Lymphatic drainage massage

Lymphatic drainage massage is a special technique for working with the lymphatic system and the movement of fluid in the tissues.

Unlike classic massage, the result here depends not on the force of the contact, but on precision: the direction of the movements, the pressure, the rhythm, the sequence of work and the preparation of the lymph-drainage zones.

Swedish / classic massage works primarily with the muscles and soft tissues, whereas lymphatic drainage works with the lymphatic system and the movement of fluid.

So lymphatic drainage is not simply a "light classic massage". It uses different pressure, rhythm and direction of movements, a particular sequence of work, the preparation of the drainage zones, and work with the breath and the diaphragm.

In the MAWS core training system these are two different professional tools:

Swedish massage — work with the tissues.
Lymphatic drainage massage — work with the fluids.

Yes. Lymphatic drainage massage is the next step of core professional training and is studied after Swedish / classic massage.

Before starting the course, the student should already have command of the basic massage techniques, understand anatomy and physiology and have bodywork skills. A new method is added on top of this foundation — work with the lymphatic system.

No. Participation requires a foundation in Swedish or classic massage.

If you have never trained in massage before, you should start with the "Swedish (classic) massage" course, after which you can continue your training in lymphatic drainage massage.

You will study the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and learn to understand where, at what speed, with what pressure and in what sequence to work.

In practice you will master the preparation of the lymph-drainage zones, lymphatic drainage techniques for different parts of the body, work with the breath and the diaphragm, indications and contraindications, and building a complete lymphatic drainage session.

The main aim of the course is not simply to learn a sequence of movements, but to understand the movement of fluid and work consciously with the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic drainage techniques are used to support physiological lymph flow and to work with certain types of puffiness, when massage is indicated and safe.

On the course great attention is paid to ensuring the specialist can distinguish situations in which lymphatic drainage may be applied from conditions in which massage is contraindicated or the client needs to consult a doctor.

These are different techniques with different aims.

Lymphatic drainage massage is directed primarily at working with the lymphatic system and the movement of fluid, whereas anti-cellulite techniques work with the tissues by other methods and usually involve a different character and intensity of contact.

At the same time, in professional practice these approaches can be used within comprehensive programmes, if this suits the client's condition and aims.

No. This is one of the common misconceptions.

Strong pressure is not required for effective work with the superficial lymphatic structures. On the contrary, excessive intensity does not make lymphatic drainage more effective.

That is precisely why the course devotes great attention to the precision of pressure, the rhythm, the direction and the sequence of movements.

Yes. Understanding the lymphatic system significantly broadens a massage therapist's professional possibilities.

Lymphatic drainage principles can be used as a standalone procedure or integrated into other programmes within the specialist's competence and in the absence of contraindications.

After classic massage you already know how to work with the muscles and soft tissues. Lymphatic drainage adds a fundamentally different tool — an understanding of the movement of fluid in the body.

This allows the specialist to better understand the client's condition, broadens the range of technique choices and helps avoid trying to solve every task with the same classic massage techniques.

The MAWS lymphatic drainage massage course takes place in a hybrid format: the theory is studied online, while the practical sessions take place in person in Limassol on models under the instructor's supervision.

The format lets you combine training with work and come to the practice from different towns in Cyprus.

The length of the training is 18 hours. The course includes theoretical preparation and in-person practice with the technique practised on models under the instructor's guidance.

The training is conducted in Russian and English. The language of a particular intake is indicated in the course schedule.

After successfully completing the training you receive a personal MAWS certificate in lymphatic drainage massage with international IICT accreditation.

The course is approved by IICT under the relevant modality. The possibility of professional membership and insurance depends on the region, the insurance partner and the requirements of local legislation.

Yes. With a foundation in massage, after successfully completing the course you will be able to add lymphatic drainage massage to your professional practice as a standalone procedure and use the knowledge gained when building comprehensive work with a client.

The current price depends on the intake and MAWS's current offers. You can find out the price, the nearest training dates and availability on the course page or by messaging us on WhatsApp.