MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
Manual lymphatic drainage is a safe, relaxing, and effective way to reduce swelling and promote recovery from several health conditions or to provide a much-needed energizing immune boost for your system.
ABOUT MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, relaxing treatment using four basic rhythmic and gentle manual techniques to reduce swelling or bruising in any part of the body. Light touch stretching of the skin is used in the direction of lymph flow and slight rotation that allows the filaments of the initial lymph vessels and pre-collector vessels to suction fluid from the tissues into the lymphatic system.
The rate of lymphatic fluid flow increases throughout the system, which then empties the excess fluid and unwanted toxins into the bloodstream where it can be processed and absorbed by the body. The reduction of edema is the most visually apparent benefit and the decrease in swelling helps to reduce pain and stiffness and helps to lessen numbness to enable mobility of muscles and enhance joint range of motion. Deep abdominal breaths and belly massage techniques can be used to maximize benefits.
Besides reducing swelling and filtering waste, clients report improved sleep, decreased pain, improved mobility and range of motion, decreased sinus pain and inflammation, decreased headaches, decreased brain fog, decreased puffiness in the eyes and face, improved blood pressure, decreased inflammation, balanced immune response, improved digestion, and improved bowel elimination.
CONDITIONS THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM MLD
MLD is also beneficial for healthy individuals wanting to relax and boost their immune systems.
- Autoimmune diseases (fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, RA)
- Migraines/Headaches
- Lyme disease
- Pre/post-surgical procedures (including post-mastectomy swelling)
- Edema
- Sports injuries/strains/sprains/bruising
- Constipation and bloating
- Sinus congestion
ONCOLOGY TREATMENTS
During oncology treatments, the lymph system can be compromised, and a customized lymphatic massage can support healing and recovery.
For those managing lymphedema, it can be helpful as a part of regular maintenance to reduce discomfort and the risk of developing cellulitis.
POST COSMETIC SURGERY
Cosmetic surgery often disrupts the lymphatic system, especially if liposuction has been performed. Manual lymph drainage sessions help move the fluid to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of fibrosis (a thickening of tissue).
As healing progresses, scar tissue release techniques can be used to reduce excess scarring. Someone who has had breast surgery (augmentation, reduction, or mastectomy), liposuction, abdominoplasty, BBL, mommy makeover, or facelift can benefit from a manual lymphatic drainage session.
