What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

MLD is a therapeutic massasge using a gentle pumping technique to drain away pockets of water retention and trapped toxins.  MLD is considered by many European doctors as a premier anti-aging treatment. 

Lymph drainage massage is a gentle technique that works through the body's fluid system to activate the circulation of the tissues and stimulates the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems.  The result of these actions can include reductions in edemas, detoxification of the body, regeneration of tissue as well as may other benefits. 

The technique is performed with hands and fingers stimulating gentle, wave-like movements.  They are neither tiring nor straining, but light-touch and easy to use.  These subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation.  As a result, a greater amount of the metabolic waste products and excess fluid are being removed from the body's tissues and enter the lymphatic system.  The fluid is now known as lymph and passes through a series of lymph nodes (lymph glands) where it is cleansed of dead cells, bacteria and other waste products. The clean lymph is then returned to the blood stream.

A well-functioning lymph system contributes to healthy body tissue and plays an important part in the

body's immune system responses.

How long is a session?

Your first visit will include a consultation and you and your therapist will agree on a treatment plan. The length of a session can vary between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on your requirements.

If I am having MLD therapy should I still see my doctor?

Where appropriate and requested, your therapist will work in conjunction with your medical practitioner and other health care professionals.

What are the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?

MLD can be applied to many different conditions and is also excellent as a preventive measure that can enhance your general well being. It has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system that leaves you deeply relaxed. It can improve the quality of your sleep, relieve constipation and generally aid digestion. Some people experience an improved performance of their immune system as a result of regular treatments and MLD can be used to help promote the immune system for pre and post-surgical procedures.

Due to the light, rhythmic application of touch in MLD massage, it can also be used effectively to

relieve headaches, migraines, bruises, sprains, arthritis and many other conditions.

Other Benefits include:

                                 Detoxification of the body

                                 Reduction in swelling

                                 Relief of sinusitis, bronchitis and otitis

                                 Relief of chronic pain

                                 Regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds, stretch marks and wrinkles

                                 Stimulation of the immune system

                                 Anti-aging effects

                                 Reduction in cellulite tissue

                                 Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

                                 Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory

Can MLD therapy help if I have swollen legs or ankles due to pregnancy or pre-menstrual syndrome?

Fluid congestion, swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes, swollen legs during pregnancy and fluid retention due to pre-menstrual syndrome can all be improved and alleviated by Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.

Can chronic conditions such as sinusitis, arthritis, acne and rosacea be improved with MLD?

Yes, each of these chronic inflammatory conditions (sinusitis, arthritis, acne and rosacea) can be improved with the application of MLD.

Can MLD help with broken bones, torn ligaments and sprains?

The healing process of broken bones, torn ligaments and sprains can be accelerated, enhanced and the pain can often be eased.

I have recently had an operation. Can MLD help with post operative bruising?

MLD is particularly beneficial in cases of post operative or traumatic bruising and swelling. It can also help to boost your immune system with treatments 24-48 hours prior to surgery as well as detoxifying the area and preparing the tissue for the surgery.

History of Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy.

Development of techniques for draining the lymphatic system can be found as far back as the 1800’s. Early pioneers of lymphatic pump techniques include Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy and Dr. Earl C. Miller who graduated from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.

During the 1930's the Danish massage practitioner and doctor of philosophy Dr. Emil Vodder created a unique set of movements which he successfully used to clear chronic sinusitis and facial acne. After studying what was then known as the lymphatic system he devised treatments for the whole body. He concludes that his technique, which he termed Manual Lymph drainage, could be applied to almost any condition, because of the important role the lymphatic system plays in our bodies. In Europe, lymphatic drainage is continuing to be more widely accepted and these techniques are considered as routine treatment in European hospitals.

Since Vodder' pioneering work, Dr. Bruno Chikly, a French physician currently living in Arizona further improved on Dr. Vodder’s techniques. Dr. Chikly is the author of the first comprehensive book in North American on the lymphatic system and lymphedema: Silent Waves: Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy.

If you would like more information about Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage or any of our services, please contact us or Click here to schedule an appointment.