Gentle, precise, rhythmic work that moves lymph, eases inflammation and speeds recovery after surgery. Practised at Luminate by Melissa MacIntosh, RMT, who holds the Vodder Level 3 certification — the highest recognised standard in MLD.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised massage technique that uses very light, rhythmic strokes to encourage the lymphatic system to do its job. There is no deep pressure. The skill is in the direction, rhythm and sequence.
The lymphatic system is the body's drainage and cleaning crew: it clears waste and excess fluid and carries immune cells where they are needed. When it is sluggish — after surgery, injury, illness, or just a long stretch of not moving — fluid pools and tissue feels heavy. MLD gets it moving again.
Vodder Level 3 certified
The highest recognised standard in MLD
Four reasons, in the order we hear them.
Less swelling and bruising, and a faster, more comfortable recovery — a common referral after cosmetic, orthopaedic and cancer surgery.
Helping the body clear what it is holding, which tends to bring long-standing inflammation down.
Lymph is where immune cells travel. Moving it moves them.
The touch is so light and rhythmic that the nervous system settles almost immediately. Most people sleep.
The conditions Melissa sees most.
Very light, rhythmic pressure — no deep tissue work — following the pathways the lymph takes.
On the table, fully draped or lightly clothed depending on the area being treated.
Most people drift off. That is fine; the work does not need your attention.
Melissa builds each session around your condition, history and what you are recovering from.
Advanced training, careful hands.
Certified Vodder Level 3 MLD Therapist
The highest recognised standard
Vodder Level 3 is the most advanced, internationally recognised training in lymphatic therapy — extensive in-person instruction, practical examination, and certification by a Vodder teaching team.
Melissa is a Registered Massage Therapist with advanced certification in the Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Level 3 Therapist), the technique developed by Dr. Emil Vodder and taught by the Dr. Vodder Academy International.
The Vodder curriculum requires in-person instruction, practical evaluation and certification by an accredited teaching team, so the technique is taught and tested, not just learned from a video.
Worth knowing: not everyone offering "lymphatic drainage" or "Brazilian lymphatic massage" has recognised MLD training. Done wrong, it is at best a light massage and at worst unhelpful after surgery. Ask about certification.
Melissa brings clinical training, anatomical precision and a calm presence to every session — the combination that makes people recover comfortably and come back.
A gentle, rhythmic massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to move fluid and reduce swelling. It's light — nothing like deep tissue — and most people find it deeply relaxing.
Lymphedema, post-surgical swelling, chronic inflammation, sinus congestion, fibromyalgia, immune deficiency, chronic fatigue and some skin conditions. If you're not sure, ask Melissa.
No. The pressure is lighter than most people expect.
Your first visit starts with a short health history and a chat about what you're coming in for. Then you'll lie on the table, fully draped or lightly clothed depending on the area being treated, while Melissa works with very light, rhythmic strokes. Many people drift off.
MLD uses very light, rhythmic strokes that follow the pathways the lymph takes, with no deep pressure. The skill is in the direction, rhythm and sequence rather than in working the muscles.
Not necessarily. Not everyone offering "lymphatic drainage" or "Brazilian lymphatic massage" has recognised MLD training. Melissa holds Vodder Level 3 certification in manual lymphatic drainage, so ask about certification wherever you book.
Yes. Many people book MLD after surgery, and some book before a planned surgery. Tell Melissa about your surgery and its timing when you book, and she'll plan the session around it.
Melissa is a Registered Massage Therapist, so sessions bill as massage therapy and most plans that cover massage cover this. Direct billing available.
Comfortable clothing; you'll be draped as for any massage.
At our clinic at 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford, part of Halifax, with its own entrance beside our Bedford store. There is free parking out front.
Not yet. MLD is offered at our Bedford clinic, 486 Starboard Drive, with free parking out front. A Dartmouth clinic is opening in summer 2027.
Melissa MacIntosh, RMT, a certified Vodder Level 3 MLD therapist. She is also one of our Registered Massage Therapists.
Not to book. Some insurance plans ask for a doctor's note before they'll cover massage therapy, so check yours.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is offered at our clinic in Bedford, Halifax — 486 Starboard Drive. Direct billing to most insurers.
Book Manual Lymphatic Drainage with Melissa MacIntosh at the clinic beside our Bedford store.
Book Your SessionMLD is practised at our Bedford clinic by Melissa MacIntosh, RMT, who holds Vodder Level 3 certification. The clinic is at 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford, part of Halifax, with its own entrance beside our Bedford store.
Melissa is a Registered Massage Therapist, so MLD sessions bill as massage therapy, and most plans that cover massage cover MLD. We bill most major insurers directly at the desk, including Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life, Medavie Blue Cross, Green Shield and Desjardins. Bring your benefits card and photo ID, and you pay only your portion. Some plans ask for a doctor's note before they cover massage therapy, so check yours.
Book MLD online through Jane, or call the clinic at (902) 835-9319. Wear comfortable clothing; you will be draped as for any massage. The clinic has free parking out front.
Yes. Melissa is one of our registered massage therapists, so you can book her for massage therapy as well. The whole team, and the kinds of massage they offer, are on the massage therapy page.
Amazing TMJ massage with Melissa. If you grind your teeth/clench from stress or have any jaw issues this is a game changer!! I didn't realize how tight my jaw muscles were until after the massage and have found relief from stress headaches.
Alie · Massage Therapy · October 2025 · Google
Dr. Erin Edmonds is amazing. I have had a lifelong phobia of needles and wanted to get over it! After a lot of exposure work, I went to Luminate to try IV vitamins and she explained every step and even set up an appointment to test my reaction. She is so gentle! What an amazing experience. Thank you!
Andrea Power · Naturopathic Medicine · October 2025 · Google
I've been to a fair share of clinics over the last 15 years and Luminate blows them all out of the water. Everyone that I've been treated by have been phenomenal. They really take the time to know your issues.
Helen Kam · October 2023 · Google
Every person I have encountered within this building is wonderful. So helpful, kind and compassionate. A wealth of knowledge is contained within these walls. Highly recommended!
Jennifer Mitchell · October 2023 · Google
I have been seeing Dr Justine Landry for approx 4 months for injuries including a ruptured disc and back pain, sustained in an MVA in February 2024. Dr Landry is very knowledgable and has a way of helping patients understand treatment.
Jos Idzan · Chiropractic Care · December 2025 · Google
Wonderful experience at Luminate! The massage therapists here are so attentive and remember the tiniest details mentioned. The receptionist is warm and friendly and always so helpful.
Natalie Nymark · Massage Therapy · October 2024 · Google
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