Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is one of the most powerful massages I know to affect change in the body. It is a very safe and effective technique that helps stimulate the lymphatic system to function more efficiently and is useful for many conditions where lymph flow may be compromised.
Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage
- Reduce swelling by moving the interstitial (between cells) fluid into the lymphatic system. Sometimes I have observed immediate reduction in swelling as I have worked on a client.
- Clear toxins from the body by facilitating waste removal at the cellular level and assists with bringing nutrients and oxygen to the cells.
- Reduce bruising by clearing out the cellular waste.
- Calming effect on the autonomic nervous system. Many people have reported to me that they sleep better after a MLD.
- Analgesic effect based on the Gate Theory. A simplified explanation is that the touch receptors are stimulated by the light, repetitive touch of MLD, and these signals overtake or crowd out those sent by the pain receptors.
- Boost the immune system. Increased lymph flow carries more antigens to the lymph nodes, increasing antibody/antigen contact. When receiving MLD regularly, many people report that they don't pick up as many colds.
- Surgery. Pre-surgery MLD prepares the tissue for the intervention, drains the tissue, and clears the lymph passages to help prevent post-surgery edema. Post-surgery MLD helps clear the tissue of waste which causes swelling. It also helps to decrease scar tissue adhesion.
- Help alleviate other ailments such as: migraines, acne, sinus congestion, tendonitis, repetitive strain syndrome, and brain fog, among others complaints.
Explanation of How Manual Lymph Drainage Works
MLD uses light, rhythmical, very precise hand movements, pressures and sequences. The massage works at skin level to influence the direction and speed of lymphatic flow. The lymphatic system does not have its own pump (unlike the circulation which has the heart) and circulates as a result of muscular contraction. MLD helps speed up and improve the normal lymph circulation. MLD is a safe, effective, yet gentle way of cleansing the body's tissues. It is NOT the same as some of the 'Lymph Drainage Massage' offered by some sports or Swedish-massage therapists which can be a very deep technique.
Experiences with Manual Lymph Drainage
- My daughter had a swollen lip after rough-housing with some cousins. As I did MLD on her neck and face, she commented that the swelling felt like it was decreasing inside of her mouth. My sister and other daughter were sitting nearby and confirmed that they could visibly see the swelling in her lip reduce! After 15 minutes her lip was hardly swollen.
- After dental anesthesia I have done MLD on myself and other family members. In less than half an hour, the effects of the anesthesia have worn off and we don't have numb mouths.
- A client had compartment syndrome in his arm. After the first MLD session there was no notable change. The second MLD session was a few hours later and the tissue began to soften. When he came for the third MLD session the following morning, he reported that he had slept well and the swelling was noticeably reduced and he could move his arm with more ease.
- A client came weekly the night before her chemotherapy. This was her third time receiving chemo and she reported that she slept better and felt that her immune system was bolstered.
Call 801-628-3543 and make an appointment with me if you think that you will benefit from a Manual Lymph Drainage.
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