The two-day Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage and Sculpting course at London School of Massage provides practical training for qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and eligible bodywork practitioners.
Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage, commonly referred to as Brazilian MLD or Brazilian lymphatic massage, combines rhythmic drainage-inspired movements with faster sculpting and contouring techniques.
Students learn how to structure full-body and targeted treatments using appropriate pressure, rhythm, direction and sequencing. Training includes lymphatic anatomy, client consultation, contraindications, treatment planning, body sculpting techniques, professional photography protocols and aftercare.
The course is delivered through tutor demonstrations, supervised partner practice and ongoing practical assessment. Students receive individual feedback on technique, pressure, positioning, treatment flow, client comfort and professional safety.
Important: This course teaches non-medical aesthetic and wellbeing bodywork. It does not qualify students to diagnose or manage lymphoedema, treat surgical complications or replace medical post-operative care.
| Course name | Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Sculpting Course |
| Alternative names | Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Course, Brazilian MLD Course and Brazilian Lymphatic Massage Course |
| Course type | Accredited Continuing Professional Development course |
| Course duration | Two practical training days |
| Suitable for | Qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and eligible bodywork practitioners |
| Entry qualification | Recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent |
| Training format | Face-to-face practical classroom training |
| Practical training | Brazilian lymphatic drainage, body sculpting, contouring and full-body treatment sequencing |
| Theory training | Lymphatic anatomy, consultation, contraindications, treatment planning, professional scope and aftercare |
| Treatment areas | Abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, legs, back, arms and upper body |
| Treatment length | Full 60–90-minute treatments and shorter targeted applications |
| Course materials | Electronic coursebook and digital certificate |
| Assessment | Ongoing practical assessment throughout both training days |
| Formal examination | No separate written or external practical examination |
| Certification | Accredited London School of Massage CPD certificate, subject to meeting the required practical standard |
| Accreditation | BCMA, IGCT and IICT |
| CPD points | 14 CPD points |
| Professional use | Integration into an existing insured massage, aesthetic or wellbeing practice |
| Clinical limitation | Does not qualify students to treat or manage lymphoedema or surgical complications |
| Training location | London School of Massage, Caledonian Road near King’s Cross |
| Progression | Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Maderotherapy, Cellulite Massage, Scar Therapy Massage and related aesthetic massage training |
| Booking | Students can enrol through the Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage and Sculpting course page |
Brazilian lymphatic drainage is generally faster and more rhythmical than traditional Manual Lymphatic Drainage. It combines drainage-inspired movements with massage strokes intended to create a temporary more defined and contoured appearance.
Students train in how to apply the techniques safely within a non-medical aesthetic and wellbeing setting.
The course covers:
The course is suitable for qualified:
Students who do not yet hold an eligible professional qualification should first complete the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Massage.
Qualified practitioners can also explore the full range of massage courses for qualified therapists.
Traditional Manual Lymphatic Drainage generally uses slow, lighter and precise movements with no oil. It is taught as a gentle structured method following superficial lymphatic pathways.
Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage is usually faster and more continuous. It may use light oil or lotion and combines drainage-inspired techniques with body contouring and sculpting movements.
Qualified therapists interested in the slower traditional approach can view the Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage course.
Neither short CPD course qualifies a practitioner to diagnose, treat or manage medical lymphoedema.
The course develops the practical and professional skills required to provide structured Brazilian lymphatic drainage and body sculpting treatments.
Students learn:
Practical training includes:
Students train in techniques for the:
Training includes:
Results vary between clients and any visible change should be described as temporary rather than guaranteed.
Students learn how to structure:
Training covers:
The course may discuss procedures such as:
These procedures are covered from a safety, contraindication, timing and referral perspective.
Students are not trained to diagnose complications or provide medical post-operative treatment. Clients who have undergone surgery or injectable procedures must have appropriate clearance from their surgeon or medical practitioner before massage is considered.
Treatment must not be provided over unhealed wounds, infection, acute inflammation, unexplained swelling or areas of medical concern.
Where appropriate and with specific consent, students learn how to:
Clients must never be pressured to consent to photography.
Students learn:
Students should hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in:
The qualification should include appropriate Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
Applicants must also:
Students without an eligible qualification may attend only with prior approval and may receive a certificate of attendance rather than the accredited practitioner CPD certificate.
Anyone unsure about eligibility should contact London School of Massage and provide a copy of their qualification before booking.
Students work as both therapist and model during the course.
They should be prepared to practise and receive techniques on the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, legs, back, arms and other suitable body areas using professional draping and consent procedures.
Students with pregnancy, recent surgery, unexplained swelling, active inflammation, circulatory conditions, skin conditions or another health concern that may affect participation should contact the school before enrolling.
There is no separate written examination or external practical examination.
Assessment takes place continuously throughout both training days through:
Students must demonstrate the required practical competence before the accredited CPD certificate is awarded.
Successful students receive a London School of Massage Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Sculpting CPD certificate.
The course is accredited or approved by BCMA, IGCT and IICT and carries 14 CPD points. Further information is available on the school’s Accreditations and Approvals page.
This is an accredited CPD course rather than an Ofqual-regulated qualification. Students must hold an appropriate underlying massage qualification and obtain suitable professional therapist insurance before offering the treatment commercially.
Students attending without an eligible qualification may receive a certificate of attendance rather than the accredited practitioner CPD certificate.
The certificate does not qualify practitioners to treat medical lymphoedema or provide medical post-operative care.
Qualified therapists may integrate Brazilian lymphatic drainage and sculpting techniques into an existing insured practice where the treatment falls within their qualifications, competence and professional scope.
The treatment may complement work in:
Therapists must provide accurate information, avoid guaranteed outcomes and maintain suitable consultation, consent, hygiene, record keeping and referral procedures.
Brazilian MLD should not be marketed as:
Suitable progression options include:
Qualified practitioners can also review the complete range of advanced and CPD massage courses.
This course is designed for qualified massage therapists, Sports Massage Therapists and eligible bodywork or aesthetic practitioners who would like to add Brazilian lymphatic drainage and body-sculpting techniques to their existing practice.
Students should hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent that includes suitable Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology training.
If you are unsure whether your qualification is suitable, please send a copy to London School of Massage to confirm before booking.
No. This is a specialist CPD course that builds on existing massage skills, consultation knowledge, professional draping and safe client care.
Students without an eligible qualification may attend only with prior approval and may receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than the accredited practitioner CPD certificate.
Students who are new to professional massage should first consider the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 in Massage Course.
Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage, often called Brazilian MLD or Brazilian lymphatic massage, combines rhythmical drainage-inspired movements with faster flowing, contouring and sculpting techniques.
The treatment is generally used within aesthetic and wellbeing settings and may be offered as a full-body treatment or focused on areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, legs, back and arms.
Any visible contouring or reduction in puffiness should be described as temporary and individual results will vary.
You will learn how to provide structured Brazilian lymphatic drainage and sculpting treatments safely and confidently.
Training includes:
You will also learn how to adapt the treatment to the individual client without using excessive pressure or causing unnecessary pain or bruising.
There is no separate written examination or external practical examination.
You will be assessed continuously throughout both training days through supervised partner practice, tutor observation and individual feedback.
To complete the course successfully, students must demonstrate safe consultation and consent, suitable positioning and draping, appropriate pressure and direction, correct treatment sequencing, good hygiene, awareness of contraindications and confident delivery of a structured treatment.
No. London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches and main classroom equipment used during training.
Students normally work in pairs and take turns practising and receiving Brazilian MLD and sculpting techniques, so you do not need to bring a separate model.
The practical training includes work on areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, legs, back and arms. Professional consent, appropriate draping, privacy and student dignity are maintained throughout.
London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches and main classroom equipment used during training.
Students should bring:
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and participate fully in the practical sessions.
A complete course-specific list, including any additional products or items required, will be provided after enrolment.
Students who plan to offer Brazilian MLD and Sculpting professionally will also need access to a suitable massage couch, linens, a suitable light massage oil or lotion and standard hygiene and treatment supplies.
Qualified therapists who successfully complete the course may integrate Brazilian MLD and sculpting techniques into their existing massage, aesthetic or wellbeing practice where this falls within their underlying qualification, competence and professional scope.
Before offering the treatment commercially, students should confirm that Brazilian MLD and Sculpting is covered by their insurer. Further information is available on the Therapists Insurance page.
Therapists who would like to develop related aesthetic massage skills may also consider the Maderotherapy: Wood Tool Sculpting Massage Course, Cellulite Massage Course or Scar Therapy Massage Course.
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