Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a massage technique that involves slow, rhythmical movement of the skin to pump fluid from the tissues into and through the lymphatic vessels faster than it usually flows. The fluid is moved to the lymph nodes where it can be processed normally by the body.
This gentle massage technique is relaxing and relieves swelling as well as pain. It cleans up the tissues to reduce the risk of infection and speed up the healing process after an injury or surgery.
Why do I need Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps the lymphatic system work more efficiently thereby boosting your immune system. It can reduce pain, and help you heal faster from injuries and remove bruising faster.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a way to keep your body healthy—it helps clean up your soft tissues so nutrients can get to your cells faster. It also reduces stress and so helps to prevent stress related illnesses.
What is the Lymphatic System?
In addition to the blood circulation system, our body has a second, equally important transport system –the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a large portion of your immune system and it is the system that keeps your body’s fluid in balance.
The lymphatic vessels are a network of delicate vessels that are distributed over the entire body in the skin, subcutaneous tissues, on the musculature and along the major blood vessels. They transport fluids from the tissues to the heart in an independent vascular system.
Another element of the lymphatic system is the lymphatic organs (spleen, tonsils, thymus, bone marrow, lymph nodes, etc.). These form part of our immune system and have the task of finding pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. and unchanged cells in the body and rendering them harmless.
The lymph nodes are dispersed throughout the lymph vessel system. They are found in different sizes, shapes, and numbers (600-900) in many parts of the body. They process the fluid the lymphatic system transports and perform a number of different tasks such as removing virus and bacteria, maintaining protein circulation, and maintaining blood volume and fluid balance.
MLD was originated by Dr. Vodder in Europe during the 1930's. The effects of MLD techniques have been researched and studied by scientists and doctors for many years. For over 70 years now this therapeutic tool has been used in the successful treatment of over 60 various pathologies. As a result, it is now the fourth most prescribed form of physical therapy in Germany, Austria, France and the Scandinavian countries.
Who can benefit from Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Scientific studies and years of clinical experience show that many conditions can benefit from manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage:
- Injuries
- Stress reduction
- Strengthens immune system
- Bruising
- Lymphedema
- Sprains
- Tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Chronic pain
- Fractures
- Muscle tears
- Neck pain
- Migraines
- Acne
- Burns
- Eczema
- Leg ulcers
- Scars
- Wounds
- Stretch marks
- Allergies
- Emphysema
- Sinusitis
- Tinnitus
- Chronic fatigue
- Various breast conditions
- Fibromyalgia
- Scleroderma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neuralgia
- Parkinson's disease
- Reactions to toxins
- Edema
- Swelling during pregnancy
- Tooth pain
- Jaw swelling
Schedule your Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage session today to start feeling your best!