The Vogel Method™ of Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
A three-step clinical massage protocol developed by Sharon Vogel, blending myofascial release, traditional Dr. Vodder lymphatic drainage, and specialized lymph massage. It is built for general wellness and to reduce post-surgical swelling, soften fibrotic scar tissue, and support healing.
01Myofascial Release (VMFR)Step one
The work begins by gently releasing hardened post-surgical scar tissue, fibrotic restrictions, and the tension trauma leaves behind, so fluid has somewhere to move.
02Lymph DrainageStep two
Gentle, rhythmic strokes create a siphon effect, drawing fluid away from swollen areas and toward the venous angles near the collarbone, where the body processes and clears it.
03Lymph MassageStep three
The final step stimulates the lymphatic vessels to encourage natural drainage and support the immune system, the network the lymphatic system serves.
Sharon Vogel has spent three decades on this one thing.
Sharon M. Vogel opened National Lymphatic Centers in 1991 and built the Vogel Method over the decades since. She learned lymphatic drainage as physiology first, taught as a child by her mother, a surgical nurse. She trains every therapist at National Lymphatic Centers in the technique herself, and chairs the Illinois Chapter of the Lymphatic Education and Research Network.
- Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS)
- Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
- Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (BCTMB)
- Certified Vogel Manual Lymphatic Drainage (CVMLD™)
- Valedictorian, BS Biomedical Science with emphasis in Nutrition, National University of Health Sciences (NUHS)
- Graduate study, Biomedical Science, Midwestern University
- Continued education, Midwest Naturopathic Medical School
- Chair, LE&RN Illinois Chapter
- Founder, The Vogel Institute of Lymphology
- Recognized as a Top Doctor in Chicago (2022)
For general wellness, and for clinical recovery.
Many people who come to NLC for care have a diagnosis, and they need our expert care. Others simply have uncomfortable bloat, puffiness and that heavy, swollen feeling. Only with oncology or prenatal is a script requested. The same protocol carries the clinical work, delivered by Vogel Method‑trained therapists.
General wellness
Bloat, puffiness, heavy legs and that swollen feeling. No diagnosis and no referral needed.
Learn more →Oncology recovery
Gentle, appropriate drainage during and after cancer treatment, coordinated with your care team.
Learn more →Lymphedema & lipedema
Ongoing management for chronic swelling conditions, built around your body over time.
Learn more →Post-surgical recovery
Liposuction, tummy tucks, mastectomies, and more, with drainage timed to your healing.
Learn more →Assessment first, then the sequence.
Assessment
We check how your body is holding fluid and confirm the work is safe for you before anything begins.
Release
Myofascial release frees scar tissue and restriction so fluid has a clear path to move.
Drain & move
Lymphatic drainage and massage siphon fluid toward the nodes that clear it, in the right order.
Self-care
You leave with simple techniques, like diaphragmatic breathing, to keep fluid moving between visits.
Every therapist here is trained by Sharon Vogel.
Our founder built the Vogel Method of manual lymphatic drainage, VMLD™, over more than three decades of practice, and she teaches it herself to every therapist at National Lymphatic Centers. That is why the work is the same whichever of our clinics you visit. Here is what they are trained in.
The physiology
Why lymph has no pump of its own, and why it responds to gentle stimulation.
The technique
The light skin-twisting movement that draws fluid toward the routes that carry it.
The drainage order
Why you open the route nearest the heart first, so fluid further out has somewhere to go.
The safety rules
How to read contraindications, and the rule that governs every session: you never push fluid toward an obstruction.
Assessment over routine
How to read each body and adapt the work, because every person is different.
It is not right for everyone, and we will tell you.
Because the Vogel Method moves a high volume of fluid toward the heart, it is not appropriate for every client. It is contraindicated for people with conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), and we do not perform drainage on clients with COPD, emphysema, blood clots, or an active infection. For those conditions we refer you to a hospital lymphedema clinic where emergency care is on site. Every plan begins with an assessment, and if lymphatic work is not the safe choice for you, we will say so and point you to the right care.
One method, taught therapist to therapist.
Sharon Vogel built the method the whole practice runs on and still teaches it to the team. Whichever clinic you visit, the drainage follows your anatomy and your condition, in the order the body needs.
Sharon M. Vogel
Founder & Director
LMT · CLT · CDT · CVMLD™ · BCTMB · BS
Hinsdale · Downers Grove · Joliet
About Sharon Vogel
Founded the practice in 1991 and created the Vogel Method. She has spent decades working with the lymphatic system by hand, and is the only board-certified member of the team.
Abdul Alagha
Clinic Director
MMBS · LMT · CLT · CVMLD™ · LANA · BCTMB
Downers Grove
About Abdul
Directs the Downers Grove clinic. A licensed massage therapist and certified lymphedema therapist who also carries LANA certification.
Ludmila Lynch
Clinic Director
LMT · CLT · CDT · CVMLD™
Joliet
About Ludmila
Directs the Joliet clinic and is the steady presence clients in the southwest suburbs see most. Licensed massage therapist and certified lymphedema therapist.
Stephanie Kos
LET Specialist
LMT · CLT · CVMLD™ · LET
Hinsdale
About Stephanie
Our Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy specialist at Hinsdale, leading the L.E.T. sessions that pair manual drainage with the LymphStar Pro.
Hana Echevarria
Therapist
LMT · CDT · OMT · CVMLD™
Downers Grove
About Hana
A licensed massage therapist focused on oncology massage and manual lymphatic drainage, working on the post-surgical side of recovery.
Ricky Sharma
Therapist
LMT · CVMLD™
Downers Grove
About Ricky
Fifteen years in practice at Downers Grove, with a long list of clients who keep coming back. Certified in the Vogel Method, and known for the Sculpt 'n' Flow 70-minute body gua sha alongside the drainage work.
Mary Phelps
Therapist
LMT · OMT · CVMLD™
Joliet · Hinsdale · Downers Grove
About Mary
Nine years in practice and certified in the Vogel Method. A Certified Oncology MLD therapist and a Certified Prenatal and Postpartum therapist, she works on scar tissue, fibrosis and the swelling that follows liposuction or plastic surgery, oncology massage, alongside prenatal, postpartum and general wellness clients. She sees clients at all three clinics.
Jennifer Reyes
Therapist
LMT · CLT · CVMLD™
Joliet
About Jennifer
I am driven by a deep commitment to improving client well-being and relaxation. I bring seven years of rewarding experience working across diverse wellness settings and helping clients with a variety of needs. Alongside a dedicated work ethic, I offer CLT Certified Lymphedema Therapy skillset of MLD Manual Lymphatic Drainage Medical massage, bandaging, and measurements. General Wellness, Post Surgery Recovery, Swelling and Lymphedema are my specialties.
Sheida Mandavi
Therapist
LE · CVMLD™
Hinsdale · Downers Grove
About Sheida
I am a re-set button. I'll get your "old" self back in your body and your mind. I know where to find the kid in you. I know how to remove layers of tension and stress, how to take you from tight to "alright!", how to get you breathing deeply and openly again. Holding your breath right now? Then you're worse off than I thought - Book now!
Ready to see whether the Vogel Method can help?
Call us, tell us what you are dealing with, and we will say honestly whether the Vogel Method is right for you.