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Learn the principles and techniques of lymphatic drainage massage and develop a deeper understanding of the lymphatic system and its role in the body. This 14-hour continuing education course introduces massage therapists to lymphatic anatomy and function, edema and lymphedema, indications and contraindications, the effects of lymphatic drainage massage, full-body massage techniques, and self-massage.
Whether you are new to lymphatic drainage massage or looking to expand your knowledge of this specialized modality, this course provides both foundational information and practical instruction. The course includes a textbook and more than two hours of online video demonstrations, including a complete full-body lymphatic drainage massage session.
In this course, you will learn:
The anatomy and functions of the lymphatic system
How the lymphatic system contributes to fluid balance and immune function
Edema, lymphedema, and factors that contribute to their development
The principles and effects of lymphatic drainage massage
Indications, contraindications, and safety considerations
Basic lymphatic drainage massage strokes and techniques
How to perform a full-body lymphatic drainage massage
Self-massage techniques using lymphatic drainage principles
How to approach lymphatic drainage massage for different client needs
Practical lymphatic drainage techniques demonstrated through more than two hours of online video
Why take this course?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized approach that requires an understanding of the lymphatic system, appropriate techniques, and important safety considerations. Developing knowledge of lymphatic anatomy, edema, indications, and contraindications can help massage therapists make more informed decisions when working with clients.
This comprehensive 14-hour course combines detailed textbook instruction with more than two hours of practical video demonstrations, including a full-body session. It is a strong option for massage therapists who want to develop a deeper foundation in lymphatic drainage massage and expand their knowledge of specialized massage techniques.
Describe the structure and primary functions of the lymphatic system.
Explain the relationship between lymphatic function, fluid balance, immunity, edema, and lymphedema.
Describe the fundamental principles and effects of lymphatic drainage massage.
Identify appropriate indications, contraindications, and safety considerations.
Describe basic lymphatic drainage strokes and techniques.
Apply foundational techniques when performing a full-body lymphatic drainage massage.
Identify appropriate self-massage techniques using lymphatic drainage principles.
Use knowledge of lymphatic anatomy and client considerations to make more informed decisions when applying lymphatic drainage techniques.
Text: Milady's Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage by Ramona Moody French, 184 pages
Lymphatic Drainage Massage: The Body instructional video with Meade Steadman, approx. 2 hours 25 minutes
Course instruction guide
75-question multiple-choice final exam
Course evaluation
Certificate of Achievement upon completion
Unlimited phone support for course-related questions
The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.
Our massage online continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.
For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.
I really liked being able to print out the test so I could fill it out as I go. - J. Spicher
Book was informative, I preferred the dvd method of LDM, exam was simple. - Jennifer Raymond
The book was practical and very useful to me. I will refer back to it often. The DVD complemented the course by demonstrating the massage techniques. - Mary Ladd, LMT
The delivery of materials was prompt and the course was helpful to beginning LDM. - Laurie Graves, LMT
I liked the DVD and the text book. It's a modality that I really wanted better information on and I feel like I got that. I've taken other online modality courses that were kind of a total throw away. this one I actually learned something. - Rebecca Swaine, LMT
The information was very useful to my practice. The DVD was greatly supportive to the subject matter, easily understood, and ready to put into action. - Jane Loehle, LMT
It was so clearly put together in order for understanding. - Esmeralda O., LMT
The textbook was easy to understand and the DVD was excellent presented. It was easy to learn what Lymph drainage was about and how to do basic LDM. - Ammari de Villiers
Lymph drainage massage (LDM) is used primarily to reduce and treat:
A. Edema
B. Muscle constriction
C. Trigger points
D. Energy deficiencies
Which of the following is a function of the lymphatic system?
A. Helps balance fluid and distribute immune cells through out the body
B. Rids the tissues of excess proteins and toxins and carries digested fat from the intestines to the blood vessels
C. Helps to repair damage in injured tissues
D. All of the above
Where are the subscapular nodes located?
A. In the center of the axilla
B. Behind the lateral edge of the pectoralis major
C. Just inferior to the clavicle
D. The anterior edge of the latissimus dorsi
Course Authors
About the Instructors
Corrine Rubida, BS, LMT
Corrine completed her massage therapy training at Gateway College of Massage Therapy in 1997 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration in 2012. She has been practicing and teaching massage therapy since 1997 and currently holds a massage therapy license in South Dakota. She is also a member of the ABMP. In 2002, Corrine founded the Center for Massage Therapy CE to make professional massage continuing education courses available both online and by mail. Since then, she has developed more than 100 home-study massage continuing education courses and has taught live courses for AMTA and the Gateway College of Massage Therapy.
Meade Steadman, LMT
Meade Steadman is an instructor for the Myotherapy College of Utah and the Myotherapy Institute of Massage. In the classroom, he has taught Swedish, Sports, Acutherapy, Tai Chi, Hydrotherapy, Reflexology, Infant Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Contraindications, Chair Massage, Geriatric Massage, Specialized Spa Techniques, and Therapeutic Principles. He is also the featured expert in many award-winning instructional videos (produced by Aesthetic VideoSource) on various massage modalities.
Since 1996, he has owned and managed Tranquil Touch™ LLC in Salt Lake City, UT. He has been a guest lecturer at the University of Utah, and has published in A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology (4th Edition) and Massage and BodyWork Magazine.
