Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapy

The lymphatic system is a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels that produce and transport lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. Lymph is a clear-to-white fluid made of white blood cells and a fluid from the intestines called chyle, which contains proteins and fats. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped, soft nodules. They are located in clusters in various parts of the body, such as the neck, armpit, groin, and inside the center of the chest and abdomen. The condition termed Lymphedema, also referred to as lymphatic obstruction, is defined by localized fluid retention and tissue swelling, caused by a compromised lymphatic system.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?

Manual lymphatic drainage therapy is a kind of massage that assists in lymphatic drainage. One method was invented in the early 1930s by massage therapists Dr. Emil and Mrs. Estrid Vodder. The other was the outcome of MD Bruno Chikly's award-winning research on the lymphatic system. Manual lymph drainage can be performed by massage therapists who are specially trained to administer it. The Vodder method uses gentle massage strokes to stimulate the lymphatic system to eliminate metabolic waste products, excess fluid and bacteria. In the other method, therapists first discern the existing overall circulation of the lymph flow anywhere in the body. They then use a lymphatic drainage massage technique employing flat hands, and using all the fingers to simulate body-fluid stagnation down alternate pathways for draining.

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system is an important part of the body’s immune system. It carries nutrients to cells and eliminates metabolic wastes, toxins and excess fluids from the body. There is little difference in both methods and they produce similar effects. Among the many benefits of manual lymphatic drainage therapy are detoxification of the body, plus stimulation of the immune defenses. It is a double-edged sword that can correct some conditions, as well assist in preventative health maintenance. It encourages fluid circulation and cell regeneration. Some of the other significant benefits are:

• It helps in reducing oedema
• It may provide ulceration relief
• It encourages tissue regeneration (e.g., from burns, wounds, stretch marks, and pre & post surgical scarring)
• It is an effective component of control and treatment of lymphedema
• It improves radiotherapy skin damage
• It provides deep relaxation that can aid insomnia, depression, stress
• It also helps in reducing the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
• It can relieve chronic pain, sprains and strains (sports injuries)
• It may provide relief of numerous chronic and sub-acute inflammations such as sinusitis, bronchitis, hay-fever and rhinitis.
• It can aids venous insufficiency
• It assists in the alleviation of adiposis and cellulite tissue.

If you feel that manual lymphatic drainage therapy will ease any condition you suffer from, first consult your doctor, especially if you have chronic high blood pressure, heart problems or other infections. With your doctors approval, you can find a certified manual lymph drainage (MLD) practitioner. Steps you can take before going in, include avoid using lotions or other skin lubricants to enable maximum friction. Once there, discuss your condition with the therapist who will then decide the frequency of your sessions. These will reduce as your condition improves. After MLD, you may have one of many reactions, so don't be alarmed. Some people may need to pass urine often within a few hours after MLD, due to increase in fluids moved from tissues to the kidneys. Ensure you replenish this lost water. A few others experience nausea or deep aching.

Between sessions, to optimize the effect of the treatment, self-massage is advised. It involves gently rubbing lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin and behind the knees. Some also suggest keeping ones legs elevated for fifteen minutes after self-massage to increase lymph flow. Other suggestions include a little bit of light exercise between sessions, not wearing underwire bras, keeping warm and avoiding sugars and alcohol.