Neuro-Lymphatic Drainage
Clear brain waste
Clear inflammation from your brain
Are you dealing with
Brain fog (also called chemo brain or pregnancy brain)
Age-related changes
Systemic inflammation
Headaches
Autoimmune problems
Stress
Mental health challenges
Neuro-Lymphatic Drainage is an exciting new treatment
You might know that the lymphatic system is how the body clears waste.
But have you ever wondered how waste gets cleared from the brain?
In the last decade or so, scientists have made massive strides in understanding how the brain cleans itself, starting with the newly discovered glymphatic system.
Problems clearing the brain’s waste are linked to problems with the brain’s function
We’ve found that problems clearing brain waste are linked to chronic inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and more.
This area of study is so new that most of the relevant research has come out in the last few years, and there’s more getting published all the time.
It turns out that lymphatic drainage and craniosacral work can be adapted to support the glymphatic system in clearing brain waste more effectively.
To see more details on what we know so far and the research behind it, check out my blog series
Try neuro-lymphatic drainage from a highly trained and credentialed clinician.
Hi, I’m Mara Levy (they/them). I’m a certified lymphatic therapist and expert in providing lymphatic drainage. I was trained in providing neuro-lymphatic drainage at Monarch Continuing Education, am getting further training in craniosacral therapy with Upledger, and I’m so excited to explore its benefits with you!
I’m also a somatic experiencing practitioner, and blend somatic work into hands-on bodywork to better support wellness for your whole self.
Who benefits from neuro-lymphatic drainage?
This specific healing method is too new for published research, but the anecdotal reports are incredibly promising.
Research on neuro-lymphatics shows that many conditions are linked to problems with brain waste clearance, indicating they can likely by helped by this painless, noninvasive approach.
Autoimmune conditions
Migraines
Post-concussion syndrome
Traumatic brain injury
Stroke, including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)
Seizures / Epilepsy
Dementia / Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Meningitis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Diabetes
Mood disorders including depression
Cerebral small vessel disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Huntington disease
Likely other conditions too - these are the ones mentioned so far in peer-reviewed research.
What happens in neuro-lymphatic drainage session
We can work fully dressed, and will need to access the skin of your neck, shoulders, and belly during the treatment. Wear something loose and comfortable that can be shifted out of the way as needed.
Before the session starts, we’ll check in about how you’re feeling and your hope for the session. We’ll also talk about which techniques and positions will work best for the day’s work.
Most of the session will be spent lying on your back while we gently work on your abdomen, neck, head, and face. The goal is to clear the lymphatic system to receive waste from the brain, and then to gently encourage fluid flow in the central nervous system.
You are always in control during a session, and your input is always welcomed. If you notice anything, good or bad, you’re encouraged to let me know.
What neuro-lymphatic drainage feels like
Neuro-lymphatic drainage is supposed to feel comfortable and deeply relaxing. It’s never supposed to be painful.
You may feel tissues stretching at some point, or pressure. If you’re particularly aware of your internal sensations, you may notice fluid moving or other sensations. People who are energetically sensitive may also feel changes happening.
Following a session, you may feel lighter or more energetic. Others have reported feeling looser or more clear-headed. Everyone responds a bit differently.
Logistics
For neuro-lymphatic drainage, schedule a “Bodywork” appointment type.
Appointments are $195 for a 60 minute session or $270 for a 90 minute session.
10 visit packages available at $1750 for 60 min sessions and $2400 for 90 min sessions
A limited number of sliding scale appointments are available.
Insurance is not accepted, but you can use your FSA/HSA.
A superbill can be provided if arranged in advance.
Your odds of getting reimbursed by insurance may improve if you have a doctor’s referral that says “occupational therapy” and the medical diagnosis I’m treating.
Appointments are at an ADA-compliant office suite in downtown Silver Spring, MD just north of Washington, DC.
Learn to do lymphatic massage for yourself
If you can’t schedule a visit in person, you can get some of the benefits of neuro-lymphatic drainage by doing regular lymphatic drainage for your own head and neck.
Get a free download with illustrated step-by-step instructions for self-massage
You can also check out my blog post on how to do lymphatic massage for yourself