What is Lymphatic Drainage?
The purpose of lymph drainage is to cleanse and regenerate the tissues and organs of the body. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is very gentle patterned therapeutic massage used to increase lymph fluid movement. By increasing the lymph flow the body is able to eliminate excess fluid and improve the overall function of the cellular system. When the lymph system and lymph nodes are damaged through disease or surgery it is sometimes possible to re pattern the the lymph flow to active nodes and restore balance to the system.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels, nodes and ducts to move tissue waste, fluid, and hormones throughout the body. It is responsible for moving toxins and viruses away from healthy cells and carrying germ-fighting materials to cells. Lymph fluid moves up the body through the lymphatic system and it does not have its own pumping mechanism. The lymphatic system relies on the action of external forces to create a lymphatic pump to move the fluid up the body. Lymphatic drainage is intended to help the body produce a free-flowing lymphatic system.
What Does the Lymphatic System Do?
The lymphatic system aids the immune system in destroying pathogens and filtering waste so that the lymph can be safely returned to the circulatory system. It removes excess fluid, waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, cancer cells, and toxins from these cells and the tissue spaces between them. The lymphatic system also works with the circulatory system to deliver nutrients, oxygen, and hormones from the blood to the cells. Lymph is collected from the interstitial spaces into the lymph capillaries. It then travels through the lymphatic and lymph nodes, into the right or left lymphatic duct and finally back into the blood stream.
Who Needs Lymphatic Drainage?
The following conditions may suggest the need for lymphatic drainage:
- Sinusitis
- Eczema
- Bronchial Asthma
- Allergy
- Chronic Constipation
- Tension Headache
- Migraine
- Stress Reduction
- Post Stroke
- Injury to Muscles and Soft issue
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Post Surgery Recovery
- Lymphedema
- Lower Back Pain
- Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
How is Lymphatic Drainage Done?
The therapist uses light, rhythmical, spiral-like movements to accelerate the movement of lymphatic fluids in the body. Lymphatic Drainage Massage uses mild strokes toward the heart. Lymphatic Drainage massage uses no massage oils or lotions. This technique will open the one way valves and lightly stretch the walls of the lymph vessels to create a pumping action and promote lymph drainage.
What Are the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage?
The benefits of Lymphatic Drainage include:
- Clearing areas of congestion such as swollen ankles, puffy eyes and swollen legs
- Promotion of scar tissue healing, torn ligaments and sprains.
- Post-operative healing
- Reduction in Edemas and Lymphedemas
- Detoxification of the body
- Treatment of lymphedema and other conditions arising from venous insufficiency
- Improving chronic conditions such as sinusitis, arthritis, acne and other skin conditions
- Deep relaxation
Lymphatic drainage boosts the immune system as well as helps the body ward off illness. the treatment can facilitate general feelings of health and vitality. It can also have a positive physical effect, improving the appearance of the skin and reducing puffiness caused by water retention and poor circulation.