ACOLS Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Training Practice Test

In Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage, establishing a clear route toward central circulation is essential. By first stimulating the proximal lymph nodes—the supraclavicular and axillary nodes—you open the main drainage channels that carry lymph from the arm toward the chest. After those proximal routes are prepared, you then guide lymph along the arm from proximal to distal, starting near the shoulder and moving toward the hand. This proximal-to-distal sequence ensures lymph can flow toward the central veins and reduces the risk of stasis in the distal segments. Draining the hand first or moving distal-to-proximal would bypass or overwhelm the newly opened pathways, making the treatment less effective. Therefore, begin with the supraclavicular and axillary areas, then drain the arm from proximal to distal.