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(MLD) Manual Lymphatic Drainage
What is manual lymphatic drainage massage?
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Cancer and cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes
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Filariasis, which is infestation of the lymph nodes by a parasite carried by mosquitoes
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Some types of vascular surgery, such as vein stripping
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Burn scar excision
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Lipectomy, a type of surgery to remove fat from the body
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Infection or trauma in the lymphatic system
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A buildup of fluid due to deep vein thrombosis
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Health conditions that affect blood flow to the extremities, such as the hands and feet
MLD is a specialized massage type that gently assists the lymphatic system in maintaining the body’s fluid balance, blood circulation, and immune mechanisms. The system’s network of vessels and nodes contains lymph, a mixture of water, proteins, immune system components, waste products, and other remnants of cell metabolism. Lymph nodes, which filter out the debris, are found throughout the body, with especially large groups of them in the neck, armpits, and groin. These major collections of lymph nodes ensure that the lymph passes through as many nodes as possible before it returns to the circulatory system.
During a lymph drainage massage, a specially-trained massage therapist uses a series of gliding, compressing, stretching, and cupping motions over the client’s body. The light rhythmic movements, applied without massage oil, stimulate the lymphatic system without compressing the vessels – allowing lymph to move easily through the tissues and lymph nodes. MLD follows a specific sequence over the body so lymph isn’t trapped anywhere, making sure every area is treated with care.
Usually, when people hear about Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage they think it’s only for individuals who have lymphedema. While its reputation as a form of medical massage therapy isn’t undeserved, Lymphatic Drainage has recently become a technique of choice among a variety of massage lovers due to its many benefits.
(MLD) Benefits
The benefits of MLD are evident for a wide variety of issues and it has only been until relatively recent times that it has been appreciated for more than that of it’s aid in Lymphoedema.
The Lymphatic System is arguably one of the lesser known systems of the body. It present throughout most of the body and is designed to transport lymph and remove metabolic waste. It’s also important for the balance of tissue fluid, the immune system and for facilitating absorption of fatty substances from the digestive system.
This month we’re looking at how MLD is ulitised within our practice as well as the latest research that supports the use of MLD in various other healthcare settings.
What is the lymph?
The lymph is a clear fluid that contains nutrients and oxygen similar to blood, but without the red and white corpuscles. It is deposited around the cells to keep them nourished. The cells are able to discard waste and toxic materials into this fluid. However, it flows slower than blood and is easily saturated by factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. For this reason, MLD is so important because it helps to release any obstruction from the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy results
