Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anicee Chen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Anicee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?
My journey into holistic health began with traditional acupressure training with a master from Hong Kong, who encouraged me to get licensed. Following his advice, I enrolled in a massage therapy program, which was a fantastic introduction to bodywork after coming from the corporate world. I found it incredibly fulfilling to help people feel better and heal holistically. After completing my studies, I went on to train and receive certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapy for both wellness and post-surgical recovery. As I was trying to find my place, I briefly worked at a medical aesthetics office, but the environment wasn’t the right fit for me.
Shortly after, I was fortunate to meet my mentor, who had over 21 years of experience in the industry and specialized in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. She gave me my first official job in the field, and under her guidance, I was able to improve my techniques and gain a wealth of knowledge. This experience provided the best foundation I could have asked for and prepared me to eventually start my own lymphatic therapy business. The skills and insights I gained working with my mentor have been instrumental in my journey, and I’m grateful for the strong start it gave me in this field.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Originally from New York, I fell in love with California’s beautiful weather, scenic views, and breathtaking sunsets, and have happily called it home for over 20 years. This vibrant and serene environment is the perfect backdrop for my practice in holistic health, a field I am deeply passionate about.
As a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Specialist, I have a beautiful and welcoming space in North Tustin. I also provide mobile services to bring the benefits of MLD directly to those who need it most, offering flexibility and convenience.
What sets me apart is my specialized training in the Vodder technique for MLD, a clinical method known for reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system. This gentle, nurturing, and incredibly soothing therapy often lulls my clients into a state of deep relaxation, leaving them feeling refreshed and re-energized.
MLD is perfect for anyone looking to improve their overall health, detoxify their body naturally, and reset their system. It helps reduce bloating, increase energy levels, boost immune strength, and promote better sleep and digestion.
For those recovering from surgery, MLD is essential. By reducing swelling and inflammation, enhancing the immune response, alleviating pain, and preventing scar tissue formation, MLD accelerates the healing process, allowing clients to feel better faster. As someone who understands the physical, mental, and emotional toll that surgery can take, I am committed to providing compassionate support throughout the recovery process and creating personalized care plans tailored to each client’s unique needs.
I am most proud of my dedication to educating my clients about post-operative care, maintaining a healthy lymphatic system, and the importance of adopting healthy habits. I believe true health improvement extends beyond a single session—it is a lifestyle that encompasses a combination of practices.
If you’re looking to enhance your well-being and embrace a healthier lifestyle, I’d love to help you on your journey. Let’s work together to discover the transformative benefits of MLD and create a path toward your healthiest, most vibrant self!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Networking has been a huge game-changer for me. Before starting my own business, I never really networked before and didn’t fully understand its significance, especially for small business owners. I quickly learned that it’s hard to gain clients if they don’t know who you are or what you do!
Joining my local Chamber of Commerce was my first step towards getting involved. It turned out to be an amazing way to connect with other small business owners in my area. I made it a point to attend their Business at Breakfast meetings, social mixers, and events like ribbon cuttings and council meetings. The more active I became, the more I realized how much I was gaining from the experience. Eventually, I even became an Ambassador.
Looking back, I’m so grateful I took that initial step to become a Chamber member. It brought countless benefits to my personal growth and my business. I met so many wonderful people who became friends, had the chance to perfect my elevator pitch in front of different audiences, and most importantly, became more involved in my community. This gave me opportunities to give back in meaningful ways.
These days, I tend to gravitate more towards women-focused events and health and wellness gatherings, especially since most of my clients are women. These events are fantastic for meeting complementary practitioners, which often lead to exciting collaborations and referrals. It’s remarkable how these connections help us grow and support each other’s businesses. You never know who you’ll meet and how you might be able to help each other along the way!
Here are the top three lessons I’ve learned from networking: 1. Rule of 3 – Initially, I would talk to anyone and everyone, which could be overwhelming and made it harder to form meaningful connections. Now, I focus on connecting more deeply with just a few people at each event.
2. Genuine Interest – I love learning about what others do and finding ways I can help them. When I approach with a mindset of service, it usually comes back to me in amazing and unexpected ways!
3. Who Can I Help? – Even if the person I’m speaking to isn’t a potential client, they might know someone who is. I always ask if there’s anyone they know who could benefit from my services.
Networking has opened up countless opportunities and friendships, making it an invaluable part of my business and its success!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Leaving the corporate world was one of the toughest and scariest decisions I have ever made, especially since it was all that I knew. After battling major burnout for so many years, I resigned and found myself not only jobless, but also directionless. As a single mom with a toddler, the uncertainty was overwhelming and the thought of not having a steady income and not knowing what lay ahead was absolutely terrifying.
I considered returning to a traditional 9-to-5 job, but deep down, I knew it wouldn’t bring me the fulfillment and joy that I truly wanted. So I decided to focus on my own physical, mental, and emotional health at the time, which had suffered tremendously after years of neglect.
While on my healing journey, I also embarked on another project that was near and dear to my heart. I created a guided journal called the Metamorphosis Planner (IG: novo.you) that was born from a passion to assist others in finding their footing just as I had. It focused on seven key elements that can help transform your life: proper sleep, healthy eating, movement and exercise, positivity, passion, self-love and relationships, and reconnecting with nature. It was a labor of love, meant to guide others towards their own path of personal growth and well-being.
With each step I took toward holistic health and wellness, I felt an increasing alignment with my calling to help others on their healing journey. This realization led me to earn my life coaching certification and later to become trained and certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapy.
During this phase of my life, as I completely changed my career, I encountered some of the greatest challenges I’ve ever faced. Yet, I remained resilient, fueled by my mission and passion. Today, I look back with gratitude. The road was difficult, but it led me to where I am now, and for that, I am incredibly thankful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.post-opsurgeryspa.com
- Instagram: anicee.lymphatictherapy
- Facebook: Anicee Chen
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/post-op-surgery-spa-north-tustin
- Others
Google Review: https://g.page/r/CXZGvtB5Uj66EAI/reviewPodcast Interview with the Holistic Healers Community.
Episode 19 – The Healing Stream: Drive Into Lymphatic Drainage.Listen today on Spotify, Apple, iHeart, or Amazon!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZXkI8jy1CoRwU3LULlF6f
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-19-the-healing-stream-dive-into-lymphatic-drainage/id1720812420?i=1000648766846
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-holistic-healers-community-157843795/episode/ep-19-the-healing-stream-dive-157969101/
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d2c0dfd2-f36f-4974-b50b-806a9e0a9b3a/episodes/e9b6e209-45bc-4a5d-891e-ec0d2032837b/holistic-healers-community-podcast-ep-19-the-healing-stream-dive-into-lymphatic-drainage




