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Lymphatic drainage massage 1-day accredited training course - BIDEFORD VENUE

Course Fee:

£197

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Course dates & venues

This course is available at the following venues


Bideford, Devon:

Nov '26 - Tues 24th

DATES ARE NON TRANSFERABLE TO ANY OTHER DATE OR VENUE

Also available in Plymouth, Devon

Course overview

1-Day Accredited Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course

Learn Gentle, Rhythmic Lymphatic Drainage Massage Techniques

Looking to add a gentle and specialist massage technique to your existing therapy skills?

Our 1-Day Accredited Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course introduces qualified therapists to the principles of the lymphatic system and teaches a structured, light-touch massage routine using gentle, rhythmic techniques.

Our training is based on the principles and techniques associated with the Vodder Method, one of the best-known approaches to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).

You'll develop your understanding of the lymphatic system, appropriate massage direction and sequencing, contraindications, client consultation and aftercare, alongside practical, hands-on training.

Designed for existing massage, beauty and holistic therapists, the course combines a practical training day with supporting online learning and case studies. Who Is This Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course For?

This course is designed for existing therapists with suitable underpinning knowledge and practical experience.

It is ideal for:

✔ Qualified massage therapists

✔ Holistic and complementary therapists

✔ Appropriately qualified beauty therapists

✔ Therapists wanting to expand their massage skills

✔ Practitioners interested in lymphatic health and wellbeing

✔ Therapists looking for a gentler massage technique

✔ Practitioners wanting additional accredited CPD

✔ Therapists looking to diversify their existing treatment menu

A suitable prior therapy qualification is required.


If you're unsure whether your existing qualification meets the entry requirements, please contact us before enrolling. What Will You Learn?

During your Lymphatic Drainage Massage training, you'll develop both your theoretical understanding and practical skills.

You'll cover:

📌 The structure and function of the lymphatic system

📌 The role of lymph and lymphatic vessels

📌 Major lymphatic pathways and lymph nodes

📌 Principles of lymphatic drainage massage

📌 Principles and techniques associated with the Vodder approach

📌 Appropriate pressure, rhythm, direction and sequencing

📌 Client consultation and treatment planning

📌 Indications for treatment

📌 Contraindications and precautions

📌 Gentle lymphatic massage techniques

📌 Working across different areas of the body

📌 Face, abdominal and limb techniques

📌 Completing a structured lymphatic drainage massage routine

📌 Appropriate client aftercare Understanding the Lymphatic System

Learning Lymphatic Drainage Massage isn't simply about memorising a sequence of movements.

Understanding the system you're working with is an important part of the training.

The lymphatic system forms part of the body's circulatory and immune systems and includes a network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes and lymphatic tissues.

During your course, you'll develop your knowledge of the structure and function of this system before exploring how lymphatic drainage massage techniques are performed.

This gives you the underpinning knowledge to understand why direction, pressure and sequencing matter. Are There Different Methods of Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Yes. There are a number of different approaches and methods used within lymphatic drainage massage, so techniques and treatment routines can vary depending on the training and method being followed.

Our Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course is based on the principles and techniques associated with the Vodder Method, one of the best-known approaches to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).

The Vodder approach is characterised by gentle, rhythmic and precise movements, with particular attention given to pressure, direction and sequencing in relation to the lymphatic system.

During your course, you'll learn a structured routine based on these principles while developing an understanding of why the techniques are performed differently from traditional massage.

Please note: This is an accredited Lymphatic Drainage Massage course based on principles and techniques associated with the Vodder approach. It is not an official Vodder certification programme, and completion does not qualify you as a certified Vodder therapist. A Different Approach to Massage

If you're already trained in traditional massage, one of the first things you'll notice about Lymphatic Drainage Massage is how different the techniques can feel.

This isn't about using increasingly deep pressure.

Lymphatic drainage techniques are typically light, gentle, and rhythmic, requiring therapists to develop a different quality of touch.

Learning another style of massage gives you more options within your professional toolkit and can help you diversify the treatments you offer. Why Learn Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Expand Your Massage Skills

Already offering massage?

Lymphatic Drainage Massage gives you an additional technique that differs considerably from traditional Swedish or deeper massage approaches.


Offer a Gentler Treatment Option

Not every client wants or is suited to a firm massage.

Developing lighter, rhythmic massage skills can give you another appropriate option when planning treatments within your professional scope.


Develop Your Knowledge of the Lymphatic System

The course gives you an opportunity to develop your understanding of lymphatic anatomy and physiology alongside practical massage techniques.


Add Another Treatment to Your Therapy Business

Additional accredited training can help you diversify your treatment menu and create new options for existing and future clients. Course Benefits

By completing your Lymphatic Drainage Massage training, you will:

✨ Develop your understanding of the lymphatic system

✨ Learn techniques based on principles associated with the Vodder Method

✨ Learn gentle, rhythmic massage techniques

✨ Understand appropriate pressure, direction and sequencing

✨ Learn a structured lymphatic drainage massage routine

✨ Develop your client consultation and treatment-planning skills

✨ Understand contraindications and precautions

✨ Learn appropriate client aftercare

✨ Gain practical, hands-on experience

✨ Add another specialist massage skill to your professional toolkit

✨ Receive an accredited certificate following successful completion of all course requirements Practical, Hands-On Lymphatic Massage Training

Lymphatic Drainage Massage requires a very different touch from many traditional massage techniques.

During your practical training, your tutor will demonstrate the individual movements, pressure, rhythm, direction and sequencing before allowing you to practise.

You'll work through the different treatment areas and develop your ability to bring the individual techniques together into a structured routine.

Tutor guidance and practical feedback will help you develop your confidence and technique throughout the day.

The aim isn't simply to memorise a routine. We want you to understand what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how to adapt your treatment appropriately for the individual client. Why Direction & Sequence Matter

The lymphatic system follows defined pathways throughout the body.

For this reason, Lymphatic Drainage Massage isn't simply a collection of light massage movements performed in any order.

Your training will help you understand the importance of:

🔹 Lymphatic pathways

🔹 Direction of techniques

🔹 Appropriate sequencing

🔹 Light pressure

🔹 Rhythm

🔹 Client positioning

🔹 Treatment planning


Understanding the theory behind your practical techniques helps you develop a more informed approach to treatment. What About Post-Operative Lymphatic Drainage?

You may have seen Lymphatic Drainage Massage advertised in connection with post-operative or post-surgical treatments.

It is important to understand that working with clients following surgery requires additional knowledge and careful consideration.

Our 1-Day Accredited Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course provides foundation training in lymphatic drainage massage techniques. It should not be considered specialist post-operative rehabilitation training.

If you intend to work specifically with post-operative clients, we recommend undertaking appropriate advanced training for that area and ensuring you work within your professional scope of practice, insurer requirements and any relevant medical guidance. Can Lymphatic Drainage Massage Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Depending on your existing qualifications, professional scope and individual client needs, your lymphatic drainage skills may complement other appropriate massage, holistic, beauty or wellbeing treatments.

Existing therapists may choose to introduce Lymphatic Drainage Massage as another standalone treatment within their business or use their additional knowledge alongside other appropriate treatments.

As with all therapies, consultation, contraindications and individual client suitability should guide your treatment planning. How Does the Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course Work?

Your training combines:

📖 Online Self-Study Learning

Develop the underpinning theory and knowledge required for your course.


🙌 1-Day Practical Training

Develop your techniques through tutor demonstration, guided practice and hands-on training.


👩‍🏫 Tutor Demonstration & Practice

See the techniques, pressure, rhythm, direction and sequence demonstrated before practising them yourself.


💆 Full Treatment Practice

Learn how to bring the individual techniques together into a structured Lymphatic Drainage Massage routine.


📝 Case Studies

Complete the required case study work following your practical training to consolidate your skills.


📜 Accredited Certification

Once you have successfully completed all required elements, you'll receive your accredited Lymphatic Drainage Massage certificate. Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Be a Qualified Therapist?

Yes. This course is designed for therapists with a suitable existing massage, beauty, holistic or complementary therapy qualification.

Please contact us before booking if you're unsure whether your existing qualification meets the entry requirements.


Is This Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

The course teaches gentle manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage techniques and is based on principles and techniques associated with the Vodder approach to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).

There are several different methods and approaches to lymphatic drainage, so techniques and routines taught elsewhere may differ.

This course is not an official Vodder certification programme.


Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage the Same as Swedish Massage?

No. Lymphatic Drainage Massage uses a much lighter, gentler and more rhythmic approach than many traditional Swedish Massage techniques.

You'll learn the specific principles, pressure, direction and sequencing during your training.

Will I Learn a Full Treatment Routine?

Yes. Your practical training includes techniques for different areas of the body and how to bring these together into a structured treatment routine.


Can I Work With Post-Surgery Clients After This Course?

This course provides foundation training in Lymphatic Drainage Massage and is not specialist post-operative rehabilitation training.

If your goal is specifically to work with post-operative clients, additional specialist training is recommended.

You should always work within your professional scope of practice and check your insurer's requirements.


Can I Combine Lymphatic Drainage With Other Treatments?

Potentially, yes, depending on your existing qualifications, professional scope, insurance and individual client suitability.


Is the Course Accredited?

Yes. On successful completion of all required course elements, you'll receive an accredited Lymphatic Drainage Massage certificate.

If you intend to use the treatment professionally, we recommend confirming acceptance with your insurer before enrolling. Professional Development for Existing Therapists

Continuing your professional development doesn't always mean learning more intense or complicated massage techniques.

Sometimes developing a different quality of touch can significantly broaden your practical skills.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage introduces qualified therapists to a gentle, rhythmic approach while developing their understanding of the lymphatic system.

Whether you're looking to diversify your massage menu or simply continue developing as a therapist, this course gives you another practical skill to add to your existing knowledge. Learn Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Our 1-Day Accredited Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course is designed for qualified therapists wanting practical training in gentle, rhythmic lymphatic massage techniques.

You'll develop your understanding of the lymphatic system while learning techniques based on principles associated with the Vodder approach, including appropriate pressure, direction, sequencing, consultation, contraindications, treatment planning and aftercare.

Your practical training is supported by online learning and case study work to help consolidate your knowledge and skills.

Ready to develop your Lymphatic Drainage Massage skills?

👉 View our upcoming Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course dates and book your place.

Course information

Pre-requisite / Entry level:
A massage qualification
Course format:
1 day practical + online learning modules + case studies (3 treatments)
Attendance:
1 day practical
Accrediting body:
IPHM - International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine
ABT
- Associated Beauty Therapists
PBD
- Professional beauty direct
The CMA - Complementary Medical Association
Career potential:
Massage therapist - employed or self-employed, working in a salon or spa or as a home / mobile therapist
Additional costs:
You will need to purchase your own products and equipment in order to carry out your case studies and practice your skills. i.e., Treatment couch, hot stones kit, massage medium (ie grapeseed oil)

Insurance

Please check your insurance companies requirements before enrolling on this course? (It is the students responsibility to check coverage with their insurers BEFORE enrolling on this course)
We recommend you hold student insurance while studying this course to cover you while practicing &/or when carrying out case studies (where applicable).
  • If you already have therapist insurance - You should be able to add this therapy onto your current insurance
    If you do not have therapist insurance - You can take out student insurance while practicing, and top this up to therapist insurance when qualified. You can take out student insurance for around £25 which will cover you for up to 12 months. For more information and aa list of recommended insurers - CLICK HERE

Course Lessons

#holistictherapiestrainingacademy

Karen Ashton

Your instructor
Karen Ashton, founder of Holistic Therapies Training Academy and also known as 'The Aromatherapy Geek,' combines her business acumen and passion for holistic wellness to create a thriving training academy. With a background in business ownership, office management, and accounting, Karen meticulously crafts courses that meet industry standards for online, accredited, and VTCT programs. Originally established in Swindon, Wiltshire, the academy flourished after Karen moved to Bideford, Devon, in 2011 for a better work-life balance. Today, she mentors aspiring therapists, helping them achieve professional success while balancing their personal lives. Karen is also an author, vlogger, and course writer, currently working on her second publication, and continues to inspire others.
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