MELBOURNE LYMPH DRAINAGE CENTRE
All courses are designed to up skill and further professional expertise for Massage and Myotherapists and Allied Health Practitioners.
Melbourne Lymph Drainage Centre, Astrid Diercks Remedial Massage Therapist, Lymph Drainage Specialist with 40 years of lecturing experience.
About Astrid Diercks
Astrid Diercks was born and trained in Germany as a physiotherapist, clinical massage therapist, and hydrotherapist and reflex zone therapist amongst other certified modalities. In 1982 Astrid landed in Australia with the intention to stay for 2 years… still counting.
After running a busy clinic in Moe, she set up in North Carlton, then North Fitzroy and East Melbourne before her “prime” spot in Collingwood.
Apart from full time clinic work, Astrid worked at Melbourne Uni Sports Centre for many years, taught at Southern School of Nat Therapies & Massage and other Massage colleges, was a vital committee member on the professional Massage association, worked as a mentor and lecturer, and has been training practitioners in Thailand and Bali for many years. On Monday eve’s she runs a balance/stretch class for clients. Rest – Rejuvenate- Retire “Yes,” she says, Sleep is medicine, gardening and swimming in the sea is rejuvenating and baking a cake is retiring from work. “I really enjoy my work, I love a challenge (and there’s many) and I make sure I have my out times.”
Astrid and her highly qualified therapist team provide individual treatments for many conditions such as acute and chronic back issues, soft tissue problems, pre/post op. rehabilitation, massage during pregnancy, physical therapy exercises and lymphoedema treatments including decongestive physical therapy after surgery.
2026 Training Courses
All courses are designed to up-skill and further professional expertise for Massage/Myotherapists and Allied health practitioners.
Manual Lymph Drainage Level I (MLD)
Monday 23 – Saturday 28 March 2026
Monday 20 – Saturday 25 July 2026
MLD & De-congestive Physical Therapy Level II
Monday 4 – Saturday 9 May 2026
Monday14– Saturday19 September 2026
Foot Reflex Zone Therapy (FRT)
Friday 15 – Sunday 17 May 2026
MLD I / MLD II Refresher
Sunday 22 March 2026 1pm – 6pm
Remedial Hot Stone Massage
Friday 11 – Saturday 12 September 2026
Venue: POND Massage Water @ 124 Langridge Street Collingwood 3066.
All courses are registered and accepted with MMA and other professional associations. Participants obtain certification and CPE points.
Contact POND Massage reception on 03 9486 0070 or info@pond.com.au
Brief Course Outlines
Courses at Melbourne Lymph Drainage Centre, Astrid Diercks are run in a small group setting to ensure individual and optimum learning.
MLD I
In MLD I you learn a full body MLD treatment routine for an intact lymph system. It covers indications/ contraindications, case studies/anatomy& physiology of lymph system. The course offers extensive hands-on practice and practical demonstrations and discussions. You will be able to use the technique after successful completion of course.
MLD II
The MLD II is based on knowledge and practising MLD and it is recommended to feel comfortable with strokes and general lymphatic knowledge before continuing study.
L2
L 2 is entirely concentrating on learning and treating conditions as lymph oedemas, lipoedema and compromised lymph system conditions. Pathologies of each condition will be discussed. You will learn and practise various compression therapy techniques and materials, lymph taping and management of clients including special exercises. The course incorporates ‘real life’ client treatment and case studies.
Both courses include a self-directed assessment compartment and during the 6 days there will be ongoing student assessment.
Footreflexzone therapy (FRT)
Astrid trained with pioneers of this technique in Germany and through the International Institute, US. General knowledge of anatomy, physiology is a pre requisite for this course, the 3 -day training concentrates entirely on FR technique, case studies and practical work. Foot reflexology, also known as Foot Reflex Zone Therapy (FRT), is a therapeutic practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet. The learning includes a “full body FR routine- working over all areas of the feet and ankles. It is a useful modality on its own – or in conjunction with using other massage, like in a remedial session.
Hot Stone therapy
The 2-day Hot Stone therapy course is tailored for practitioners already knowing massage techniques with anatomy/ physiology knowledge. You will learn about different stones (basalt, marble, lava), placement on the body, and a full hot stone body treatment. Individual stones can also be used in conjunction with remedial treatments or sports therapy.
Course fee structure 2026
MLD Level I $ 2025.00
MLD Level II $ 2025.00
Foot R Therapy $ 850.00
Hot Stone therapy $ 590.00
A deposit of $ 200.00 is required to reserve a space, classes will only commence with minimum of 4 participants. All enquiries can be made directly with Astrid Diercks, 0412 564 881 or info@pond.com.au
All MLDC courses are accredited with M&MA professional association and participants receive CPE points on completion. Courses are held at POND Massage training space, Collingwood.
To offer best outcomes maximum class numbers are limited to 8 participants. After successful completion members will be issued with a certificate.
For any enquiries or professional advice regarding courses please contact POND reception on (03) 9486 0070 or info@pond.com.au