Specialists in Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Pre-Post Surgery, Lymphoedema & Lipedema Management, Scar Therapy & Oncology Massage

Anna Barton

Registered RMT

PRIVATE BOOKINGS ONLY

 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to full schedule we are currently in the position of not being able to take on new clients in our Ponsonby Clinic, but DO have availability at Red Beach (Hibiscus Coast) Clinic. Apologies for the inconvenience. Please check in later for any changes. You can find a qualified therapist here: http://www.lymphoedemanz.org.nz/

  • Dip. Health Sciences (Therapeutic Massage) NZCM
  • Cert Sports, Relaxation, Pregnancy, hot stone massage, NZCM
  • Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy Level 1&2 Casley Smith Method, Australia.
  • Scar Release Therapy, S.T.R.A.I.T Method, Foundations
  • Dr Vodder combined decongestive therapy and MLD II & III, Australia
  • Oncology Massage Training 1&2, Australia
  • Massage NZ registered RMT

Body Matters is a Massage New Zealand registered clinic in Ponsonby, convenient to Auckland’s CBD and surrounds. Anna also works from her home based clinic in Red Beach, Hibiscus Coast.

Having lived a full and well-travelled life, and struggled with back and neck pain for many years, Anna has learned the importance of well-being and living a stress-free life in order to live longer, fuller and freer.

With a background of 16 years working as a Remedial Massage Therapist, Anna now specialises in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), with extensive gold standard training in NZ and Australia. Anna enjoys helping people manage their symptoms of fluid retention from conditions such as Lymphoedema, Lipedema, Pre and Post Surgery, Oncology related complications, Scar Therapy, as well as many other health conditions and symptoms that can benefit from MLD. Also fully trained in Oncology Massage, and having worked as Dove House Hospice, she has the knowledge, as well as a personal experience and understanding of the journey one goes through with cancer.

She loves making a difference with gentle touch therapy for those who are at any stage of their cancer or treatment. She continually keeps up to date with upskill training to learn more about the amazing machine our bodies are and how bodywork can help them function and feel better.

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Menu of Services

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE - WELLNESS

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that has a powerful effect on the body. It utilises techniques that are soft, gentle and pain-free, that work directly with your lymphatic system, that is your immune system. This system is responsible for cleansing our tissues and maintaining a balance of fluids within the body with a network of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes that transport and filters waste matter and harmful cells. Here at Body Matters, we are trained under Schools of Dr Vodder, as well as Casley Smith, internationally recognised, gold standard training based on scientific, physiological principles that have proven to encourage lymph flow.

MLD can help assist with general well being and immunity. Below are some examples of what MLD can help with:
• Chronic sinusitis and migraine
• Pain, non- infected inflammation, oedema and swelling post-surgery, e.g. post cosmetic and plastic surgery incl. tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, face lift etc.
• People recuperating from a chronic illness. Our clients report the treatment to be very relaxing and soothing.
• People recovering from cold and flu. However, it is not beneficial during acute stages of illness (i.e. fever) as it can worsen the condition/symptoms.
• Clearer looking skin and improved skin tone during detox or weight loss programs.
• Reduced appearance of bruising
Initial Consult (includes consult & treatment)
60minutes		$150
Initial Consult (includes consult & treatment)
90minutes		$205
Follow up session 30 minutes$85
Follow up session 45 minutes$110
Follow up session 60 minutes$135
Follow up session 90 minutes$190

LYMPHOEDEMA & LIPOEDEMA MANAGEMENT

Lymphoedema is type of swelling (oedema) caused by build-up of protein-rich lymphatic fluid in the body’s tissues, as a result of a compromised lymphatic system, that can be from various causes.

There are 2 types of Lymphoedema:
1. Primary Lymphoedema, which is a congenital disorder of the lymphatic system that can appear later in life, usually at puberty or in times of hormonal changes.
2. Secondary Lymphoedema, which is swelling as a result of trauma to the lymphatic system or nodes, most commonly caused by cancer treatment involving excision or irradiation of the lymph nodes.

Lymphoedema most commonly causes swelling in the arms or legs and may involve the trunk or head as well. Other than swelling, lymphoedema can lead to discomfort, loss of mobility, tissue changes and skin changes. Being a life-long and progressive condition, these can all impact the patient’s quality of life and mental health.

If you think you have Lymphoedema, or if you think you may be at potential risk of developing lymphoedema e.g in the case of cancer surgeries involving node removal or radiation, contact me book in for an INITIAL CONSULT 90mins MLD treatment (as below), and learn how you can manage your symptoms and progression, as well as for early intervention advice.

Lipoedema (also spelt Lipedema) is a surprisingly common and inherited subcutaneous adipose (fat cell) and connective tissue disorder primarily affecting women, that is unresponsive to diet and exercise. It is characterised by an increase in adipose tissue as well as pain in the legs, and sometimes in the arms, that is disproportionate to the middle ie lower body is significantly larger to the upper body.
Its prevalence is largely unknown, and usually runs in the family. The disproportionate increase in weight around the legs usually starts in phases of weight gain that are mostly connected to hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, as well as some hormone medications.

Main presentations are:
  • Both legs, hips and or buttocks are affected with sparing of the feet and are similar on both sides of the body.

  • Pain and tenderness over areas of fatty tissue, especially with pressure

  • Easy bruising over areas of fatty tissue without significant injury

  • No resolution with elevation or weight loss

  • Can be present with Obesity too.


If you think you may have Lipoedema, contact me to book in for an INITIAL CONSULT 90mins MLD treatment (as below) with education and understanding of this condition, learn that this is very different to ‘obesity’ and is not your fault! And learn how you can stop this condition from progressing with some self-help information, tools, lifestyle changes and referrals if required.

What can I expect from my first initial consult for ‘Lymphoedema & Lipoedema Management’?
  • Thorough history and consult of your symptoms, goals and questions

  • Advice on self-care, compression garments, management of symptoms and preventing progression

  • Measurements of your affected area(s)

  • A manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage.

After your session I will devise and advise a treatment plan that will be designed specifically for individual needs, and follow up with all the information, as well as any referrals or resources required, all included in the rate, no extra charge.

Here at Body Matters, I am trained under Schools of Dr Vodder and Casley Smith, internationally recognised and gold standard training, based on scientific and physiological principles that have proven to encourage lymph flow. With Manual lymphatic drainage applied in a very skilled way using clinical reasoning and mapping of the body lymphatic system, we can reduce swelling by moving fluid from the swollen area into a place where the lymphatic system is working normally. MLD is also beneficial for other forms of oedema such as phlebolymphoedema and chronic venous insufficiency.
Initial Consult (includes consult & treatment)
90minutes		$220
Follow up session 30 minutes$85
Follow up session 45 minutes$110
Follow up session 60 minutes$135

Oncology Massage

Oncology massage safely addresses the needs of any person with cancer or life threatening illness, or in a fragile state of health, who is at any stage or their treatment or journey. This is a gentle touch and mindful approach, applied accordingly with specific training, tailored specifically to your needs, that considers the physical, emotional and psychological needs of the client during diagnosis, treatment, recovery, survivorship or palliative care.
Initial Consult (includes Consult and Treatment) 60mins$150
30 minutes Therapeutic massage$185
45 minutes Therapeutic massage$110
60 minutes Therapeutic massage$135

If your preferred time is not available please contact Anna and I will endeavour to make it happen.

What our clients have to say...

Testimonials

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Anna is an incredibly skilled Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) practitioner with an in-depth understanding of the pathology of lymphoedema and the lymphatic system as a whole. As a lymphoedema patient who has received MLD from many different practitioners, I can without a doubt say that Anna is one of the absolute best in the business. Anna has been treating me for around 4 years and has made a notable difference to my condition and its management. She is unfailingly professional and respectful, but also caring and compassionate. Anna always ensures that treatments are soothing and relaxing, and my appointments with her have undoubtedly become one of my favourite times of the week. I leave every session feeling lighter and more comfortable. Anna’s delightful personality, passion for the treatments that she provides, as well as her skill and knowledge, make the whole experience a complete pleasure. I highly recommend Anna to anyone seeking MLD or remedial massage – she is amazing!

Victoria

I’ve been having regular massage with Body Matters for the last year and I would very highly recommend them. I have had regular massage over the the last few years with various massage therapists and I can honestly say Anna is one of the best massage therapists I have yet encountered. She is very skilled with her hands, and provides sensitive and highly attuned treatments responsive to my changing needs. Anna has a warm and easy going personality and I feel totally safe in her hands. Anna is naturally an incredibly caring person, and I feel very grateful for the level of care and attention shes brings to each session. She manages her business with great professionalism, and is connected to a great network of health professionals. Anna is a gem, and I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting a fabulous massage experience

Andrew Jary

Anna has been instrumental in assisting me with my lymphatic drainage management.  Anna’s understanding of my needs and her patience while we navigated through the initial journey was an absolute life saver for me.  Having been diagnosed with Lymphedema,  which will always be a part of who I am moving forward, was hard to get my head around.  Anna helped me through the steps of compression tights, referral to the hospital, purchasing my own lymphatic drainage pump plus helping me with my regular monthly manual drainage.  Anna has not only navigated through the changes of my health management but has become a wonderful friend.  I am 100% happy to say that I would have no hesitation in recommending Anna to anyone who needs help, assistance, maintenance, care, a listening ear or understanding with their Lymphedema journey.  Thank you, Anna, for all you do.

Tina H

Before I started coming to Anna for treatment 5 years ago, lymphoedema felt like something I just had to endure.  But being under her care has truly changed how I experience and manage my condition. Anna’s expertise in lymphatic drainage massage has not only improved my physical symptoms—reducing swelling and discomfort—but has also helped me come to accept that this is a lifelong condition.  With Anna’s guidance, I now have the best compression stockings for my condition which has made a huge difference in comfort and effectiveness.  I feel informed and genuinely cared for.  Beyond the physical benefits, I always feel completely relaxed in Anna’s company – she creates a calm, supportive space.  I leave each session feeling lighter, more comfortable, and more confident in managing my condition. I’m truly grateful for her care, skill, and expertise.

Natalie Hill

I have been seeing Anna for Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) since 2021 following my breast cancer diagnosis. Anna’s caring hands and attitude helped me accept the outcomes of my surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation journey. I now have a robust understanding of my lymphatic system and how regular attention and compression regulates my body. Anna also has excellent connections with other services. I always feel ‘lighter’ after leaving Anna’s appointments, physically and mentally! She is a skilled therapist with in-depth knowledge, holistic care, and advice for managing lymphoedema on an ongoing basis. I highly recommend her practice.

Mandy V

Anna is absolute magic – a truly gifted practitioner. I first visited Anna in 2019, in search of oncology massage. Her exceptional abilities in massage, lymphatic drainage and scar work helped me through chemo, radiation and multiple surgeries. I’ve continued to see Anna since, where she’s helped me keep my post-cancer body happy and healthy. She generously shares her extensive knowledge and understanding of the body – and has a bloody great sense of humor to boot. Anna is a true gem, and I’ll continue to see her regularly for as long as she’ll have me!

Sarah G

Lymphatic Drainage is a constant part of managing my health. Lymphedema predominantly in my legs and stomach, a result of a pedestrian accident in 1996, that together with numerous surgery procedures resulting 4 DVT’s and pre-disposition to an ulcerated lower limb. My story is not unique, but possibly what is – my stoic tenacity to make the most of my health, despite my history. 5 years ago I moved to Auckland and was told, the health system, did not cover full Lymphatic management, but that I would benefit greatly from ongoing treatment…and so it has become a way of life – an investment in my mobility.
Anna has a warm, caring and empathetic persona. Her depth of knowledge endless. And her clinic rooms are so clean and hygienic (a must for someone prone to cellulitis). She considers my health in general and when the chips are down/my wheels fall off, gives me the nudge, I often need, to seek the appropriate medical care.
I absolutely value and appreciate that she considers my health and well-being and we are both on the same page. One last point, consistency; every appointment delivers both my needs and expectations. I am sure she has magic in those hands!

Lyndsay Loveridge

Seeing Anna at Body Matters has been a lifesaver.  Her lymphatic massage has eased my swelling, reduced the heaviness in my body and helped me feel lighter and more mobile.   Every session leaves me relaxed and cared for.  I am grateful to Anna for the difference she has made in my life.

Faye B

I first met Anna in 2023, after a physiotherapist highly recommended her lymphatic drainage massages. I’m not usually one for massages, but now I regularly see Anna for 30-minute upper body treatments—and I’ll keep coming back as long as she’s available. I walk in sluggish and leave refreshed. She’s helped me with everything from detoxing to weight loss, and we always share a good laugh. I used to drive across town for lackluster massages, but now I’ve found the best in Anna. I highly recommend her—give her a try!

Dr Sibilla Girardet

Dr Sibilla Girardet

I have been seeing Anna now for about 5 years. I often suffer from tension headaches and Anna has helped me not only with the pain relief of remedial massage but also with a more holistic (or lifestyle) approach – offering additional tools and teaching me preventative measures so I can self-manage. Anna is super friendly, and I would certainly recommend her and any of the team at Body Matters to anyone after a great massage, or to those who take rehabilitation and relaxation seriously!

Sandra Beacham

I’ve been seeing Anna for lymphatic drainage massage every month for the past three years, after starting with her post-surgery when I was struggling with bloating. From the very first sessions, I noticed a real difference — reduced surface bloating, more energy, and just an overall sense of feeling well and fueled for life.

We began with fortnightly treatments, which quickly showed results, and then moved to a monthly cycle that continues to keep me balanced.

She’s not only highly skilled and knowledgeable in her work, but also genuinely cares about her clients. Warm, passionate, and always engaged — she makes every session a positive experience. For all of these reasons, I would absolutely recommend her to anyone considering lymphatic drainage.

Nik M

Where to find us

2 Sheehan St, Ponsonby, Auckland (Tuesday/Thursday)

39 Symes Drive, Red Beach, Auckland (home-based clinic) (Wednesday/Friday)

9am to 6:30pm

Contact Anna

Best form of contact is to complete the form below.