Manual Lymphatic Drainage

MLD is a form of gentle massage that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and the movement of lymph fluids around the body.The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues.  It helps regulate inflammation and the immune response, and removes waste and toxins from the body. Certain health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing a buildup in certain areas - also known as lymphedema. Examples include swollen ankles after a long-haul flight, or a swollen arm after breast cancer treatment.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT: MLD is a light, skin-stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb. It should not be confused with a traditional massage. MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. Therapy is applied to your unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, or “decongest” the region. MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics.Deep breathing techniques called diaphragmatic breathing are usually done at the beginning and end of a therapy session to help open the deep lymphatic pathways. It’s not only relaxing, but it helps increase movement of fluid toward the heart.

 

Benefits:

 

Post-surgical swelling

Edema

Lymphedema

Sinus congestion

Rheumatoid arthritis

Lipedema

Fibromyalgia

Chronic venous insufficiency