Manual Lymphatic Drainage in London, A Gentler Way to Heal
If you're searching for Manual Lymphatic Drainage in London, you're likely looking for relief from something specific: persistent bloating, puffy legs, stubborn fluid retention, hormonal swelling, chronic inflammation, or that heavy, sluggish feeling that no amount of rest seems to shift.
At Abuelita's Wellbeing CIC, we offer MLD in London as part of a holistic, integrative approach to healing, not as a quick fix, but as a deeply restorative therapy that works with your body rather than against it.
You'll find us in two carefully designed studios:
-
MLD Hackney, Hackney Downs Studios
-
MLD Islington, Tileyard London
Both spaces are calm, welcoming, and designed to help your nervous system soften the moment you walk in.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MDL)?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised, hands-on therapy that uses slow, light, rhythmic movements to encourage the natural flow of lymph fluid through the body.
Unlike a deep tissue massage, MLD doesn't rely on pressure. It works through gentle, precise stimulation of the skin and superficial lymphatic pathways, supporting the system in your body responsible for immunity, fluid balance, detoxification, and healing.
MLD is a slow, rhythmic, and highly specialised treatment that works with the lymphatic system, a vital part of your immune and circulatory systems responsible for moving lymph fluid, reducing swelling, and helping remove waste and toxins from the body.
Most clients describe the treatment as deeply calming, and are often surprised by how powerful something so gentle can feel.
Price: 60 minutes £90 | 90 minutes £ 130
Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage
MLD can help you to:
-
Reduce retained fluid
-
Improve circulation
-
Calm inflammation
-
Support immune function
-
Encourage detoxification
-
Regulate the nervous system
-
Improve recovery and healing
Who Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment for?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) treatment is especially supportive for people experiencing:
-
Fluid retention
-
Puffiness and swelling
-
Heavy, tired legs
-
Chronic inflammation
-
Stress and nervous system dysregulation
-
Fatigue and sluggishness
-
Poor circulation
-
Immune system support
-
Hormonal bloating
-
Chronic pain conditions
-
Recovery after periods of stress or burnout
-
General wellbeing and deep relaxation
Please note: At present, we offer classic Manual Lymphatic Drainage and do not currently provide post-operative MLD (you can book with us 6 weeks after a surgery at this stage)
PRICE: 60 minutes £90 | 90 minutes £ 130
Our Integrative Approach
At Abuelita’s Wellbeing CIC, we rarely see the body as one isolated symptom.
Fluid retention, inflammation, tension, and fatigue are often connected to stress, lifestyle, hormones, nervous system overload, and chronic patterns in the body.
That’s why Manual Lymphatic Drainage is often combined with:
-
Nervous System Regulation Support
For clients who want deeper, more sustained support, we offer Integrative Care Packages , thoughtfully curated combinations of therapies designed to work together over time.
What clients say
"Simona and her team at Abuelita's are some of the best there is!! The treatments I've had have been amazing. It's great to know that not only are you investing in yourself at Abuelita's, but you are helping to support the wider community with their initiatives."
Alison
Alison
"I went to Abuelita’s Wellbeing after a stressful time and I had the most amazing massage. I went in feeling stressed, tense and with my head all over the place and walked away joyful, relaxed and myself again. The place, smell and design and kindness I have experienced was amazing"
Beatrice
Heading 2
Meet Your Therapist
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is offered by Simona Ilincariu, an experienced therapist who brings deep care, knowledge, and a gentle therapeutic approach to this work.
Her treatments are designed not only to support physical symptoms, but also to help the body feel safe, supported, and able to regulate.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, quite the opposite. MLD is one of the gentlest therapies we offer. The pressure is light, the pace is slow, the strokes are rhythmic. Many clients describe it as one of the most relaxing things they've experienced. If you want deep pressure, please book Deep Tissue or Holistic Deep Tissue instead.
A standard massage works the muscle, fascia, and tension. MLD works the lymphatic system, your body's circulatory network for fluid, immunity, and waste clearance. The technique is completely different: light, slow, rhythmic, following lymph pathways rather than muscle groups. They complement each other beautifully, which is why we offer the 90-minute session that combines both.
Yes, this is one of the most common reasons people book. MLD can reduce water retention, puffiness, and the feeling of heaviness, particularly in the abdomen, legs, hands, and face. The relief is often noticeable after one session and deepens with a short course.
Many of our clients with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine-related symptoms report significant relief from regular MLD, often as part of a wider integrative plan that includes Nutritional Therapy and Craniosacral. MLD specifically supports the body's ability to clear inflammatory and histamine load. We'd recommend starting with a 2-hour Integrative Care Assessment if MCAS is your main reason for booking. Simona will plan the right combination.
It depends on your symptoms and goals. Some people feel significant relief after one session. For chronic inflammation, hormonal patterns, or postpartum recovery, we usually recommend 3–4 sessions across 4–6 weeks as a starting block, then move to maintenance every 4–6 weeks.
Not at all, although that's where many people first hear about it. MLD is invaluable for stress recovery, hormonal bloating, chronic inflammation, fatigue, immune support, and general wellbeing. We currently offer classic MLD only; for clinical post-operative MLD please look for a specialist clinic until you're 6 weeks post-op, then we're happy to support you.
Absolutely, most of our regular MLD clients do. Common pairings include Craniosacral for the nervous system, Nutrition for the inflammation side, and Restorative Massage for general rest. The Integrative Care Packages page lists how this typically works
Most people feel lighter, calmer, and clearer-headed. Some feel a strong urge to drink water (please do, it helps the lymph keep flowing). Some need to use the bathroom more often in the 24 hours after. Some feel sleepy. All normal. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and very intense exercise for the rest of the day if you can.
Classic MLD in pregnancy requires specific clinical adjustments that we don't currently offer. We recommend our Pregnancy Massage instead, which is tailored to each trimester and includes gentle lymph-aware techniques where appropriate. After the postpartum 6-week mark and with GP clearance, MLD becomes available.
Important, please read before booking
MLD is gentle, but it's not suitable for everyone. We strongly recommend checking with your GP or consultant before booking if any of the following apply:
-
Diabetes (any type)
-
Low blood pressure
-
Lymphoedema (we offer classic MLD, for clinical lymphoedema management, please see a registered lymphoedema specialist)
-
Kidney problems
-
Heart failure or significant cardiovascular conditions
-
Active cancer or recent cancer treatment, please discuss with your oncologist before booking
-
Thyroid problems
-
Bronchial asthma (active flare-up)
-
Epilepsy
-
Spleen removal
-
Organ transplant history
-
Pregnancy, please book Pregnancy Massage instead; MLD in pregnancy requires specific clinical adjustments we don't currently offer
-
Less than 6 weeks post-surgery
Your safety always comes first, and we want to ensure this treatment is fully supportive of your individual circumstances.
If any of these apply, please email us at hello@abuelitas.co.uk before booking. We'll guide you to the right starting point, sometimes that's MLD with adjustments, sometimes it's a different therapy entirely.
Note: we currently offer classic MLD only, not post-operative MLD. If you're post-op (minimum 6 weeks), email us before booking so we can confirm we're the right fit.
Book Your MDL Session
If you’re not sure whether Manual Lymphatic Drainage is right for you, we’re happy to help.
You can book a session directly for what your body may need most. If you have any questions or you are post-op (minimum 6 weeks), please email us at info@abuelitas.co.uk
Sometimes the body doesn’t need more force.
Sometimes it needs gentleness, movement, and space to heal.
