Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a manual, therapeutic method of stimulating the movement of fluid in the tissues. It is used for maintaining overall wellness by helping the body to cleanse, remove toxins and fend off infections.
The Lymphatic System consists of lymphatic fluid, lymph nodes and lymph capillaries which are responsible for carrying excess water, proteins and waste from the connective tissues back to the venous blood stream. It is during the transportation process that the lymph is cleaned, filtered and concentrated.
What are the origins of this specialized detoxification treatment?
In the 1930's, a Danish physician by the name of Emil Vodder developed a massage technique that focused on the lymphatic system ( lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen and thymus) which makes, filters and circulates lymph. He hypothesized that the healthy flow of lymph throughout the body was vital for proper immune function through the elimination of wastes from the tissues. Manual Lymphatic Drainage, blends gentle, rhythmic, precise pumping movements to accelerate lymph flow. This is a slow rhythmic massage that cleanses the tissues, eliminates toxins and increases blood flow. This methodical stimulation directs the lymphatic fluid to the lymph nodes where the fluid is filtered and waste is eliminated.
What can cause lymph flow to slow down?
- sedentary lifestyle
- drugs
- surgeries
- chemicals
- traumas
- diet
- inflammation
- RSD
- immobility
- heart disease/cancer
- tight clothing
- cold/virus
What conditions can benefit from MLD?
- basic cleansing of the skin
- dermatological conditions (acne,eczema, rosacea.)
- trauma induced swelling
- post-surgical oedema
- hematomas, bruises
- cellulite
- scar tissue
- arthritis* (with the exception of intra-capsular)
- burns
- sports injuries/tendonitis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- sinusitis and more
MLD has proven to be particularly effective for cosmetic surgery patients. MLD offers benefits to these patients both before and after surgery.
Pre-operative treatments cleanse the system, making the body as healthy as possible before surgery, dramatically improving recovery time. It minimizes scar tissue, bruising, swelling and loss of mobility.
Post-operative treatments promote the healing process. Damage to the lymphatic capillaries due to the invasive procedure will slow down lymph flow. MLD techniques are very light and subtle, and therefore can be applied to surgical areas that would normally be too painful to touch. Without treatment, the congestion in the tissue causes swelling and remains in the tissues over a long period of time. MLD moves the fluid which in turn, reduces swelling.
Naturally, the swelling following cosmetic surgery can take from 4-6 weeks to settle (depending on the type of surgery). MLD dramatically reduces the time required for the fluids causing swelling to disperse. Often, MLD treatments can reduce this recovery time to merely days.
BEFORE Surgery
- cleanses and purifies
- speeds up natural lymph flow
- strengthens body's immune system
AFTER Surgery
- reduces bleeding, blotching and swelling
- reduces pain and discomfort
- quicker end result
- return to regular daily activities sooner
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