Join us for a 4-day, 30-hour in-person Manual Lymph Drainage course. This course is a combination of lecture and hands-on practice of techniques. Students must attend all 4 class days.
SPECIAL! Tuition: $899 through 10/1/25. Full price from 10/2/25 on. Payment plans are available for this class; payment must be made in full by the first day of the class.
Approved for 30 CEUs for massage therapists through the NCBTMB for all states but New York. The Institute for Continuing Education is an Approved Provider with the NCBTMB # 307800-00.
The Lymph System is the body’s waste management system. It is made up of a network of low-pressure vessels which provide a route for the return of interstitial fluid to the blood vessels. A complex network of lymph vessels, ducts and nodes is present throughout the body to move the fluid and also provide immune functions. This course is designed to teach the students about the Anatomy and Physiology of the Lymph system as well as techniques and routines that will manually assist with lymph drainage, including the basics of the Vodder method. This is a 30-hour class taught in four 7.5-hour sessions.
What to bring: a set of sheets to cover a massage table (or twin-size fitted sheet and flat sheet), and a face cradle cover if you have one. A blanket is optional. The school will provide massage tables.
Throughout this course, students will:
- identify the anatomy and physiology of the lymph system
- identify the techniques most commonly used for manual lymph drainage
- identify and perform the Routine and techniques for Head, Face and Neck
- identify the direction of lymph flow in the body
- list the indications and contraindications for manual lymph drainage
- perform proper draping techniques for MLD
- identify the pathologies for upper body and upper extremities that would require MLD
- identify and perform the routines and techniques for upper body and upper extremities
- define Anastomosis
- identify the pathologies that would require anastomosis
- identify and perform the routines and techniques for each type of anastomosis
- identify pathologies for lower body and extremities that would require MLD
- perform routines using proper techniques for lower body and extremities
- identify pathologies that would require an Immune Boost MLD session
- identify indications and contraindications for immune boost MLD session
- identify and perform techniques and routines for an immune boost MLD session
- identify and perform routines for Dry Brushing
- identify the anatomy, physiology, techniques used, indication and contraindications of the Lymph system – full review
- identify when MLD can be used with other bodywork techniques
- identify proper intake procedures and forms
- identify proper treatment session structure after intake
- identify and perform proper treatment after being given random case study
Instructor: Lucille Zirpoli, LMT
A graduate of Ramapo College (BS) and of The Institute for Therapeutic Massage, Luci Zirpoli is a Licensed Massage Therapist in both NJ and PA. She has much experience working with hospice patients in skilled nursing facilities and at home, as well as with other clients for medical and general massage therapy. She also has extensive experience teaching for The Institute for Therapeutic Massage and the Massage Academy of the Poconos as well as for continuing education schools. She has taught Manual Lymphatic Drainage and many other massage therapy topics including but not limited to Cancer Survivor Massage, Anatomy & Physiology and Myology.
