10/19/2026
“But shouldn't you use more pressure?”
Not with Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
MLD is not deep-tissue massage, and it isn’t supposed to feel like one.
The lymphatic vessels being targeted are close to the surface of the skin, so MLD uses light, gentle, rhythmic movements rather than deep pressure.
That softness is part of the technique—not a sign that the treatment isn’t “doing enough.”
If you usually associate an effective massage with deep pressure, MLD can feel very different.
Think less digging into muscles and more gentle, intentional movement designed specifically to support lymphatic flow.
Sometimes less pressure really is more. 🌿