Manual Lymphatic Drainage
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
MLD is a slow relaxing treatment where the fingers and hands of the therapist move in gentle light-touch subtle movements activating the lymph and interstitial fluid circulation. The complete body can be treated and this therapy is excellent for swelling due to oedema, fluid retention, and stimulation of lymph. The parasympathetic nervous system is also stimulated producing total relaxation, and, since immunity depends on lymph flow in part, a more steady flow of lymph will contribute to an improved immune system.
More specific areas of the body can be drained depending on the condition being treated. All manual lymph drainage techniques have specific similarities in that the fingers and hands move the skin in rhythmic movements encouraging the lymphatic vessels to contract in a more organised way. Repetitive light movements are used and these are adjusted according to the type of tissue being worked.
MLD can be of great benefit for lymphodemas caused by surgery where lymph nodes or lymph vessels have been removed for example during the removal of carcinomas.
During the healing stages after various cosmetic surgery such as liposuction and facelift, MLD can increase the healing rate of the area and thus increase the speed with which the client can resume a normal life.
MLD can benefit conditions such as:
- Lymphodema
- Aching limbs
- Oedema
- Stress
- Tiredness
- Sprains
- Arthritis
- Cellulite - regular treatments can maintain improvement
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) & fibromyalgia
- After Liposuction Abdominoplasty Cosmetic Surgery
- Sports injuries
- Regeneration of tissue including burns, wounds, scars
- Assisting with weight loss
- Headaches & Migraine
- Alleviation of Adiposis and Cellulite tissue
- Relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality along with poor memory
- Immune system support
- Lymphoedema of various origins (Primary & Secondary)
The name of the treatment can put clients off as thoughts of plumbing and taps come to mind, but these misconceptions soon vanish as the treatment progresses.