Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is not massage.

You may be surprised to learn that Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and massage are two very different treatments.

Massage works primarily with the muscles, fascia and joints. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised therapy that uses gentle, precise movements to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping reduce swelling, support immune function and encourage the body's natural healing processes.

Many treatments promoted on social media as "lymphatic drainage massage" are actually massage techniques rather than true Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Authentic Dr Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses light, rhythmic skin-stretching techniques without massage oil or deep pressure. It is extremely gentle and ideal if your skin is sensitive or painful. It is important to understand that genuine MLD  is a specialised therapy requiring specific training and techniques that are very different from massage.

One of the benefits of working with me is that I can combine Manual Lymphatic Drainage and massage within the same treatment when appropriate, creating a personalised treatment tailored to your individual needs.

I provide Manual Lymphatic Drainage for:

• Fluid retention and swelling
• Post-surgical swelling, bruising and recovery
• Lipoedema
• Sinus congestion and allergies
• Facial and body puffiness
• Heavy, tired legs
• Post knee or ankle surgery                             • Inflammation and tissue tenderness
• Swelling associated with medication, injury or illness

If you have lymphoedema following lymph node removal or another diagnosed lymphatic condition requiring specialist management, I can help you find the appropriate practitioner and make a referral. 

If you would like to discuss whether MLD is suitable for your situation, please book a complimentary phone consultation.

Regular MLD promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces swelling, calms the nervous system, alleviates pain, and boosts immune function.                           

• Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) has a decongestive effect by accelerating lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and restoring normal tissue condition.

• MLD has a sympatholytic effect, calming the nervous system and reducing stress and anxiety through its rhythmic, soothing movements.

• MLD has an analgesic effect, reducing pain by stimulating mechanoreceptors that inhibit pain signals, making it effective for conditions like migraines and joint pain.

• MLD has an immunological effect, enhancing the body's immune response by speeding up the transport of bacteria and allergens to the lymph nodes for faster defense.

Face Lymphatic Drainage & Relaxation focuses on reducing fluid retention, facial puffiness, swelling and congestion while calming the nervous system. This gentle treatment includes Manual Lymphatic Drainage, along with relaxing scalp and neck massage. Ideal for sinus congestion, allergies, stress, post-surgical recovery, and anyone wanting to feel lighter, clearer and deeply relaxed.

Face, Jaw & Neck Relief is a more specialised treatment designed for jaw tension, TMJ dysfunction, clenching, headaches and neck tightness. It combines face sculpting, lymphatic drainage, and targeted release techniques (including intra-oral work when appropriate) to reduce tension, improve movement, and restore comfort in the face, jaw and neck.

In short:

Choose Face Lymphatic Drainage & Relaxation if you want:

• Reduced puffiness and swelling
• Sinus and allergy relief
• Post-surgical recovery support
• Deep relaxation and stress relief

Choose Face, Jaw & Neck Relief if you want:

• Relief from TMJ and jaw tension
• Headache reduction
• Face sculpting and jawline definition
• Release of facial, jaw and neck tightness
• A more therapeutic, targeted treatment

Kahuna (Romi) Bodywork is a flowing, rhythmic style of bodywork originating from Hawai‘i. Using long forearm strokes, gentle stretches, and continuous movement, it works with the whole body rather than focusing on isolated muscles. Many clients describe it as deeply relaxing, meditative, and restorative.

Shivani trained in Kahuna Romi Bodywork with Gaylene Ho‘kere Aitken, a direct student of Kahu Abraham Kawai‘i, the creator of the Kahuna Romi method. She has also undertaken training with Mette's Institute bringing together a unique blend of therapeutic skill, intuitive touch, and deep relaxation.

Ideal for: stress relief, nervous system regulation, emotional wellbeing, muscular tension, and those seeking a deeply nurturing bodywork experience.

Women's Hormonal Massage

Period Pain • Fertility • Perimenopause • Menopause

Are you experiencing period pain, bloating, constipation, IBS, fertility challenges, fibroids, cysts, post-C-section discomfort, or symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause?

This gentle treatment combines Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) with techniques inspired by Mizan Therapy and Chi Nei Tsang. Working with the abdomen, pelvis, and surrounding structures, the treatment aims to reduce congestion, improve circulation, support healthy lymph flow, and encourage relaxation of the muscles and connective tissues that support the reproductive and digestive organs.

By promoting mobility and balance throughout the abdomen, pelvis, sacrum, and hips, this treatment may help relieve discomfort associated with menstrual, hormonal, and digestive concerns while supporting the body's natural healing processes.

May help with:

• Period pain and menstrual discomfort
• Bloating and fluid retention
• Constipation and IBS
• Fertility preparation
• Fibroids and ovarian cysts
• Post-C-section recovery
• Perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Stress and nervous system regulation

Remedial & Mobility Massage

Relieve pain, restore mobility, and move with greater ease.

Remedial & Mobility Massage is a personalised treatment designed to reduce pain, release muscle tension, improve flexibility, and support recovery from injury, exercise, or the demands of everyday life.

Following an assessment, your treatment may include a combination of deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, stretching, cupping, hot stones, dry needling, and relaxation techniques. Every session is tailored to your unique needs on the day.

Ideal for:
• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Headaches and muscular tension
• Sports and exercise recovery
• Postural strain and desk-related tension
• Tight hips, legs and restricted movement
• Acute and chronic pain conditions
• Injury rehabilitation and prevention

Suitable for adults, teens and children. Massage may also support growing bodies experiencing growth spurts, sports-related tension, headaches, stress, anxiety, or sleep difficulties. Please contact us for a complimentary phone consultation before booking a child's first appointment.

Remedial massage may help to:

✓ Reduce pain and muscle tension
✓ Improve posture and joint mobility
✓ Relieve headaches and neck tension
✓ Support recovery from injury and exercise
✓ Improve circulation and tissue health
✓ Reduce stress and improve sleep
✓ Enhance flexibility and movement
✓ Support overall wellbeing