About M'Liss
M'Liss's Experience, Hobbies, Professional Affiliations, & Community Support
After a 33-year career in education, I decided during a "quiet calm" to embark on a new passion. In 2017, I completed my training to be a Licensed Massage Therapist (TX LMT # 129040) at Lauterstein-Conway Massage School.
As a proponent of life-long learning, I hold a Certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, the Vodder Technique, through Klose Training (March 2018). MLD is a gentle, analgesic, soothing technique to increase lymph flow in the body. If you have any inflammation, the health benefits are amazing.
In addition, I received advanced training in Oncology Massage through Tracy Walton's training in October 2018. As a sustaining member of Oncology Massage Alliance, I provided hand and foot massages to individuals with cancer undergoing infusion treatments at Texas Oncology Central.
I will happily provide referrals for Oncology Massage, as I no longer provide this service.
I continued training in February 2020 in Ayurvedic Face, Head, and Scalp Massage from Margot Gal. This is an exciting addition to my skillset as the technique incorporates a relaxing, energy focused modality from Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old system of health.
After completing the Apothecarist Program (Level 5 Certificate) from The Human Path School, I am incorporating herbs into my massage practice and daily life in a holistic fashion. This medicine making knowledge dovetails nicely with massage and wellness. New products including external and internal herbal preparations are available for sale.
In the past two years (2022 and 2023), I have training in Massage for Sciatica and Piriformis, Reflexology Techniques for Feet, and a deep dive into Fascial Anatomy. For 2024, I added my CPR Certification.
As a doTERRA Wellness Representative, I incorporate organic essential oils into your massage experience. All doTERRA products are for sale at: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/mmoore
In my free time, you will find me in a pool, scuba diving, or traveling. I love to garden, wildharvest, read, and play with my dogs.
Professional Affiliations:
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (abmp.com) member
Oncology Massage Alliance-past member
Central Texas Mycology member (https://www.centraltexasmycology.org)
Community Support:
MLD Educational Overview for YMCA Cancer Clients, 2018 & 2019
Vista Ridge Star Stepper Dance Team Spring Show 2019 Sponsor
Silent Auction Donation to Sustainable Food Center May 9, 2019 FARM TO PLATE fundraiser.
Donations to United Partners (DayHab for Adults with Disabilities) Please visit: www.unitedpartnerspf.org/ to donate.
Multiple presentations at the YMCA on Lymphatic Massage to persons with cancer or in cancer recovery.
Presenter at Oncology Massage Alliance Virtual Conference, 10-24-21.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Additional Information
MLD is a gentle, soothing, analgesic (pain reducing) massage that reduces inflammation in the body. MLD has many positive effects as reported by Julie Ackerman in Massage Magazine's, February 13, 2018 online article.
“ The Effects of MLD
- Decongestive effect: MLD is used to reduce any swelling in the body (with the exception of cardiac and renal edema). MLD provides a pumping effect in the tissue transporting the “waste” (proteins, bacteria, debris from wounds, etc.) carried in the lymph from the tissues back into the circulatory system. It may reduce post-surgical swelling, decrease subacute inflammation, and support the Lymphatic System in ways that could help prevent the development of Lymphedema.
- Sympatholytic effect: This is a fancy word for super relaxing. Rhythmic, repetitive, slow hand movements create a sedation of the nervous system. Cancer and cancer treatment are hard on the body. By invoking a parasympathetic nervous response, MLD may reduce the effects of the stress and anxiety a person is experiencing and help the body create a more favorable environment for the work of healing.
- Analgesic effect: Like almost any bodywork, MLD provides pain relief via gate control theory. Also, it appears that MLD facilitates more efficient movement of pain mediators into the lymphatic system helping decrease pain in the tissues.
- Immunological effect: It is believed by many practitioners that MLD helps accelerate the body’s natural immunization processes, however, this has yet to be observed or proven in an empirical way, so it remains solidly in the realm of theory." *
MLD is great for pre and post surgery, fibromyalgia, inflammation, headaches, and sinus issues.
* Source: https://www.massagemag.com/certification-help-work-oncology-massage-87995
Oncology Massage
Oncology massage is specifically for persons with active cancer or up to six months post cancer. A light, soothing massage, oncology massage has shown to improve pain and mood. The massage can be modified in many ways to fit the client's goals and needs with doctor's approval.