Achieve Optimal Wellness with lymphatic drainage

Specializing in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Intuitive Oncology Massage, Trauma Release, Private Yoga Sessions & Transformative Heart-Centered Wellness Coaching

Christy offers intuitive, heart-centered bodywork guided by presence, deep listening, and reverence for the body’s innate wisdom. Each session unfolds organically, creating space for healing, release, and reconnection.

Her work includes Manual Lymphatic Drainage for overall wellness, supporting the body’s natural detoxification, nervous system regulation, and immune function, while also helping relieve symptoms associated with chronic illness, inflammation, and pain.

Sessions blend mindful touch, energy-aware techniques, and gentle Thai-inspired movement. Tools such as Tok Sen, hot stones, hot bamboo, cupping, and scraping may be incorporated—always honoring your body’s natural rhythms, boundaries, and capacity in the moment.

✨ Appointment availability: Tuesday–Friday

To explore Christy’s full range of offerings and book a session, visit

👉 christymiu.com

Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, rhythmic bodywork technique designed to support the body’s natural detoxification and immune systems. 

This modality works by encouraging the movement of lymph fluid throughout the body, helping to reduce stagnation, swelling, and inflammation while promoting deep relaxation and balance.

Unlike traditional massage, lymphatic drainage uses light, intentional pressure to stimulate lymph flow just beneath the skin. 

This makes it both effective and nurturing—supporting whole-body wellness without stressing the nervous system.

Lymphatic drainage may support:

• Reduced swelling and fluid retention
• Improved immune function
• Relief from chronic inflammation and pain
• Improved circulation and tissue health
• Support during times of stress, fatigue, or burnout
• Faster recovery after illness, surgery, or injury (with medical clearance)
• Overall relaxation and nervous system regulation

Many clients also report improved energy levels, better sleep, and a general sense of lightness and ease after sessions.

This service is beneficial for individuals seeking:

• Overall wellness and preventative care
• Support with chronic illness or autoimmune conditions
• Relief from inflammation, edema, or bloating
• Gentle bodywork during times of stress or exhaustion
• Post-surgical or post-procedure support (with physician approval)
• A calming, non-invasive therapeutic experience

Sessions are customized to meet each client’s unique needs and comfort level.

Lymphatic drainage is not recommended for individuals with:

• Active infections or fever
• Acute inflammation
• Untreated cancer or cancer currently undergoing active treatment (unless cleared by a physician)
• Congestive heart failure
• Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
• Kidney failure

If you are unsure whether lymphatic drainage is appropriate for you, please consult your healthcare provider prior to booking. 

Similar to the way your blood circulatory system delivers nutrients and oxygen to all cells of the body, the lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels that branch through all parts of the body to circulate important bodily fluid and defend against infection. 

When functioning well, the lymphatic system helps keep the body's needs in balance, but when things go wrong, disorders and cancer can result. Take a closer look at the important role your lymphatic system plays in keeping your body balanced and healthy. 

Then, incorporate our healthy lifestyle tips to encourage proper function for many years to come!

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs made up of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and lymph that drain lymph fluid (a fluid containing white blood cells, water, proteins, salts and lipids) from all over the body.

• There are lymph nodes in your body that you can likely feel under your arm (in your armpit), in each groin (at the top of your legs) and in your neck.
• There are also lymph nodes you may not be able to feel, such as those found in your abdomen, pelvis and chest.
• Other lymphatic body organs include your spleen, thymus gland, tonsils and adenoids.

You can think of the lymphatic system as the body’s drainage system, working around-the-clock to clean up and properly dispose of waste left behind by other body systems. A healthy lymphatic system also contributes to many other major bodily functions, including:

One of the lymphatic system’s primary jobs is to collect excess fluid (particularly lymph fluid) surrounding the body’s tissues and organs and return it to the bloodstream. If the lymphatic system didn’t drain excess fluid from the tissues, the lymph fluid would build up in the body and cause swelling.

As lymph passes through the lymph nodes, the white blood cells attack any bacteria or viruses found in the lymph. If cancer cells break away from a tumor, they can attach to the nearby lymph nodes. This is the reason doctors will check the lymph nodes first when determining how far cancer has spread.

The spleen filters blood, removing old red blood cells and replacing them with new red blood cells that are made in the bone marrow.

The lymphatic system also helps to remove toxins and other impurities from the body, such as carbon dioxide, sodium and other byproducts of cellular feeding on oxygen, minerals and nutrients. The system helps to remove these impurities and dispose of them through perspiration, bowel movements, urine and your breath.

The lymphatic system helps defend the body against illness-causing germs, bacteria, viruses and fungi. The system builds immunity by making special white blood cells (called lymphocytes) that produce antibodies which are responsible for immune responses that defend the body against disease.

When the lymphatic system is not functioning properly, it can put your body at risk for certain diseases that affect the lymph nodes, spleen or other parts of the lymphoid tissue, such as:

• Lymphedema is a chronic swelling in one arm or leg caused by too much lymph fluid. Many people develop this disorder following cancer therapy.
• Lymphadenopathy is a condition where the lymph nodes become swollen or enlarged.
• Lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymph nodes when lymphocytes change and multiply at an out-of-control rate.
• Splenomegaly is a disease (usually caused by a viral infection) that causes the spleen to swell several times its normal size.

Maintaining a healthy lymphatic system is important to prevent illness and keep other important body systems functioning. Encourage proper function of your lymphatic system by incorporating these healthy lifestyle tips:

1. Drink plenty of water. 
2. Eat a healthy diet rich in alkaline foods and vegetables that provide a full range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
3. Include healthy fats in your diet.
4. Exercise daily, including both aerobic and anaerobic physical activity.
5. Avoid pollutants, toxic substances and unhealthy environments.
6. Learn to manage stress through techniques such as yoga, meditation and exercise to promote wellness.

Your lymphatic system is constantly working to keep your body balanced. Maintaining its health is important not only for its own role but the role it plays in many other body systems. 

For someone with an autoimmune condition:

Their immune system might be too active in certain areas

This can cause puffiness, soreness, or inflammation

When the lymph flows better, it can help the body feel less tight or swollen

It's not a cure, but it can be one of the things that helps the body feel calmer.

Lymphatic drainage, a gentle technique, may offer benefits for individuals with autoimmune diseases by improving lymphatic function, potentially reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system.

While more research is needed, existing evidence suggests lymphatic dysfunction may contribute to autoimmune disease, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma.

Manual lymphatic drainage could help improve lymphatic flow, potentially aiding in the flushing of fluid and inflammatory cells from tissues.

Autoimmune diseases and lymphatic dysfunction:

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in immune function and fluid balance.

In autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, the lymphatic system may be dysregulated, contributing to inflammation and disease progression.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):
MLD is a gentle massage technique that focuses on the lymphatic system. It involves using light, circular, and rhythmic movements to stimulate lymphatic flow.

Potential benefits for autoimmune conditions: 

Reducing inflammation: 

MLD may improve the clearance of fluid and inflammatory cells from tissues, potentially reducing inflammation and swelling in areas affected by autoimmune diseases.

Modulating immune responses: 

By stimulating lymphatic flow, MLD may also impact immune cell activity, potentially helping to regulate autoimmune responses and reduce their severity.

Improving overall health: 

MLD can be part of a holistic treatment plan to improve overall health and well-being, as lymphatic dysfunction can have broader effects on the body.

Lymphedema is a condition in which lymph fluid accumulates in the tissues, causing swelling—most commonly in the arms, legs, abdomen, or other areas of the body. This can occur when the lymphatic system is compromised or overwhelmed due to:

• Surgery or lymph node removal
• Radiation therapy
• Injury or trauma
• Chronic illness
• Congenital or hereditary lymphatic conditions

Symptoms of mild lymphedema may include swelling, heaviness, tightness, reduced range of motion, or changes in skin texture.

For individuals with mild lymphedema, MLD may help:

• Encourage lymph fluid movement and drainage
• Reduce swelling and fluid buildup
• Decrease feelings of heaviness or discomfort
• Support tissue health and circulation
• Promote relaxation and nervous system balance

MLD uses slow, rhythmic, and light-touch techniques that follow the natural pathways of the lymphatic system. Sessions are customized to the individual’s presentation and tolerance.

Manual lymphatic drainage for lymphedema is not a cure, but it may be a beneficial supportive therapy when used alongside medical care, compression garments, exercise, and proper skin care as recommended by a healthcare provider.

This service may be appropriate for individuals who:

• Have been diagnosed with mild or early-stage lymphedema
• Have medical clearance when required
• Are seeking gentle, non-invasive support
• Are committed to ongoing self-care practices

Clients with moderate to severe lymphedema may require specialized clinical treatment and should consult a certified lymphedema therapist or medical professional.

Manual lymphatic drainage is not recommended for individuals with:

• Active infection or cellulitis
• Fever or acute inflammation
• Untreated or active cancer (unless cleared by a physician)
• Congestive heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis

If you are unsure whether MLD is appropriate for your condition, please consult your healthcare provider prior to booking.

Sessions are performed with care, respect, and attentiveness to your body’s needs. The goal is to support comfort, safety, and overall wellness while honoring the body’s natural healing processes.

Manual lymphatic drainage for mild lymphedema is offered as a supportive wellness service and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.

Lipedema is a chronic fat and connective tissue disorder that primarily affects women and most often appears in the legs, hips, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes the arms. It is characterized by an abnormal and often painful accumulation of fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.

Common signs of lipedema may include:

• Symmetrical enlargement of the legs or arms while hands and feet remain unaffected
• Pain, tenderness, or sensitivity to touch
• Easy bruising
• Swelling that may worsen throughout the day
• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the affected areas

Over time, lipedema can place strain on the lymphatic system, potentially contributing to fluid buildup and inflammation.

For individuals with mild or early-stage lipedema, MLD may help:

• Support lymphatic flow and fluid movement
• Reduce swelling and inflammation
• Decrease sensations of heaviness or discomfort
• Support tissue health and circulation
• Promote relaxation and nervous system regulation

MLD uses slow, rhythmic, and light-touch techniques designed to encourage lymph flow without stressing sensitive tissues.

Manual lymphatic drainage is not a cure for lipedema, but it may be a beneficial supportive therapy when used alongside medical care, movement, compression therapy, and lifestyle support as recommended by a healthcare provider.

This service may be appropriate for individuals who:

• Have been diagnosed with mild or early-stage lipedema
• Are seeking gentle, non-invasive support
• Experience swelling, tenderness, or heaviness
• Have medical clearance when needed

Individuals with advanced lipedema or lipolymphedema may require care from a certified lymphedema or medical specialist.

Manual lymphatic drainage is not recommended for individuals with:

• Active infection or cellulitis
• Fever or acute inflammation
• Untreated or active cancer (unless cleared by a physician)
• Congestive heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis

If you are unsure whether MLD is appropriate for your condition, please consult your healthcare provider before scheduling.

Sessions are provided with care, sensitivity, and respect for the unique challenges associated with lipedema. 

Each session is customized to support comfort, safety, and overall wellbeing.

Manual lymphatic drainage for mild lipedema is offered as a supportive wellness service and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.