Dr Vodder Academy - Wittlinger Lymphoedema Clinic, Walchsee Austria

/ Balance your Life/

It was an amazing experience…

…to attend the Dr Vodder Academy Review Course at the Wittlinger Lymphoedema Clinic in Walchsee, Austria in August this year.

Learning from the most experienced therapists and doctors in the field of Manual Lymphatic Drainage was on my bucket list for many years. Not only you have the opportunity to treat patients who present complicated cases in the clinic directly, you also hear about the latest research, advanced techniques and you get to know and learn from those professionals who refined the technique further that was developed many decades, nearly a century ago.

The Story of Emil & Estrid Vodder and the Legacy of Lymphatic Healing

Nearly a century ago, in the 1930s, a Danish couple, Emil and Estrid Vodder, noticed something remarkable while caring for their clients. With gentle, flowing hand movements over the lymph nodes, people found relief from sinus troubles, swelling, and chronic discomfort. Out of curiosity and care, they refined these movements into a method that became known as Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD).

The Vodder's and the Wittlinger's in front of the Wittlinger Clinic in Walchsee, Austria

From left to right: Estrid Vodder, Günther Wittlinger, Emil Vodder (sitting) and Hildegard Wittlinger, who is in her mid 90th and has been still active in the clinic some years ago.

In 1936, they shared their discovery at a health congress in Paris, and from then on, MLD began its journey into the world. Emil brought the scientific knowledge, Estrid brought the healing touch, and together they devoted their lives to teaching and spreading this new therapy.

Even after Emil passed away in 1986, Estrid carried their mission forward until her own passing in 1996, leaving behind not just a method, but a legacy of gentle healing that continues to help people worldwide.

The Vodders’ legacy found a permanent home thanks to the dedication of the Wittlinger family. In 1972, Günther and Hildegard Wittlinger, together with Dr. Vodder, established the Dr. Vodder School in Walchsee, Austria. This school became the first—and remains the leading—training center worldwide for authentic Manual Lymph Drainage in the Vodder tradition.

What makes the Wittlinger Lymphoedema Clinic unique is its combination of:

  • Expertise: It is staffed by highly trained therapists, many of whom are directly connected to the Vodder teaching lineage.

  • Comprehensive care: Patients with lymphedema, lipedema, post-surgical swelling, or chronic lymphatic conditions receive not only Manual Lymph Drainage but also holistic programs including compression therapy, exercise, skincare, and psychosocial support.

  • Healing environment: Located in the Tyrolean Alps, the clinic provides a serene, restorative setting that supports both body and mind—something the Vodders themselves always valued in their approach to health.

Because of this, the Wittlinger Clinic is regarded worldwide as the gold standard in lymphatic therapy. Patients often travel from around the globe to benefit from its specialized expertise, and therapists trained there are considered among the most skilled in the field.