05/11/2026
What is VODDER and MLD?
The VODDER method was developed in the 1930’s by Danish therapist Dr Emil Vodder.
It involves using very gentle, rhythmic, repetitive hand movements on the skin to encourage lymph fluid to move towards areas where it can drain more.
Unlike traditional massage:
• It uses very light pressure.
• It doesn't involve deep muscle massage.
• It generally doesn't use massage oils.
• The movements are slow, controlled and precise.
• It follows the body's lymphatic pathways.
Here’s how I would explain MLD:
Imagine your body is a house.
Your lymphatic system is the drainage system running underneath it.
Sometimes fluid collects where it shouldn't, rather like water building up because the drainage isn't working properly.
The Vodder Method uses gentle, carefully directed movements to encourage that fluid to travel through the body's natural drainage pathways.
It isn't about squeezing fluid out of the body.
It's about gently encouraging the body's own drainage system to do its job.
