Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage is a light-touch, slow-paced style of bodywork for general wellness. There is no digging and no pressure to brace against. The strokes are gentle and directional, which can surprise people who assume a massage doesn't count unless it's firm. Most people who book this aren't looking to be worked over. They want a quiet hour after travel, a desk-bound week, or a stretch of days when they simply feel less comfortable in their body. I work one-on-one with you, start to finish, and we decide together what a comfortable session looks like. For example, the pressure is closer to the weight of a hand resting on skin than to any kind of kneading, and the sequence matters more than the force.

This is a massage for people who want less pressure, not more. I noticed that first-time clients sometimes wait for the “real” massage to begin because the opening touch is so subtle. That lightness is the work. The pace is unhurried, and you do not need to push through discomfort to get value from the session. You may feel relaxed, quiet, or ready for a nap afterward. What I won't promise is a cure, a detox, or weight loss — UCLA Health notes that detox and weight-loss claims aren't supported. This is comfort-focused wellness care, and I prefer to be plain about that.

Puffiness, heaviness, and swelling can have many causes. They are not a diagnosis, and I do not diagnose a “clogged” lymphatic system or treat a diagnosed swelling condition. Lymphedema is a diagnosed medical condition that can involve chronic swelling; I do not treat it. New, sudden, painful, or one-sided swelling needs a physician’s attention before any massage. Some conditions are a contraindication — a reason to skip a particular massage, or to get medical clearance first. Cleveland Clinic lists congestive heart failure, active infection, blood clots or DVT, and kidney problems among them. I ask about health history before a first session, and I would always rather reschedule than work outside what is safe.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is the clinical and technical term often used for a very light, directional technique. Online, that term is often surrounded by medical or post-surgical language. My service is general-wellness massage, not clinical treatment or post-operative care. You've probably heard about lymph nodes — small structures in the lymphatic system — around the neck, armpits, and groin. You do not need to know where they are or arrive with the right words. Tell me how you want the session to feel, and I will stay within the scope of massage therapy. For instance, someone used to deep tissue will sometimes ask, well into the session, whether I have started yet, which is a fair question and a good sign.

We begin with a short conversation about your goals, health history, and comfort with pressure. Then you lie down, stay comfortably draped, and settle into a slow rhythm of light work. The question I get most often is whether the touch can really be that gentle. It can. I keep the room warm, check in when needed, and make adjustments if anything feels unfamiliar. Most clients tell me the quiet pace is what they notice most. You can talk, ask a question, or rest without needing to perform relaxation. I want you to leave feeling listened to, not sold a story about what the massage supposedly changed.

You do not have to choose perfectly before you arrive. Start with what you want your body to experience that day, and I can help you sort out the name. Lymphatic drainage is a fit when you want a very light, quiet session and no firm pressure on a sore area. If you want classic relaxation with more familiar flowing pressure, Swedish massage may suit you better. If you want focused, firmer work for areas that feel tight from activity or posture, read about deep tissue massage. For recovery-oriented bodywork connected to movement, sports massage may be the better fit. I learned that the clearest choice usually comes from this simple question: do you want to soften and rest, or do you want focused pressure?

Appointments take place at my Murrieta studio, with the same therapist every time: me. A 60-minute session is a good first choice for most general-wellness visits; current options, openings, and rates are listed on Square. Sessions start from $85. If you would like to ask about the room, hours, or whether this is the right fit before booking, use my contact page. You can also read about my training and credentials before you come in. I offer this work in-office only, with time to slow down and talk through what feels appropriate for you.

In my experience, explaining the light pressure before we begin makes the session feel purposeful instead of puzzling.

Before you book, it is worth knowing where I stand on what massage does. For most healthy adults it is comfortable, low-risk care, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health puts the risk of harmful effects as low (NCCIH, 2024). The same source is candid that the evidence for pain relief is mixed rather than settled, and I would rather tell you that than oversell an hour on my table. If you want to know who you are booking with, my about page covers my training and certification, and the contact page has the map, current hours, and a short contact form. In other words, feel free to look me up first — I'd rather you arrive knowing exactly who you're booking with.

At a glance

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Wednesday and Friday: closed
• Sessions from $85; the traditional 90-minute hot stone session is $160
• In-office only, by appointment, at 25109 Jefferson Ave Ste 120, Murrieta