Manual Lymph Drainage-3-Day Program

Join us for a 3-day, 24-hour Manual Lymph Drainage course. This course is a combination of lecture and hands-on practice of techniques. The first 8 hours of the class is taught by live webinar; the second two days (16 hours) are taught in-person at The Institute for Continuing Education in Fairfield, NJ. Students must attend all 3 class days.

This course is approved for 24 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, AP # 307800-00.*

SPECIAL! Save $225! Tuition: $495 through 4/15/26. Full price from 4/16/25 on. Payment plans are available for this class; payment must be made in full by the first day of the class.

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 students about the Anatomy and Physiology of the Lymph system as well as techniques and routines that will manually assist with lymph drainage. This is a 24-hour class taught in three 8-hour sessions.

What to bring for Days 2 & 3: 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.

Day 1 (Live Webinar via Zoom) – Note: Live webinar hours are considered LIVE credits.

The first day of the course introduces the student to Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) by presenting the history and concept of MLD. It includes a review of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system.
Lymph circulation and issues, immunity and immune responses will be covered, as well as indications and contraindications and principles of MLD. The complete MLD session, including record keeping and session notes will be explained. Techniques will be demonstrated on different body regions.

Day 2 – In-Person/Hands-On

Routines are demonstrated, documented and practiced for the following: Face and Neck and Upper Extremity. Students will practice the face and neck routine, under instructor guidance, then switch. MLD techniques on the upper extremity will then be discussed and practiced. Students will draw out routines on a template as well as create a written step-by-step routine for MLD on the upper extremity; instructors will demonstrate the routine flow.

Day 3 – In-Person/Hands-On

Routines are demonstrated, documented and practiced for the lower extremity and immune booster. Students will create a personal manual including drawings and written scripts. Instructors will demonstrate routine flow. Students will practice the routines on each other, under instructor guidance, then switch.

About the Instructors: Joanna Mosto Paganotti, LMT and Lucille Zirpoli, LMT

Joanna Mosto Paganotti has been a massage therapist since 2007, which, continues down a path she began in 2001 when she became a Reiki practitioner and started her study of medicinal plants. She maintains a private practice, Balance Massage and Energy Healing, LLC and in 2009 began teaching massage and bodywork as well as energy work and meditation. From 2009 to 2017, she was a Massage and Bodywork Instructor at Institute for Therapeutic Massage and worked in 2013 as a Bodywork Instructor and Clinic Supervisor at Fortis Institute.

She has expanded her knowledge of mind-body work, studying CranioSacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute, Past Life Regression with Brian Weiss, Access Bars with Access Consciousness, Pre and Post Natal massage with Cheryl Chapman and most recently, the Spurgeon Method™ of Breast Massage Levels 1 and 2 with Sally Spurgeon. Joanna believes that bodywork and energy work should not be a luxury but rather a step on your path towards well-being.

Since 2008, Luci Zirpoli has been massaging clients in many areas and with various conditions. For 16 years she has been teaching in massage programs along with continuing ed classes. In addition, she was the Lead Massage Therapist with a NJ hospice company for a decade. Her education includes oncology certification, personal training and the NY program which included Asian bodywork. Her passion lies in working with people with serious medical conditions, and her specialties include manual lymphatic drainage, pregnancy and foot reflexology.

*Continuing Education Note:

NJ massage therapists need to complete 20 CEUs every 2 years (which must include 2 CEUs of ethics and 1 CEU of NJ massage law). If an MT exceeds 20 CEUs in one licensing cycle, (s)he may carryover up to 18 CEUs into the next cycle. In other words, anyone taking this 24-credit course should be able to apply all 24 credits toward licensing requirements for one or two cycles.