Gentle relief for a body that feels heavy.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a slow, gentle, rhythmic technique. Your lymphatic system is your body's drainage network: it carries extra fluid (edema) and waste away from your tissues. It has no pump of its own, so it relies on movement, breathing and gentle pressure. MLD gives it that nudge.
Ellie is a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (MLD-C) through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, trained in the Vodder technique, the original method developed in the 1930s by Dr. Emil Vodder.
What a session feels like
No deep pressure and no oil-slicked massage. Ellie uses soft, rhythmic, stretching strokes that gently move the skin in a set direction, guiding fluid toward your body's natural drainage points. Every session begins near the neck and collarbone to open these pathways first, so the rest of the work flows more easily. Most people find it deeply calming, and many drift off before the session ends.
From there, your session length shapes your care. In a 90-minute session, Ellie works through your whole body, moving from limb to limb for a complete, head-to-toe reset. In a 60-minute session, she follows the same process but focuses on the areas that need it most, like heavy legs, puffy ankles or tight, achy arms. In a 30-minute head, neck and face session, she focuses on easing puffiness and congestion above the shoulders. You can stay dressed if you'd like, though direct skin contact gives the best results, and you'll be modestly draped the entire time.
What people often notice
Less swelling (edema): legs, ankles and arms that feel lighter and less puffy
Relief from everyday edema: less heaviness after travel, long days on your feet, or a tough workout
Pregnancy support: helps manage the effects of edema in the feet, ankles and legs during pregnancy
Postpartum support: helps manage the lingering edema that can last for weeks after birth
A clearer head: eases puffiness and congestion in the face, head and neck
Deep relaxation: the slow, rhythmic touch calms your nervous system, and many clients drift off
Comfort and pain relief: less tightness, tenderness and achiness
Better circulation: helps fluid move back toward your heart instead of pooling in your legs
Natural cleanup: gently supports your lymphatic system as it clears extra fluid and everyday waste from your tissues
Effects adapted from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS), 2023.
Lipedema: comfort-focused support
Lipedema is a chronic condition where fat builds up unevenly, most often in the legs, hips, buttocks and arms. It can feel heavy and tender, and bruise easily. It's common, often missed, and nobody's fault.
MLD doesn't remove lipedema tissue, and it isn't a substitute for care from your doctor or a lipedema specialist. What many people with lipedema look for is relief: legs that feel less heavy, less tender and more like their own. Early research suggests MLD can ease the pain and heaviness of lipedema (Nöll et al., 2026). We can work alongside your medical team and pair MLD with gentle movement and compression to ease your symptoms.
Pregnancy and postpartum swelling
Swollen feet, ankles and legs are one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy, and swelling can linger for weeks after birth. MLD’s gentle, rhythmic touch helps manage the effects of swelling during pregnancy and postpartum, so your body feels lighter, calmer and more comfortable during a season of big changes. Sessions are adjusted for your comfort, with careful positioning and extra pillows.
Pricing & Packages
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Your first visit starts with a relaxed conversation about your health, your goals and what’s been bothering you. Then we move into your first MLD session, tailored to what your body needs most.
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A short, soothing session for puffiness and congestion above the shoulders. A great add-on, or a quick reset on a busy day.
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The same gentle MLD process, focused on your areas of need. A good fit for heavy legs, puffy ankles, or tight, achy arms.
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A complete head-to-toe reset. Ellie works through your whole body, limb to limb, for the deepest relaxation and the fullest drainage.
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About $63 a session. A gentle way to let the benefits build over a few weeks.
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$60 a session. A steady rhythm for ongoing heaviness, swelling or stress.
Packages are good for 6 months from purchase. Free to reschedule more than 24 hours ahead.
When MLD isn't right
Please check with your doctor before booking if you have an active infection, a blood clot or a history of one, heart or kidney failure, a recent stroke or repeated mini-strokes (TIAs), or uncontrolled high blood pressure. If you've been diagnosed with lymphedema, or your swelling is new, sudden or only in one leg, please see your doctor first.
Pregnant or recently gave birth? Please get your OB or midwife's OK before booking. MLD isn't right if you have high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or swelling that's sudden, severe or only in one leg; call your provider right away if you notice these.
MLD at Be Well is a wellness service and not medical treatment for lymphedema.
Pairs Well With
CranioSacral Therapy
