Eva Ryan Wholistic Massage,Scarwork and Vodder MLD

16/02/2026

Regarding a business called ' Lymphaeum education', which offers hands on 3 day courses in MLD ,with follow up zoom sessions, case studies and groups- and no re certification required:
Having asked me, before anything else ,whether ' I had an axe to grind with non Vodder trained people' ( I don't ,long as they work within their remit and expertise)Janine stated
*her clinic is highly successful
she has
*worked on people with lipedema/ lymphedema for many years,I
*she is insured ( good..)
*she spent years 'developing this course.
( 3 days in person, some online,some follow up zoom sessions , groups and case studies).
*What is taught is ' Vodder inspired', and a ' mix of techiques'
The diploma at the end does appear to let students work on people with compromised lymphatic system,( MODERATE)lipoedema and lymphoedema.
*They do NOT bandage or fit compression garments.
* There is NO recertification, unlike Vodder and other mld frameworks which require 2 yearly refreshers.
' they refer to ( seemingly rapidly disappearing) lymphedema clinics for that.
In reply to my question how she insured people weren't working outside their remit,
- 'i have no control over that'. She also repeatedly told me that
' massage is self regulated'. ( Which, despite MLD not being ' massage', I am sure most of you are aware of).
This,for me,after the initial ' axe to grind' remark,was the biggest red flag of all.
Defensiveness and evasion, as opposed to clearly and openly demonstrating how consideration and care for, protection of and the highest,safest quality treatment for the often vulnerable human beings at the very heart of this course- lymphedema and lipedema patients- is assured.
Without knocking the success of her clinic,or the work gone into designing what strikes me as a 'MLD light' budget course, am not filled with joy ,or confidence that anyone attending it may be able to safely deliver MLD treatment to cancer patients..
We cannot do anything about these courses appearing- what we can do is share this info to make others ,who may be looking for MLD training ,aware that despite the claims made ,this course is not all it is made out to be..and that it is worth asking a lot of detailed questions before paying out..So please share this info - on here, on other social media platforms, in conversations, by e mail or phonecall- so people can make truly informed choices, regarding paying for training,or seeking treatment.

26/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/198jqt7QD4/

📢 International lipoedema consensus published

An important milestone for the global lipoedema community.

An international Delphi consensus has been published, with 71 doctors, surgeons, and healthcare professionals reaching 90–100% agreement on 36 statements covering the diagnosis and management of lipoedema.

Lipoedema UK was proud to contribute to this vitally important work through our roles as founding and board members of Lipedema World Alliance

👏 Congratulations to everyone involved for the dedication, collaboration, and hard work that made this consensus possible.

🔗 Read the full publication here:
https://ow.ly/l9yX50Y1K4O

26/01/2026

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25/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JtfLXD7bW/

We have a collection of mini guides on our website, discussing how Manual Lymphatic Drainage can help with certain conditions, including breast cancer. Visit our website for the full PDF guides

22/01/2026

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12/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DWRcxDvGA/

MLDUK believes that to ensure that the highest standards of Manual Lymphatic Drainage are maintained, practice should be confined to those who have undertaken, or who are undertaking, training through these four schools or their accredited teachers.

13/11/2025

https://www.mdpi.com/2571-841X/8/2/63

Background and Clinical Significance: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic condition affecting up to 20% of breast cancer survivors. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) has traditionally included techniques to redirect lymph flow toward alternative pathways when axillary drainage is impa...

06/10/2025

Where Does the Lymph Go After Drainage?

From Puff to Flush—Your Body’s Hidden Detox Highway!

Hey Lymphies!
Ever wondered what actually happens to the lymph after your MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) or dry brushing session? Where does all that puffiness and extra fluid go? Let’s take a journey through your body’s magical drainage map—because the flow doesn’t stop at your skin!

First Things First—What IS Lymph?

Lymph is a clear-ish fluid filled with:
• Water
• Proteins
• Cellular waste
• Immune cells
• Bacteria, viruses, and toxins

It’s like your body’s wastewater, and your lymphatic system is the plumbing network designed to collect it from your tissues and send it packing!

The Drainage Route (The Fun Part!)

After you stimulate your lymphatic system (through MLD, exercise, rebounding, or infrared saunas), here’s what happens step-by-step:

1. Tissues → Lymph Capillaries
Lymph fluid is collected from between your cells (where waste builds up). Think of this as your body picking up trash from every neighborhood.

2. Lymph Capillaries → Collecting Vessels
These vessels have valves to push lymph forward (like a one-way street!). They move it toward central lymph nodes.

3. Nodes → Filter Party!
Lymph passes through lymph nodes, where it gets filtered. Immune cells here attack bacteria, viruses, and debris.
It’s like your lymph goes through a security checkpoint!

4. Cleaned Lymph → Ducts
Filtered lymph travels to the thoracic duct (left side of your neck) or right lymphatic duct—the final stop before exiting!

5. Ducts → Subclavian Vein
Here’s the magic moment!
The ducts drain the lymph directly into your bloodstream, at the base of your neck, where the subclavian vein lives.

6. Bloodstream → Kidneys + Liver
Now the filtered lymph becomes part of your circulating blood. From here:
• Kidneys filter out water-soluble waste → p*e it out!
• Liver handles fat-soluble toxins and waste → p**p it out!

And voilà!
Your lymph just became waste… and left your body.
Flush complete!

That’s Why You Might Notice…
• More p*eing after a session
• Increased bowel movements
• Feeling thirsty
• Fatigue (your body is processing the detox!)
• Reduced swelling or puffiness

So YES—you’re not imagining it. The flush is real.

Fun Lymphie Facts:
• You have 500–700 lymph nodes in your body!
• The thoracic duct drains around 75% of your lymph!
• Your lymphatic system can move 1.5–3 liters of lymph per day with the right support!
• No heart? No pump! The lymph system depends on movement, breath, and pressure (that’s why you NEED to move!).

Support the Flush:
• Hydrate (lymph is mostly water!)
• Move daily (walking, rebounding, stretching)
• Breathe deep (diaphragmatic breathing helps move lymph!)
• Massage & MLD
• Eat clean (to reduce toxin load)

So, Where Does It Go?

In simple terms:
Lymph → Blood → Kidneys/Liver → Toilet!
Your body is brilliant. And your lymphatic system? Even more so.

So the next time you finish your session and head to the loo—give a little thanks to the silent flow keeping you well.






References / Research Links:
• Cleveland Clinic – Lymphatic System Overview
• NCBI – Physiology of the Lymphatic System
• Lymphatic Research and Biology Journal

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

©️

05/10/2025

Let’s Talk About Armpit Lymph Nodes!
The Mighty Axillary Warriors of Your Immune System 🌿🦠🩷

Your armpits aren’t just for deodorant and razors — they’re home to some of your body’s most powerful immune protectors: the axillary lymph nodes!

What Are Axillary Lymph Nodes?

Axillary lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures located in the armpit (axilla) that form a key part of the lymphatic system — your body’s drainage, detox, and defense network. These nodes filter lymph (a fluid rich in white blood cells) and trap harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, toxins, and even cancer cells.

There are typically 20 to 40 lymph nodes in each armpit. These nodes are grouped into five anatomical levels, each with distinct drainage responsibilities.

The Five Groups of Axillary Lymph Nodes:
1. Pectoral (Anterior) Group
• Location: Along the lower border of the pectoralis major muscle
• Drainage Area: Breast, anterior thoracic wall
• Fun Fact: These nodes are key in breast cancer monitoring!
2. Subscapular (Posterior) Group
• Location: Along the lower margin of the scapula (shoulder blade)
• Drainage Area: Upper back, posterior shoulder, and neck
3. Humeral (Lateral) Group
• Location: Along the humerus (upper arm bone)
• Drainage Area: Upper limb
• Fun Fact: These are the ones that may swell when your arm is injured or infected!
4. Central Group
• Location: Near the base of the axilla (deep in the center)
• Drainage Area: Collects lymph from pectoral, subscapular, and humeral groups
5. Apical Group
• Location: At the top of the axilla near the clavicle (collarbone)
• Drainage Area: Receives lymph from all the other axillary groups and drains into the subclavian lymphatic trunk

Where Does the Lymph Flow?
• After filtration through the axillary groups, lymph travels to the apical nodes, then drains into the subclavian trunk, and finally enters the venous circulation near the heart (via the right lymphatic duct or thoracic duct on the left side).
• This allows your body to return filtered lymph to the bloodstream while neutralizing any harmful intruders.

Why Are Axillary Lymph Nodes Important?
• Immune Defense: Full of lymphocytes (B and T cells), they identify and destroy pathogens.
• Cancer Monitoring: Oncologists often biopsy or remove axillary nodes to check for cancer spread, especially in breast cancer staging.
• Detox Drainage: They assist in the drainage of waste products, inflammatory debris, and excess interstitial fluid.

Signs of Swollen Axillary Nodes:
• Tenderness
• Swelling or a lump in the armpit
• Fever or signs of infection
Swollen nodes often indicate your immune system is actively fighting something!

Fun Lymph Facts:
• Lymph has no pump! It relies on movement (like walking, deep breathing, and rebounding) to flow — which is why dry brushing and lymphatic massage can help!
• You have more lymph than blood! Your lymphatic system contains about 1.5 times more fluid than your circulatory system.
• The word “lymph” comes from the Latin lympha, meaning water — a perfect name for a fluid that brings life-giving immunity!

Takeaway:
Your armpit lymph nodes are immune superheroes — silently working day and night to filter, defend, and drain. Keeping them moving and healthy is a big step in supporting overall wellness. So next time you move your arm, remember the little green defenders in your underarm working hard for you! 💪🌿✨

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen.

08/09/2025

MLD is a non-invasive therapy in which the practitioner uses a range of specialised and gentle, rhythmic, pumping techniques to move the skin, thus stimulating the Lymphatic System to work harder. This sp*eds up removal of excess fluid and waste products. MLD generally uses a light, painless pressure as your lymphatic vessels start shallow in the skin layer (dermis) and trained therapists know how to manipulate them, redirecting fluid away from swollen areas.

05/08/2025

A few thoughts about lymphoedema over the next couple of days.
This one is interesting, genetic forms of lymphoedema, particularly those that impact children are categorised as a rare condition. But overall lymphoedema is actually more common that people think. More people in the UK live with lymphoedema than MS or Parkinson's, yet most people have heard of both those conditions. It is estimated that over 400,000 people in the UK live with lymphoedema, that is enough people to fill Wembley stadium four times.....