Even though it is considered a medical massage, many clinicians, as well as massage therapists are unaware of the many other applications for this powerful therapy.
It is true, physicians may know of the benefit of MLD only for draining fluid build-up in quite ill patients; and there is no question that MLD is the optimal treatment for people who retain excessive fluid due to their type of illness, known as Lymph Edema.
However, MLD has great detoxifying and decongesting effects for anyone who wants to improve their health!
Lymphatic massage utilizes very light and rhythmic strokes to improve lymph circulation. Lymph, a protein rich fluid, carries white blood cells to fight and destroy bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells through the lymphatic system, which is a most important part of our immune system.
When lymph flow is enhanced, toxic and infectious materials, as well as excess fluids are removed more effectively from the body tissues, strengthening the immune system and providing a general sense of well-being.
There are many applications and conditions for which MLD can be beneficial:
Lymph Edema, a chronic condition of fluid accumulation, usually due to cancer treatments like surgery or radiation or due to venous insufficiency.
In the field of cosmetic surgery, MLD also helps in the reduction of swelling, thus providing pain relief after facelifts, liposuction, breast reduction or implant surgery. That means there is LESS DOWNTIME = you look and feel better much faster!
Certain inflammatory autoimmune diseases like Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lyme disease, mold toxicity, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, to name a few.
Post surgically to reduce swelling and bruising, thus accelerating healing.
MLD promotes healing of scar tissue in cases of torn ligaments and sprains, reducing pain and speeding up healing.
Facial MLD treatments will reduce congestion and puffiness, and can help those with chronic sinus problems.
MLD boosts the immune system by aiding the detoxification of the body. As such, it is beneficial to maintain health. Depending on your state of health, we recommend regular lymphatic drainage massages.
A little background on the history of Manual Lymph Drainage
Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid were the first to break the taboo of working directly with the lymphatic system to treat their patients. Working in the South of France with English aristocrats who came there to recover from their chronic colds and arthritic ailments, due to the damp British climate, they had amazingly good results with their innovative approach.
They were the pioneers of manual lymph drainage, developing a treatment protocol that is still considered the gold standard throughout the Western world.
Offshoots of the Vodder system of MLD, though based upon the original style, include the Casley-Smith technique and the Upledger technique.
I practice the Vodder style MLD and Complete Decongestive Therapy, certified through Klose Training, and associated with the Foeldi Clinic in Germany, the foremost clinic for lymph edema patients worldwide.
