Lymphatic Drainage Massage
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a crucial component of the circulatory, immune, and metabolic systems. The major tasks of the lymphatic system are transporting, cleaning, and nourishing the cells. The lymphatic system consists of a vast network of vessels, nodes, and ducts that collect and circulate the fluid in the body. Water, waste products, and nutrients in the body are constantly exchanged between the cells and the fluid around them. The lymphatic system removes excess fluid, fats and protein from the interstitial fluid that surrounds the cells and drains it into the blood circulation. At the same time, the lymphatic system filters the fluid and defend the body by removing foreign agents.
What is Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) aims to improve the flow of lymph fluid in the body, by a very gentle slow repetitive technique. The special MLD technique can accelerate the lymphatic pathways’ rhythm up to 20 times of its resting rate. This enhanced drainage effect results in rapid decongestion and restoration of normal tissue condition. The main effects of MLD are to decongest tissues of waste products, alleviate pain. and calm down the nervous system. Also, indirectly it affects the immune system as harmful particles are transported to lymph nodes where they can be neutralized.
MLD is not only used to help reduce swelling, but also to help reduce joint pain, stiffness, chronic muscle and joint pain, fatigue, stress, and promote healing and recovery process from injury, surgery, disease, and even exercise workout.
MLD is beneficial for a range of conditions, which include but not limited to:
-Oedema (swelling)
-Lymphatic Conditions (Lymphoedema, Lipoedema)
-Orthopaedic & Musculoskeletal Conditions (Fractures,Sprain, Strains)
-Digestive Condition (Constipation, Bloating, IBS)
-Dermatological Condition (Acne, Eczema)
-Neurological Conditions (Concussion, Stroke, Headache, MS)
-Chronic Inflammations (Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Bronchitis, Acne, Rosacea, Arthritis, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, RSI)
-Circulatory Problems (Venous Ulcers, Swollen Limbs)
-Pre & Post Surgery
-Stress
-Fibromyalgia
-Chronic fatigue
-Post Infection Syndrome
- Wound, Burn, Bruises, Scars
Although MLD is safe and highly beneficial for most people, there are some conditions and circumstances where MLD is not recommended. The major contraindications to MLD are;
-Untreated malignant disease, including tumour recurrence or metastases
-Acute Inflammation caused by bacteria, virus, or foreign bodies
- Acute congestive heart failure
-Acute renal failure
-Active blood clots
-The first month of pregnancy
MLD is not a painful procedure. On the contrary, it is very relaxing. As it serves to promote the elimination of waste-products and toxins, it also provides a feeling of well-being during and after the procedure.
References:
https://www.movinglymph.com.au/
Franz-Josef S, Murat E, Buse K, Damla Ü. Investigation of the Less Known Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage: A Narrative Review. Lymphatic Research and Biology. Feb 2022.7- 10 http://doi.org/10.1089/lrb.2019.0091
Hildegard W, Dieter W, Andreas W, Maria W. Dr. Vodder’smanual lymph drainage, a practical guide 2nd ed. New York,Thieme; 2019, 39-44
Kalyani Premkumar. Anatomy & Physiology, The Massage Connection 3rd ed. Philadelphia. Walters Kluwer; 2012, 421-424
Written by Midori Adachi April 2023