Manual Lymph Drainage
Many people are unfamiliar with the lymphatic system, and with Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), a specialized massage for the lymphatic system. They are unaware of what it does, or the fact that there are more lymph vessels than blood vessels. This is a very brief background followed by some links to more information.
What does the lymphatic system do?
It cleans out waste, proteins, sugars. Any fluid between cells is called pre-lymph. It reduces inflammation and swelling. It carries infection fighting immune cells to where they are needed. It sequesters toxins and prevents cancer. It transports fat soluble vitamins and important fatty acids from the intestines to the liver for absorption and metabolism. Our state of mind, our nervous system including the brain, and our whole-body function are dependent on those healthy fats.
What health issues can Manual Lymph Drainage help?
Because the lymph system is vital to the health of the entire body, MLD can and has been applied to many health-challenges including: brain and joint injuries, inflammation, infections of the skin, sinus, ears and eyes, stress disorders, surgery recovery, facial care, detoxification, and for pure relaxation. The most common reason folks get MLD is for lymphedema, often a consequence of cancer treatments. MLD is used world-wide in wound care centers, lymphedema clinics, cosmetic surgeries especially liposuction, and holistic healing centers.
How can massage that gentle do anything?
Right under the skin are the delicate superficial lymphatic vessels. Moving the skin moves those vessels which are connected to the deep lymphatic vessels. An image some find helpful to describe this is a series of connected hoses in which fluid from one is pushing into the next one. That fluid pressure moves the fluid in the next connected hose. MLD thus moves the whole lymphatic system through the superficial system. In addition, the rhythm of the massage turns down the fright flight part of the nervous system allowing us to relax which further enhances lymphatic movement. MLD warms and liquefies the material between the cells which helps it enter the lymph system to be carried away. The direction of the massage movement also helps propel the lymph towards where it enters the arterial system.
What pumps the lymph system?
Muscular movement combined with pressure changes returns the lymph to the cardiovascular system. The lymph system has no heart, but often the diaphragm is called the heart of the lymph system. Intestinal movement is also extremely important in lymph flow. When we are relaxed we breathe better, and our intestinal mobility improves. And external compressive forces facilitate lymphatic compression including compression garments, bandages, pumps, and MLD.
What does the lymphatic system do?
It cleans out waste, proteins, sugars. Any fluid between cells is called pre-lymph. It reduces inflammation and swelling. It carries infection fighting immune cells to where they are needed. It sequesters toxins and prevents cancer. It transports fat soluble vitamins and important fatty acids from the intestines to the liver for absorption and metabolism. Our state of mind, our nervous system including the brain, and our whole-body function are dependent on those healthy fats.
What health issues can Manual Lymph Drainage help?
Because the lymph system is vital to the health of the entire body, MLD can and has been applied to many health-challenges including: brain and joint injuries, inflammation, infections of the skin, sinus, ears and eyes, stress disorders, surgery recovery, facial care, detoxification, and for pure relaxation. The most common reason folks get MLD is for lymphedema, often a consequence of cancer treatments. MLD is used world-wide in wound care centers, lymphedema clinics, cosmetic surgeries especially liposuction, and holistic healing centers.
How can massage that gentle do anything?
Right under the skin are the delicate superficial lymphatic vessels. Moving the skin moves those vessels which are connected to the deep lymphatic vessels. An image some find helpful to describe this is a series of connected hoses in which fluid from one is pushing into the next one. That fluid pressure moves the fluid in the next connected hose. MLD thus moves the whole lymphatic system through the superficial system. In addition, the rhythm of the massage turns down the fright flight part of the nervous system allowing us to relax which further enhances lymphatic movement. MLD warms and liquefies the material between the cells which helps it enter the lymph system to be carried away. The direction of the massage movement also helps propel the lymph towards where it enters the arterial system.
What pumps the lymph system?
Muscular movement combined with pressure changes returns the lymph to the cardiovascular system. The lymph system has no heart, but often the diaphragm is called the heart of the lymph system. Intestinal movement is also extremely important in lymph flow. When we are relaxed we breathe better, and our intestinal mobility improves. And external compressive forces facilitate lymphatic compression including compression garments, bandages, pumps, and MLD.
What education do you have in MLD?
160 hours of initial training, and ongoing two-and-a-half-day recertification reviews through the Dr. Vodder School of North America, and a head and neck lymphedema class from Norton School. I also studied in Austria to observe what an integrated residential treatment program can offer.
What practical experience do you have in MLD?
For almost 20 years, MLD has been a go to method for me for brain injuries, joint problems, sinus issues, lymphedema, stress reduction and more in my personal business. For 9 years, I provided MLD at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA.
How has MLD surprised you?
In so many ways, but mostly with how well it works for brain injuries. I knew how well accepted it is for lymphedema, and it is impressive how fast changes in lymphedema and swelling from injury or surgery can be seen and felt with MLD, but it is less usual to hear of it used for brain injuries. So, for example, my brother’s eye teared constantly for more than a decade after a traumatic brain injury and he had severe headaches. With just four MLD sessions the tearing stopped permanently and headaches decreased in frequency, intensity and duration. And a client who was unable to write for roughly 10 years after she experienced a stroke was able to write a check to me after her eighth session. Another success story resulted in a husband writing this testimonial about how MLD helped his wife after she had a serious concussion from a fall.
160 hours of initial training, and ongoing two-and-a-half-day recertification reviews through the Dr. Vodder School of North America, and a head and neck lymphedema class from Norton School. I also studied in Austria to observe what an integrated residential treatment program can offer.
What practical experience do you have in MLD?
For almost 20 years, MLD has been a go to method for me for brain injuries, joint problems, sinus issues, lymphedema, stress reduction and more in my personal business. For 9 years, I provided MLD at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA.
How has MLD surprised you?
In so many ways, but mostly with how well it works for brain injuries. I knew how well accepted it is for lymphedema, and it is impressive how fast changes in lymphedema and swelling from injury or surgery can be seen and felt with MLD, but it is less usual to hear of it used for brain injuries. So, for example, my brother’s eye teared constantly for more than a decade after a traumatic brain injury and he had severe headaches. With just four MLD sessions the tearing stopped permanently and headaches decreased in frequency, intensity and duration. And a client who was unable to write for roughly 10 years after she experienced a stroke was able to write a check to me after her eighth session. Another success story resulted in a husband writing this testimonial about how MLD helped his wife after she had a serious concussion from a fall.