Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage
Massage Course
Online learning plus one intensive practical training day — For qualified Level 3 massage therapists.
Course Overview
The Uni Learning Certificate in Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a post-qualifying short course for therapists who already hold a Level 3 massage qualification. It teaches a complete full-body Brazilian lymphatic drainage protocol — abdomen, legs, gluteal region, arms and back — delivered in a wellness and aesthetic context.
The course blends 10 hours of structured online learning with one intensive, small-group practical training day. You'll learn the anatomy that governs every stroke, how to screen and consult safely, the full treatment sequence, and how to market the treatment compliantly — then spend the practical day hands-on, with direct tutor correction, before being certified by observed practical demonstration.
How the Course Works
Book your place
Secure your spot on the practical day. Upload evidence of your Level 3 qualification — your place is confirmed once it's verified.
Online learning opens
One month before your course date you'll receive access to the eight online units and your pre-read manual.
Pass your unit tests
Eight short online tests, 80% pass mark, unlimited attempts — all passed at least 48 hours before the practical day.
Practical day & certification
A full hands-on day in a group of six. Competence confirmed by observed practical; certificate issued at the close of the day.
What You'll Learn Online
Eight structured units, each with learning outcomes, key terminology, self-review questions and a short assessment. Together they make sure you arrive at the practical day ready to work with your hands, not the textbook.
1Introduction to Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage
Where BLD comes from, how it developed out of classical manual lymphatic drainage, the differences in pressure, rhythm and intent — and the boundaries of your role as a BLD practitioner.
2Anatomy & Physiology of the Lymphatic System
The foundation unit. Lymph formation, vessels, nodes and the terminal ducts; drainage territories and watersheds; what actually makes lymph move — the map every stroke in the protocol follows.
3Tissue Science: Fascia, Adipose & Fluid Retention
The layers your hands actually contact. Superficial fascia, adipose tissue, the real causes of cellulite, and the difference between everyday fluid retention and swelling that needs referral.
4Effects, Evidence & Realistic Outcomes
What the treatment genuinely does, what you can honestly claim, how to set client expectations at consultation, and how to use before-and-after photography responsibly.
5Consultation, Screening & Contraindications
Structured consultation and record keeping, total and local contraindications, red flags requiring referral, written medical consent, informed consent and data protection.
6Professional Practice & Ergonomics
Hygiene and infection control, draping and client dignity for abdominal and gluteal work, and the body mechanics that protect your wrists, thumbs and back for a long career.
7Protocol Theory: Sequence, Pressure & Rhythm
The four rules behind the protocol, the pressure and rhythm parameters, the core manoeuvres, and the full supine and prone treatment sequence with the reasoning behind it.
8Legal, Ethical & Advertising Compliance
Advertising rules for this treatment, local authority requirements, insurance and professional membership, and how to market compliantly in a field known for overclaiming.
The Practical Day
Six and a half hours of hands-on training in a group capped at six. You'll work on fellow learners and receive treatment yourself — the fastest way to understand pressure and rhythm from both sides of the couch.
How the day runs (9:30am – 4:30pm)
How you're assessed
Your competence is confirmed against a criterion-referenced checklist — observed continuously through the guided practical blocks and in a final observed sequence from consultation through to aftercare.
- No case studies and no written exam
- Every criterion marked pass or refer, with specific feedback
- If referred, retake the practical on a future course date at no additional cost
- Your certificate states you were assessed by observed practical demonstration
Entry Requirements
- A Level 3 massage qualification from an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation (VTCT, ITEC, City & Guilds or equivalent), or an equivalent QQI Level 5 or 6 massage award
- Aged 18 or over
- Hold, or be eligible for, professional indemnity and public liability insurance
Evidence of your qualification is uploaded at enrolment; your place on the practical day is confirmed once it has been verified. Unsure whether your qualification counts? Contact us before booking and we'll check.
What This Course Doesn't Cover
This is a wellness and aesthetics qualification for treating healthy adult clients. It does not qualify you to treat post-operative clients, lymphoedema or lipoedema, or clients during or after cancer treatment — that work requires separate, clinically focused training. Facial lymphatic drainage is not included and will be offered as a separate course.
We'd rather tell you this before you book than certify you into work your insurance won't cover. The course itself teaches you exactly where these boundaries sit and how to refer clients on professionally.
Course Fee
Original price was: £699.00.£500.00Current price is: £500.00.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book my place?
Choose your date above and book online through our secure checkout. Your online learning access opens one month before your course date, giving you time to complete the eight units before the practical day. You'll upload evidence of your massage qualification at enrolment, and your place on the practical day is confirmed once it's verified. 0% interest-free payment plans are available at checkout.
How long is the course?
The course is 16.5 hours of guided learning: 10 hours of self-paced online theory across eight units, plus one full practical training day (9:30am–4:30pm). Most learners spread the online phase over one to two weeks, and all eight unit tests must be passed at least 48 hours before your practical day.
What qualification do I need to enrol?
You'll need a recognised Level 3 massage qualification from an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation (VTCT, ITEC, City & Guilds or equivalent), or an equivalent QQI Level 5 or 6 massage award. You must also be 18 or over and hold, or be eligible for, professional insurance. If you're not sure whether your qualification counts, contact us and we'll check for you before you book.
How am I assessed?
There are two assessments. The online theory is assessed by eight multiple-choice tests, one per unit, with an 80% pass mark and unlimited attempts — all completed at least 48 hours before your practical day. On the day itself, your tutor confirms your competence through observed practical assessment against a set checklist of criteria. There are no case studies or written exams, and if you're referred on the practical you can retake it on a future course date at no additional cost.
Which areas of the body does the course cover?
This course covers the full-body Brazilian lymphatic drainage sequence: abdomen, legs, glutes, arms and back. Facial lymphatic drainage is not included — it will be offered as a separate course.
Is Brazilian lymphatic drainage the same as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)?
No. Traditional MLD uses very light, slow pressure and is primarily clinical. The Brazilian method uses faster, firmer, more rhythmic strokes and is delivered in a wellness and aesthetic setting rather than a medical one. This course does not cover clinical, post-operative or lymphoedema work — those require separate, clinically focused training.
Can I charge more for this treatment after qualifying?
Brazilian lymphatic drainage is typically positioned as a premium treatment, and many therapists offer it as both single sessions and treatment courses. Pricing and packaging guidance is covered on the course.