice.
Join thousands of students who have trained with Michael Eric Everson and continue to expand their therapeutic skillset with practical, clinically relevant techniques.
Enroll today and begin developing confident, effective lymphatic drainage skills.