Manual Lymph Drainage
MLD is a gentle, yet powerful form of bodywork intended to stimulate and encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart. It is a technique based on rhythmic and constant movements that mimic the body's own lymphatic system.
Conditions indicated for MLD:
- Post-surgical procedures
- Lyme's disease
- Auto-immune diseases (CFS, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia)
- Reduction of swelling in extremities (edema)
- Cellulite
- Neuropathy
- Tinnitus
Unlike blood, lymph fluid is not pumped by the heart. It moves slowly through our body, stimulated only by muscular contractions or massage. The lymph drains from the interstitium into the lymph vessels, collecting wastes and toxins that cannot be absorbed through the blood capillary vessels. In certain points, called nodes, the lymph fluid is cleaned and microorganisms are destroyed, making the lymphatic system a crucial part of our immune system.
The lymphatic system has 600-700 nodes with 200-300 in the neck alone. If fluid is blocked in one node, it will usually take a detour, however, when the blockage is severe it can cause a back up and create swelling in surrounding tissues referred to as "lymphedema".