Less swelling
After surgery, illness, or injury, gentle lymphatic work can help fluid move and ease that tight, heavy, puffy feeling.
Vodder-certified Manual Lymph Drainage · South Berkeley
Your body already knows how to heal. My job is to guide it there.
I’m Ida Friedman. I’ve practiced the Vodder method since 2009. People come to me before and after surgery, during and after cancer treatment, or when swelling, scar tissue, or a body stuck on high alert is making daily life harder.
Before you book, we talk. The call is free, and it’s with me.
Vodder-certified since 2009Recertified every other year30 five-star Google reviewsNearly three decades in practice
Wall of Love
People do not stay quiet about this work.
Lymph Drainage Massage is an essential wellness practice, and is critical for women with breast health issues. Ida helped me prepare and recover from mastectomy and reconstruction. I couldn't recommend her more!
Bonnie WentworthExecutive Coach · Berkeley, CA
I have been searching for a skilled, licensed MLD practitioner for my Bay Area clients without any luck. I was thrilled to meet Ida and have her magic hands work on me. My treatment was not only relaxing, but I felt wonderful afterwards and was much less puffy!
Michelle GarberCosmetic Surgery Coach · San Francisco, CA
5.0
30 five-star reviews on Google, and more on the wall below.
Read all 30 reviews →
Find yourself here
What's going on with you?
You don't need to know the medical vocabulary, and you don't need a diagnosis. Start with whatever sounds most like your life right now.
Something on the calendar
I have surgery coming up Tummy tuck or mommy makeover Liposuction or fat transfer Facelift or facial surgery Mastectomy or reconstruction Hip, knee, or shoulder replacement Gender-affirming surgeryAlso regularly in this room: allergies, mold exposure, chemical sensitivity, burns, sinusitis, tinnitus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Lyme, lupus, EDS and POTS, and recovery from injuries nobody thought to treat at the time. See everything I work with →
Don't see your situation?That is exactly what the free call is for. People aren't all one thing.Ask Ida
First question
What is Manual Lymph Drainage?
Manual Lymph Drainage is very gentle, very precise hands-on work. I use slow movements to help fluid leave swollen or congested areas and move toward places where your body can carry it away.
It does not feel like deep-tissue massage. Most people are surprised by how light the pressure is. A lot of them fall asleep.
Curious, but skeptical? That makes sense. Read what the method can help with, what the research supports, and what I will never promise.
Very light pressureSlow, rhythmic movementSpecific lymphatic pathways
Skeptical? Good. I'd rather you understood this than booked it blindly. There is real published research on MLD for lymphedema, breast-cancer recovery, and post-surgical swelling. There are also claims made about it that I won't make. See the method and the evidence →
What actually changes
Why people come to me.
Different bodies, same short list of things they want back.
Easier movement
Swelling and scar tissue can make movement feel restricted. As the area softens, moving may begin to feel easier.
A body that can settle
Some people arrive feeling as though their body has been on high alert for months. The slow rhythm of this work often helps them quiet down.
Care that changes with you
I pay attention to how your body responded last time and adjust from there. I do not put everyone through the same routine.
Not sure which of these you need? That's what the free call is for →
Why training matters
When the touch is this light, precision matters.
I've been Vodder-certified since 2009, and every other year I go back to be recertified. Someone watches my hands closely and corrects the small things. With work this gentle, the small things matter.
- Formal Vodder training. I did not learn this in a weekend lymphatic-massage class.
- Scar work when you need it. When a scar is part of what is holding fluid or restricting movement, I integrate Dolphin microcurrent and MSTR hand techniques into the Vodder MLD session.
- A broader background. I am also a licensed esthetician and certified nutrition educator.
- I will refer you when I should. Sometimes another practitioner is the right next step, and I will tell you.
What happens next
First, you talk with me.
Before you book a session, I want to hear what is going on. We’ll talk about what your body has been through, what you hope will change, and anything your doctor or surgeon has told you. Then I can tell you whether this work makes sense right now.
- 1
Pick a time
Choose a free 15-minute phone call that works for you. There is no charge and no pressure to book.
- 2
We talk
You tell me what is happening and what you want help with. I’ll ask a few questions and listen.
- 3
I tell you what I think
I’ll tell you whether MLD fits, whether the timing is right, or whether someone else should see you first.
- 4
If it feels right, we book
I’ll send you a private link for your first visit. We leave extra time to talk, see what your body needs, and begin gently.
- 5
We adjust as we go
I pay attention to how your body responds and change the plan with you. You are never pushed through a fixed package.
If I'm not the right person
Nobody leaves that call empty-handed.
Sometimes MLD is not the right care, or it is not the right time. I will tell you that plainly. Whenever I can, I’ll point you toward someone I trust. If I do not have a name, I’ll help you understand what kind of practitioner to look for and what questions to ask.
Ask Ida
Meet Ida
Hi, I'm Ida Friedman.
I’ve practiced Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage since 2009, and I’ve worked with my hands for nearly thirty years. Ida Bella has been here on Blake Street since 2017.
My mother’s battle with cancer is what brought me to this work. I saw how much it mattered to have someone caring for the person, not just the diagnosis. That stayed with me.
I listen first. I work gently. I tell you what I’m noticing, and I adjust as your body changes. I also believe good care is a team effort. I’m glad to be one part of that team, and I will never pretend I should be all of it.
Vodder-certifiedLicensed EstheticianCertified Nutrition EducatorWoman-ownedLGBTQIA+ affirming
Read my story →
No mystery
What it costs.
I'd rather you knew before we talk. Sessions are priced by length, not by condition, and I'll recommend what your body needs rather than the longest thing on the list.
The consultation
FreeAbout fifteen minutes on the phone with me. No charge, no obligation, and no follow-up chasing you.
60-minute session
$180Focused lymph work on the area that needs it. Common once we know each other and you are in a maintenance rhythm.
90-minute session
$230Every first visit, every lymphatic facial, and every Nervous System Reset. Ninety minutes so nothing is rushed and there is time to talk.
Continuing Care
$230/moOne 90-minute visit every month at a standing time, held for you. For established clients. See how it works
Some situations, especially recovery after surgery, need more than one visit. We’ll talk about what makes sense for your body and take it one step at a time. I’ll tell you when another session may help, and I’ll also tell you when you no longer need to keep coming.
After the immediate problem
Some people come for a recovery. Others keep coming because life simply works better with this in it.
Continuing Care is for established clients who have learned that regular care helps them feel more like themselves. One 90-minute visit is held for you at the same time each month, and you get first access to any openings. There are 24 places, no contract, and you can pause or cancel whenever you need to.
Visit me
South Berkeley. Quiet, private, and easy to find once you know what to look for.
2034 Blake Street, Suite 2, between Shattuck and Milvia.
- Free street parking nearby
- Second-floor office
- Eight blocks from Ashby or Downtown Berkeley BART
- By appointment only
Office hours
Mon-Tue11 AM-6 PM
WedClosed
Thu-Fri11 AM-6 PM
Sat12 PM-5 PM
SunClosed
Still not sure?
Ask Ida.
Tell me what is going on. I’ll listen, ask a few questions, and tell you whether I think this work is the right next step. If it is not, I’ll help you figure out where to turn. The call is free, and you will speak with me.