Trends come and go. They are of the moment: seized upon, touted and promoted by the media, creating a “Must Have, Must Do” buzz.
For clarity, this is the recent history of MLD in the USA.
In the late 1980s and ’90s, the practice of MLD expanded greatly within the massage community in the USA, with therapists working in clinics and hospitals for the treatment of lymphedema and wounds.
In the year 2000, much of this collapsed when massage therapists were removed from Medicare reimbursement for the treatment of lymphedema. As a result, MLD lost much of its momentum in the world of massage.
BUT the Esthetician and Spa community continued to embrace MLD for its many other benefits.
PGA National, Ritz-Carlton, Montage Spas, Grand Del Mar, Rancho Valencia and Canyon Ranch are just a few of the properties I personally worked with, teaching and training their teams in this practice.
TODAY, MLD is all over the media.
It has taken over 40 years for the media to catch on, and within a three-year period, having pounced on it, they have successfully convoluted and polluted it, mixing it with Gua Sha, myofascial work and several other variations of touch that really do not resemble MLD. That is not to say these other modalities don’t hold value in their own right.
OF NECESSITY, TRENDS DIE. The media must have something new to write and talk about, to create a new buzz, a new momentum of “Must Have.”
So back to what I know, and the real subject matter:
DR. VODDER’S ORIGINAL MLD will never die.
Created almost 100 years ago, its value in healing skin, calming and regulating the nervous system, reducing inflammation, easing pain and building immune resistance will always be needed.
The stories, the gifts and the gratification it has brought to me as a teacher and practitioner are priceless.
If you are serious and ready to stop being sucked into the ceaseless revolving wheel of the new “Wow,” then I invite you to be inspired.
Accept my invitation to go deep into the study and practice of a treatment that will last a lifetime and gift you, just as I have been gifted.
I am proud to say that many of the notable MLD practitioners, and even teachers, working today have been students of mine throughout my 35-year teaching career.
See the 2026 class schedule at astecc.com/courses
Beautifully put Anne!
You continue to inspire us with your teachings and dedication to this amazing work.
Honored to be one of your students.
Polly
Beautifully put Anne!
You continue to inspire us with your teachings and dedication to this amazing work.
I am honored to be one of your students.
This is so true! The media has butchered the true art of MLD. Clients and practitioners are so confused with what MLD is. We need the proper information and education that ASTECC provides to help guide the community. Thank you for your 40 years of service and mentorship. I appreciate you!