MEANINGFUL TREATMENT BEGINS WITH UNDERSTANDING
the eluvett method - Lymphatic foundations
where your lymphatic journey begins
As Registered Massage Therapists, we spend our careers learning to observe, listen, and better understand the remarkable complexity of the human body. With every patient we meet, our clinical reasoning grows, our hands become more intuitive, and our curiosity continues to evolve.
At the same time, our practices are changing. More patients are asking about Manual Lymphatic Drainage. We are seeing increasingly complex presentations influenced by inflammation, surgery, stress, chronic illness, and the many interconnected systems that shape health and recovery. Many therapists recognize these changes and begin looking for new ways to better support the people in their care.
Lymphatic Foundations was created for that moment.
This immersive two-day course introduces Manual Lymphatic Drainage through a lymphatic-informed perspective, combining anatomy, physiology, clinical reasoning, and extensive hands-on practice to help you confidently integrate gentle, practical lymphatic techniques into your massage therapy practice.
By the end of this course, you'll begin to:
See differently.
Observe the body through a lymphatic-informed lens.
Think critically.
Develop stronger clinical reasoning grounded in anatomy and physiology.
Treat intentionally.
Integrate thoughtful, evidence-informed lymphatic principles into everyday practice.
Whether you're newly graduated or have years of clinical experience, Lymphatic Foundations meets you where you are - helping you build meaningful understanding, practical skills, and the confidence to begin seeing the body through a new perspective.
Because meaningful treatment begins with understanding.
At the same time, our practices are changing. More patients are asking about Manual Lymphatic Drainage. We are seeing increasingly complex presentations influenced by inflammation, surgery, stress, chronic illness, and the many interconnected systems that shape health and recovery. Many therapists recognize these changes and begin looking for new ways to better support the people in their care.
Lymphatic Foundations was created for that moment.
This immersive two-day course introduces Manual Lymphatic Drainage through a lymphatic-informed perspective, combining anatomy, physiology, clinical reasoning, and extensive hands-on practice to help you confidently integrate gentle, practical lymphatic techniques into your massage therapy practice.
By the end of this course, you'll begin to:
See differently.
Observe the body through a lymphatic-informed lens.
Think critically.
Develop stronger clinical reasoning grounded in anatomy and physiology.
Treat intentionally.
Integrate thoughtful, evidence-informed lymphatic principles into everyday practice.
Whether you're newly graduated or have years of clinical experience, Lymphatic Foundations meets you where you are - helping you build meaningful understanding, practical skills, and the confidence to begin seeing the body through a new perspective.
Because meaningful treatment begins with understanding.
a different approach
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Lymphatic Foundations introduces Manual Lymphatic Drainage through a lymphatic-informed perspective, helping Registered Massage Therapists understand not only how to perform the techniques, but why they matter. Rather than teaching Manual Lymphatic Drainage as a series of protocols to memorize, this course develops a practical understanding of the lymphatic system, its relationship with the body's interconnected systems, and the clinical reasoning that guides thoughtful treatment decisions. Throughout the course, anatomy, physiology, observation, assessment, and hands-on practice are woven together to create a learning experience that is both evidence-informed and immediately applicable to everyday massage therapy practice. As your understanding grows, so does your confidence—not only in performing Manual Lymphatic Drainage, but in recognizing when, why, and how to thoughtfully integrate lymphatic-informed care into the practice you've already built. While the course is grounded in the principles of traditional Manual Lymphatic Drainage, its purpose is not to replace comprehensive clinical MLD certification. Instead, Lymphatic Foundations bridges the gap between introductory massage therapy education and traditional MLD training by combining meaningful understanding with practical, hands-on skills that Registered Massage Therapists can confidently integrate into their own practice—wherever they are in their professional journey. |
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Lymphatic Foundations is designed specifically for Registered Massage Therapists who want to confidently integrate Manual Lymphatic Drainage into everyday massage therapy practice through a lymphatic-informed perspective.
This course focuses on building a practical understanding of lymphatic anatomy, physiology, clinical reasoning, and hands-on treatment skills appropriate to the Registered Massage Therapist scope of practice. Participants leave with a structured, full-body Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment protocol, together with the knowledge and confidence to thoughtfully integrate these techniques into the care they already provide.
While Lymphatic Foundations introduces the principles and practical application of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, it is not intended to replace comprehensive certification in traditional clinical MLD or Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Therapists wishing to pursue advanced assessment and management of lymphedema and other complex lymphatic disorders are encouraged to continue their education through recognized advanced clinical training.
Lymphatic Foundations serves as the prerequisite for all EluVett Clinical Intensives, providing the shared knowledge, language, and clinical reasoning that supports more focused postgraduate study.
Whether Lymphatic Foundations becomes the beginning of your lymphatic education or a meaningful addition to an established practice, the course is designed to help you build confidence, deepen understanding, and create a strong foundation for continued professional growth.
why lymphatic foundations?
Today's Registered Massage Therapists are caring for increasingly complex patient presentations. Inflammation, persistent swelling, post-surgical recovery, autoimmune conditions, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation are becoming more common in everyday practice, while public awareness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage continues to grow.
Many therapists recognize these changes and are looking for practical, evidence-informed ways to better support the patients they care for. They aren't necessarily seeking another modality to add to their toolbox - they're looking for a deeper understanding of the body and new ways of thinking about treatment.
Lymphatic Foundations was created to meet therapists at that point of curiosity.
Rather than asking you to set aside the skills you've already developed, this course helps you build upon them. Through a lymphatic-informed perspective, you'll gain a deeper understanding of anatomy, physiology, assessment, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage, learning how these principles can thoughtfully complement the practice you already have while opening new possibilities for patient care.
Whether you're newly graduated or have years of clinical experience, Lymphatic Foundations provides practical knowledge, hands-on treatment skills, and a renewed perspective that can immediately enrich both your confidence and your practice.
who this course is for
Lymphatic Foundations was created for Registered Massage Therapists who are curious about the remarkable role the lymphatic system plays in health, recovery, and everyday clinical practice.
This course may be the right fit for you if you:
This course may be the right fit for you if you:
- Are responding to increasing patient requests for Manual Lymphatic Drainage and would like to confidently integrate it into your massage therapy practice.
- Want to better understand the relationship between the lymphatic system, inflammation, fluid movement, and the body's interconnected systems.
- Enjoy exploring anatomy, physiology, and clinical reasoning, and are looking for a deeper understanding of why treatment works - not simply how to perform it.
- Are looking for a gentler, more sustainable treatment approach that complements both your patients' needs and your own longevity as a therapist.
- Want practical, evidence-informed skills that can be thoughtfully integrated into the practice you already have, whether you're newly graduated or have years of clinical experience.
- Are excited by the idea of seeing the body through a lymphatic-informed perspective and opening new possibilities for the patients you care for.
what you'll learn
Lymphatic Foundations combines evidence-informed theory with extensive hands-on practice, helping you build both the understanding and practical skills needed to confidently integrate Manual Lymphatic Drainage into everyday massage therapy practice. Throughout the course, you'll explore:
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A Lymphatic-Informed Perspective
Develop a deeper understanding of lymphatic anatomy, physiology, fluid movement, inflammation, and the interconnected relationships that influence tissue health, recovery, and overall well-being. Clinical Thinking Learn to observe more thoughtfully, strengthen your assessment and clinical reasoning, and recognize when Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be an appropriate addition to your treatment planning. Practical Hands-On Skills Learn a structured, full-body Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment that can be immediately integrated into your massage therapy practice, together with practical techniques, treatment sequencing, and therapist body mechanics that support sustainable practice. |
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Meaningful Integration
Discover how Manual Lymphatic Drainage can thoughtfully complement the skills you already possess, helping you expand your treatment approach without replacing the practice you've worked hard to build.
Professional Confidence
Build the confidence to communicate the role of the lymphatic system with patients, understand appropriate scope of practice, and continue your lymphatic education with a strong, practical foundation.
Discover how Manual Lymphatic Drainage can thoughtfully complement the skills you already possess, helping you expand your treatment approach without replacing the practice you've worked hard to build.
Professional Confidence
Build the confidence to communicate the role of the lymphatic system with patients, understand appropriate scope of practice, and continue your lymphatic education with a strong, practical foundation.
what you'll walk away with
By the end of Lymphatic Foundations, you'll leave with far more than a new treatment protocol. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of the lymphatic system, greater clinical confidence, and a practical framework for thoughtfully integrating Manual Lymphatic Drainage into your everyday massage therapy practice.
You'll return to practice with:
You'll return to practice with:
- A structured, one-hour full-body MLD treatment that you can begin using immediately.
- A stronger understanding of lymphatic anatomy, physiology, and the body's interconnected systems to support more thoughtful assessment and treatment planning.
- Greater confidence in recognizing when MLD may be an appropriate addition to patient care within your scope of practice.
- Practical skills that complement the techniques you already use, allowing you to thoughtfully integrate MLD into the practice you've already built, or are just beginning to build.
- A comprehensive printed workbook and clinical resources to support continued learning and confidence long after the course has ended.
- A strong foundation for continued learning through future EluVett Clinical Intensives and your ongoing professional development.
small class. meaningful learning.
Class size is limited to just 8 participants.
Lymphatic Foundation courses are intentionally limited to a maximum of 8 participants, creating an engaging learning environment where every therapist has the opportunity to fully explore, experience, and integrate the work.
Lymphatic Foundation courses are intentionally limited to a maximum of 8 participants, creating an engaging learning environment where every therapist has the opportunity to fully explore, experience, and integrate the work.
WHY SMALL GROUPS MATTER
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Lymphatic Foundations is intentionally taught in a small-group setting to create an engaging, supportive, and highly interactive learning experience.
With a maximum of 8 participants, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, participate in meaningful discussion, receive individualized guidance, and build confidence through extensive hands-on partner practice. Learning extends far beyond watching demonstrations. Throughout the course, anatomy, physiology, observation, discussion, and practical application are thoughtfully woven together, helping you understand not only how to perform Manual Lymphatic Drainage, but why it works and how to integrate it confidently into practice. |
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Whether you're revisiting anatomy with fresh eyes or learning MLD for the first time, you'll be supported in an encouraging environment where curiosity is welcomed, questions are valued, and learning happens together.
YOUR investment
We believe in being transparent about the time, commitment, and learning experience each course offers, so you can register with confidence and choose the educational experiences that best support your professional journey.
TUITION
Early Registration: $520 + HST
Regular Tuition: $595 + HST
Your registration includes two days of hands-on instruction, a comprehensive printed workbook, practical clinical resources, and everything you'll need for guided partner practice throughout the course.
TIME COMMITMENT
Two full days of in-person learning designed around the EluVett philosophy that meaningful treatment begins with understanding.
Expect an engaging balance of anatomy and physiology, instructor demonstrations, partner exchange, guided practice, clinical reasoning, and discussion, with an emphasis on learning not only how to perform Manual Lymphatic Drainage, but why it matters.
PREREQUISITES
Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
Senior Massage Therapy students may be considered on an individual basis.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Lymphatic Foundations is intentionally immersive, practical, and highly interactive. Throughout the course you'll build confidence through repeated partner practice, individualized instructor guidance, meaningful discussion, and a supportive learning environment where curiosity is encouraged and questions are welcomed.
Class sizes are intentionally limited to a maximum of 8 participants, allowing time for individualized feedback and helping create a learning experience that is engaging, collaborative, and enjoyable.
Come prepared to develop a deeper understanding of the body, learn practical MLD skills, and discover new possibilities you can confidently integrate into your massage therapy practice immediately - all while opening the door to continued learning throughout your professional journey.
frequently asked questions
Do I need previous Manual Lymphatic Drainage training?
No.
Lymphatic Foundations was designed specifically for Registered Massage Therapists who are new to Manual Lymphatic Drainage or who would like to build a stronger understanding before pursuing more advanced clinical training. No previous lymphatic experience is required.
Will I be able to begin using what I learn immediately?
Yes.
Throughout the course you'll learn a structured, full-body Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment together with the clinical understanding needed to confidently integrate it into your massage therapy practice immediately and within your professional scope of practice.
Is this a certification in traditional Manual Lymphatic Drainage
or Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?
No.
Lymphatic Foundations is designed to bridge the gap between introductory massage therapy education and traditional clinical Manual Lymphatic Drainage training. It provides a practical, evidence-informed foundation while respecting the important role of advanced MLD and CDT education for therapists wishing to pursue more specialized lymphatic practice.
How much hands-on practice is included?
A great deal.
Lymphatic Foundations is intentionally designed as a highly interactive learning experience. In addition to instructor demonstrations and guided discussion, you'll spend much of the course learning through self-palpation, partner exchange, and individualized instructor feedback.
We believe confidence develops through understanding, observation, and repeated hands-on practice, giving you the opportunity to both experience the treatment yourself and develop confidence in your therapeutic touch.
Do I need to register with a partner?
No.
You do not need to register with a partner.
Unless two registered participants specifically request to work together, partners are assigned before the course begins and remain together throughout the two-day learning experience.
Working with the same partner allows trust, communication, and therapeutic awareness to develop naturally as you explore a new way of thinking about the body together. As your understanding grows, so does your ability to observe subtle changes, provide meaningful feedback, and learn from one another's experiences. This shared learning journey has become one of the most rewarding aspects of Lymphatic Foundations.
Will we be using oils or lotions during partner practice?
No.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques are performed on dry skin without oils or lotions to allow for the gentle tissue engagement required throughout the course.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement as both practitioner and participant. Clothing should also provide comfortable access to the legs, abdomen, underarm (axillary) region, arms, neck, and head during partner practice while maintaining everyone's comfort and professionalism.
What should I bring?
Depending on the venue, you may be asked to bring a massage table, which will be shared between you and your partner throughout the course.
Participants should also bring:
- A rolling stool
- Massage table linens
- A light blanket
- A large pillowcase or towel for comfortable draping during abdominal work
- A notebook if you enjoy taking additional notes
A detailed "What to Bring" information package will be emailed to you after registration so you'll know exactly what to expect before the course.
What comes after Lymphatic Foundations?
Lymphatic Foundations is the prerequisite for all EluVett Clinical Intensives (master classes).
Once you've completed the course, you'll be eligible to continue your learning through focused postgraduate education exploring specific body regions, patient populations, and areas of clinical practice through the EluVett Method.
EluVett translates to Water of Life in Estonian
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