Lymphatic Activation Techniques - Abu Dhabi

This is NOT a Lymphatic Massage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) course.
Instead, it is a clinical training in osteopathic lymphatic activation techniques, tailored for healthcare professionals seeking evidence-informed, hands-on skills. This intensive training focuses on enhancing lymphatic flow, mobility, and immune response by manually stimulating key anatomical structures.

You will gain the clinical tools to manage lymphatic congestion, post-surgical edema, respiratory infections, and overall systemic drainage—using structured osteopathic protocols rather than superficial massage techniques.

Course Objectives

• Understand the role of the lymphatic system in fluid balance, immunity, and healing.

• Master a variety of lymphatic activation techniques targeting the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, and extremities.

• Apply structured treatment protocols for lymphatic dysfunction.

• Recognize indications, contraindications, and patient-specific considerations.

• Confidently integrate lymphatic activation into clinical practice for both acute and chronic cases.

What You Will Learn

Morning Theory Session (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

Start the day with an engaging and clinically relevant introduction to lymphatic physiology and osteopathic applications. Topics include:

• The importance of the lymphatic system in clinical care

• Functional anatomy and physiology of lymphatics

• Benefits of lymphatic pump techniques in enhancing drainage and immunity

• A brief history of osteopathic lymphatic treatments

• General rules and considerations for applying manual lymphatic techniques

• Understanding indications and contraindications

• Differentiating osteopathic lymphatic techniques from massage and MLD

• Overview of the comprehensive hands-on techniques covered during the course

Hands-On Practical Training

Session 1: Cervical and Facial Techniques (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)

Gain proficiency in high-impact techniques that promote drainage in the head, neck, and facial regions:

• Lymphatic Pumping Techniques – Foundational manual methods to mobilize fluid

• Anterior Cervical Arches – Releasing the hyoid and cricoid to reduce cervical congestion

• Cervical Chain Technique – Targeting deep and superficial cervical lymphatic chains

• Submandibular Release – Enhancing mandibular and oral drainage

• Galbreath Technique – Gentle mandibular mobilization for lymphatic relief

• Auricular Drainage – Relieving lymphatic stagnation around the ears

• Alternating Nasal Pressure – Supporting sinus and nasal drainage

• Maxillary Effleurage – Gentle maxillary manipulation to reduce facial congestion

• Trigeminal Stimulation – Engaging facial nerves for improved lymphatic activity

Session 2: Thoracic and Core Activation (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)

Build deeper competency with core techniques that mobilize lymphatic flow through the thorax and upper abdomen:

• Liver and Spleen Pump – Stimulating visceral lymphatic return

• Frontal Temporomandibular Effleurage – Blending craniofacial release with drainage

• Miller Thoracic Pump – A key osteopathic technique to activate thoracic lymphatics

  • Standard Pump

  • Exaggerated Respiration Variation

  • Side-Lying Modification

  • Atelectasis-Specific Adaptation

Session 3: Advanced Systemic Drainage (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)

This final segment focuses on comprehensive techniques that influence diaphragm, abdominal, and lower body lymphatic systems:

• Pectoral Traction – Enhancing anterior thoracic drainage

• Rib Raising (Upper Thoracic Bilateral) – Mobilizing thoracic cage for improved flow

• Doming the Diaphragm – Freeing diaphragmatic movement for enhanced central drainage

• Mesenteric Release (Small Intestine) – Addressing abdominal lymphatic congestion

• Marian Clark Drainage – A full-body osteopathic technique for fluid redistribution

• Pedal Pump (Dalrymple Technique) – Mobilizing lymph from the lower extremities

• Pedal Self-Pump – Teach patients how to activate lymphatic flow at home

• Facial Effleurage – Closing technique to enhance facial lymphatic return

Closing Session (5:30 PM – 6:00 PM)

• Summary and clinical application tips

• Q&A and review

• Certificate of Completion distribution