Manual Lymph Drainage

Manual Lymph Drainage massage is used to help the lymph system clean and drain the body's tissues. The lymphatic system is an important part of the body's immnue function.

Just as red blood cells transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, the lymph fluid carries a mixture of vital substances and toxins, which must be returned to the blood stream. Lymph carries plasma proteins needed by cells as building blocks of life. Lymph also carries vitamins and hormones to cells and carries away destroyed or dying cells and waste products for excretion.

Manual Lymph Drainage

by Sharon Hopkins

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) was developed by the Danish physical therapists Doctors Emil and Estrid Vodder, in the 1930's. This technique developed as a result of their studies on the lymph vessel system. MLD is a series of light, rhythmic manipulations that stimulate lymph flow and fluid movement.

How does Manual Lymph Drainage work?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a light, rhythmical massage in which the practitioner uses a range of specialized and gentle rhythmic pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow. This rhythmical massage stimulates the lymphatic vessels.

The lymphatic vessels in our body play a key role in delivering nutrients, antibodies and other immune constituents to the tissue cells of the body and remove toxins, cell waste and dead particles. When the lymphatic vessels are not functioning at their optimum due to blockages, the body's immunity drops, and it is susceptible to a number of ailments such as allergies, headaches, sinusitis, low energy and frequent infections.

Lymph Drainage helps in removing these blockages and restores the lymphatic system to its normal state. It also works on the nervous system, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and improves sleeping patterns.

A typical session of lymphatic massage lasts for approximately one to one and a half hours. During the first consultation the therapist will assess the patient's condition and recommend the number and frequency of future sessions. Lymph massage can also be used in conjunction with more traditional forms of medicine to provide faster relief. Most patients who have undergone this therapy have found the experience to be very relaxing with little or no discomfort.

Benefits of MLD?

Lymphatic drainage massage is both a preventive and a remedial treatment. It provides a major boost to the immune system. It has been proven to be very effective in the treatment of conditions such as edema, sinus congestion, abdominal bloating, migraine headaches, and rheumatoid arthritis. It also promotes the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains and lessens pain. Manual Lymph Drainage is also used in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, to heal wounds and burns, and to reduce scars and stretch marks. It has a profoundly relaxing effect on the nervous system and is a great stress buster.

MLD is used in combination with other therapies for the treatment of primary and secondary Lymphedema. It is effective in the treatment of swellings brought about as a result of problems in the circulatory system.

About the Author

Sharon Hopkins, content provider for Massage Therapy, is your online guide to healing using skilled fingers to rejuvenate and destress you scientifically. She also regularly features articles on Aromatherapy, Yoga, and Hair-n-Skin care websites.

For more information, Introduction to Manual Lymph Drainage Massage describes the structure and function of the lymphatic system, indications and contraindications for MLD, principles and basic movements of MLD, and specific applications.