A healthy, active lymphatic system uses the natural movements of smooth muscle tissue to help eliminate waste from your body. However, surgery or other damage can cause fluids to build up in your lymph system and your lymph nodes resulting in a condition known as lymphoedema. The fluid buildup is not only uncomfortable, causing pain and heaviness in the affected area, but can also cause significant depression and lack of mobility that could further complicate the healing process.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is usually combined with compression garments or bandaging to keep the swelling down but is also particularly useful in areas where it’s difficult to use the compression therapy method.
Your lymphatic system is your body's first line of defence against disease and infection because the lymph nodes contain a large number of white blood cells. Lymph picks up toxins such as bacteria, food additives or preservatives and viruses from the body and filters them through the lymph nodes for removal from the body.
It is different to other forms of remedial massage as it is slow and gentle and involves circular, stretching motions on the skin to move fluid out from an area of swelling to the healthy lymph nodes to aid natural drainage. In addition to improving lymphatic circulation, MLD also increases blood flow in deep and superficial veins
Having a healthy functioning lymphatic system is important for overall health as it boosts the immune system, detoxifies the body and induces relaxation. This technique can also be useful for treating specific conditions such as:
MLD may be especially helpful if you have lymphoedema in your face, neck, upper arm, breast, trunk (body) or genitals.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is usually combined with compression garments or bandaging to keep the swelling down but is also particularly useful in areas where it’s difficult to use the compression therapy method.
Your lymphatic system is your body's first line of defence against disease and infection because the lymph nodes contain a large number of white blood cells. Lymph picks up toxins such as bacteria, food additives or preservatives and viruses from the body and filters them through the lymph nodes for removal from the body.
It is different to other forms of remedial massage as it is slow and gentle and involves circular, stretching motions on the skin to move fluid out from an area of swelling to the healthy lymph nodes to aid natural drainage. In addition to improving lymphatic circulation, MLD also increases blood flow in deep and superficial veins
Having a healthy functioning lymphatic system is important for overall health as it boosts the immune system, detoxifies the body and induces relaxation. This technique can also be useful for treating specific conditions such as:
- Fluid retention due to injury, pregnancy, surgery
- Lymphedema
- Chronic Fatigue
- Low immunity
- Breast surgery (mastectomy)
- Dermatological conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne)
- Clear congested sinuses
- Sports injuries (sprains, swelling)
- Post-surgery (soften scar tissue, promote healing, and reduce chance of infection)
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Posttraumatic edema
- Palliative care: Provision of comfort and pain relief when other physical therapies are no longer appropriate
MLD may be especially helpful if you have lymphoedema in your face, neck, upper arm, breast, trunk (body) or genitals.
Techniques of Manual Lymphatic Drainage
There are contraindications to using MLD therapy, some of which include the following conditions:
It is important to drink water after a MLD session to encourage circulation of fluid and the removal of wastes from the body. Anyone can benefit from this gentle and effective treatment, whether it be for a specific condition or for a general health boost.
- An infection or inflammation in the swollen area
- A blood clot
- Congestive heart failure
- Cardiac edema
- Decompensated cardiac insufficiency
- Active cancer in the area
- Acute inflammation caused by pathogenic germs (bacteria, fungi, viruses). The germs could be spread by the manual lymph drainage, resulting in blood poisoning (sepsis).
- Acute renal failure
It is important to drink water after a MLD session to encourage circulation of fluid and the removal of wastes from the body. Anyone can benefit from this gentle and effective treatment, whether it be for a specific condition or for a general health boost.
