Assisted Lymphatic Therapy in Des Moines, Iowa
Your lymphatic system does a lot of quiet, essential work. When it gets backed up, your whole body feels it.
Puffiness. Inflammation. That heavy, foggy, low-energy feeling you can't quite shake. Assisted lymphatic therapy in Des Moines at Inner Space is designed to get things moving again…gently, effectively, and without the intensity of deep tissue work.
At Inner Space, ALT is delivered by a certified practitioner using the XP2 device, a specialized therapeutic tool that uses multi-frequency stimulation to support lymphatic drainage, reduce congestion, and encourage your body's natural detox and repair processes.
Inner Space is one of a small number of wellness centers in Iowa offering Assisted Lymphatic Therapy with the XP2 device, bringing clinical-grade lymphatic support to Des Moines.
This is not massage. It's something different - and for a lot of people, it's exactly what their body has been missing.
What is Assisted Lymphatic Therapy?
Your lymphatic system is one of your body's most important (and most overlooked) networks. It's responsible for filtering waste, transporting immune cells, regulating fluid, and clearing inflammatory debris from your tissues.
Unlike your cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system has no pump. It depends on movement, breath, and muscular activity to keep fluid circulating. When life gets sedentary, stressful, or your body is dealing with inflammation or illness, lymphatic flow slows down and things start to back up.
Assisted lymphatic therapy uses gentle, rhythmic mechanical stimulation to get that flow moving again. Sessions are light-touch, non-invasive, and deeply relaxing. Most people describe the sensation as steady, wave-like, and soothing, nothing like the pressure of deep tissue massage.
How the XP2 machine works
ALT at Inner Space is delivered using the XP2 device, which uses a precise combination of low, medium, and high frequencies, each targeting a different layer of the healing process.
Low frequencies (1–100 Hz) stimulate lymphatic flow and improve tissue mobility, encouraging the movement of lymph and the removal of metabolic waste from the interstitial space between cells.
Medium frequencies (100–1,000 Hz) penetrate deeper into tissue to support cellular repair, fluid reabsorption, and the regeneration of sluggish lymphatic vessels.
High frequencies (1,000 Hz+) stimulate immune response, improve tissue oxygenation, and energize the body's natural detoxification processes.
Together, these frequencies work with your body's systems (not against them) to restore lymphatic efficiency from the inside out.
ALT vs. Manual Lymphatic Massage
You may have heard of manual lymphatic drainage: a technique performed by hand. Assisted lymphatic therapy is different in a few important ways.
The XP2 device delivers consistent, calibrated stimulation that reaches tissue depth and frequency ranges that hands alone can't replicate. Sessions are more precise, more reproducible, and often more comfortable - especially for clients dealing with inflammation, sensitivity, or post-surgical recovery.
Think of it as the difference between stretching a muscle by hand and using a targeted therapy tool designed specifically for that tissue. Both have value. ALT goes further.
What happens in your body
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Your lymphatic vessels begin to open and respond. Interstitial fluid carrying waste, inflammatory debris, and metabolic byproducts starts shifting out of your tissues. Your nervous system moves toward parasympathetic activation: heart rate slows, cortisol drops, and your body enters repair mode. Circulation improves as tissue pressure decreases.
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Lymph continues to drain as opened pathways carry fluid toward the thoracic duct and venous system. Your liver, kidneys, and gut begin processing the mobilized waste. Many clients feel noticeably calmer, lighter, and less inflamed for several hours.
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Inflammation continues to decrease as cytokines and stagnant proteins clear more efficiently. Tissue oxygenation improves, supporting muscle recovery and organ function. Many clients report deeper, more restorative sleep.
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Lymphatic efficiency remains elevated - especially in clients with chronic congestion, where each session progressively trains the system to move better. Immune regulation improves and becomes less reactive.
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ALT doesn't just move fluid once, it restores flow over time. Just like exercise trains muscles, consistent ALT trains your lymphatic system. With regular sessions, clients often experience decreased chronic inflammation, improved metabolic flexibility, stronger immune resilience, and a sense of feeling genuinely unstuck in their healing.
Most clients reach a meaningful baseline in about 5 sessions. From there, a maintenance rhythm keeps the system functioning well.
Possible Benefits
Reduced puffiness and fluid retention
Decreased inflammation and tissue congestion
Improved immune function and response
Nervous system regulation and parasympathetic support
Post-exercise and post-surgical recovery
Detox pathway support through improved fluid movement
Clearer mental state and improved energy
Better sleep quality
Metabolic support, including improved insulin sensitivity with consistent use
Who ALT is best for
ALT is a great fit if you:
Experience chronic puffiness, fluid retention, or inflammation
Feel heavy, foggy, or low-energy without a clear cause
Are recovering from illness, surgery, or physical strain
Sit for extended periods or travel frequently
Want gentle, non-invasive recovery support
Are pairing sessions with red light therapy, vibe plate, or other Inner Space services
Are dealing with autoimmune conditions, hormonal fluctuations, or chronic stress
It's also particularly supportive during seasonal transitions, after long flights, or during high-stress periods when your body's detox pathways need extra support, whether you're in Des Moines or just passing through.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
ALT may not be appropriate for everyone. Please consult your healthcare provider before booking if you have any of the following:
Active infection or fever
Untreated congestive heart failure
Active blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
Uncontrolled kidney or renal conditions
Active cancer (unless cleared by your oncologist)
First trimester of pregnancy
You have been advised by a provider to avoid lymphatic stimulation
What pairs well with ALT?
ALT works beautifully alongside other Inner Space services. We recommend:
Supports cellular repair and tissue recovery, amplifying the effects of lymphatic drainage at the cellular level. Full ALT sessions include a red light session.
Whole-body vibration supports lymphatic circulation through mechanical stimulation, making it a natural complement before or after ALT. Vibe plate is not a stand-alone service, but included in our red light sessions.
Optimal hydration supports lymphatic flow and accelerates the detox process post-session.
How to prepare
What to expect after your session
Most clients leave feeling lighter, less swollen, and deeply relaxed. Some people notice increased urination in the hours following a session - this is normal and a sign that fluid is moving and detox pathways are active.
Occasionally, first-time clients experience mild fatigue or a light detox response (headache, slight achiness) in the 12–24 hours after their session. This is especially common if your lymphatic system has been sluggish for a while. It passes, and it means the work is happening.
To minimize this: stay hydrated, rest if you can, and avoid scheduling your first session the day before a big event or a weekend away. We'll talk through all of this on your phone consult.
How it works at Inner Space
Because ALT is a more involved therapy (especially for new clients) we do things a little differently here.
Every new client starts with a phone consult. Molly will spend about 15 minutes with you to understand your health history, your goals, and whether ALT is the right fit for you. This protects your time and ensures your first session is as effective as possible.
After your consult, you'll receive a personalized booking link for your first appointment.
Your first visit is 1 hour 45 minutes, longer than a standard session to allow for a thorough intake and your first full treatment. A $75 deposit is required to reserve your spot, which goes toward your session.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Manual lymphatic massage is performed by hand. ALT uses the XP2 device, which delivers multi-frequency mechanical stimulation that reaches tissue depth and consistency that hands can't replicate. The two approaches share a similar goal - ALT is more precise and often more effective for clients with significant congestion or clinical needs.
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Most clients reach a meaningful baseline in about 5 sessions. From there, a maintenance rhythm of 1–2 sessions per month is typical. We offer session packages designed around this, ask Molly during your consult.
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During the session, the sensation is gentle and wave-like, most people find it deeply relaxing, not intense. The real effects often show up in the hours and days after: reduced puffiness, better sleep, improved energy, and that sense of feeling less stuck
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A mild detox response after your first session is normal, especially if your lymphatic system has been congested. Fatigue, mild headache, or achiness in the first 24 hours are signs your body is processing and clearing. Stay hydrated and rest. It passes.
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Absolutely, and we encourage it. Red light therapy, vibe plate, and IV therapy all complement ALT well. Talk to Molly or our front desk about building a protocol that makes sense for your goals.
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No referral needed. Start by booking a phone consult, Molly will help determine if ALT is right for you before your first session.