Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage ( MLD)

If you’ve experienced sleep issues, fatigue, bloating, swollen lymph nodes, swelling in the arms and legs (or anywhere else), it’s a good sign you could benefit from MLD.

Manual lymph drainage is a way of reducing swelling (lymphoedema) caused by fluid build up.

It’s a gentle technique promoting lymph health and natural drainage.

Using the Dr Vodder method, the techniques used in this treatment involve massaging with very gentle upward and circular strokes to encourage movement of the lymph fluid into fine tubes called lymph vessels. These techniques result in a treatment that is extremely soothing and deeply relaxing.

First, it’s important to understand how the lymphatic system works. It’s your body’s built-in detoxifier, working hard to get rid of ‘waste’, such as bacteria and excess fluid.
The lymph system is similar to the circulatory system, and runs throughout your body. To move the lymph it requires body movements and gravity.

Lymph is a fluid that flows through your lymph vessels to lymph “nodes” (which are like storage compartments). Lymphatic fluid takes toxins and wastes with it to help clear your body.
However, gravity and exercise sometimes isn’t enough to effectively move your lymph through your body. This can cause a range of problems, from sickness to lethargy.Sometimes the system needs a little extra help to effectively cleanse your body of unwanted toxins.

In this case, it helps to have a massage therapist experienced in manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) to get your lymph nodes draining and your lymph flowing again. Regular treatments can be very beneficial for long-term health,

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE BENEFITS . Here are just a few reasons to book a treatment and try it for yourself:

1. Strengthened Immune System

One of the main benefits of the lymph system is the removal of harmful waste and toxins from the body. For this to occur, lymph has to be flowing smoothly. If you’ve been getting sick more often lately, it could be your lymph nodes to blame. Try an MLD massage to improve your immunity and feel better.

2. BetterSleep
MLD massages reduce pain and stress and promote healing, which makes them perfect for anyone who has been having trouble sleeping.

3. Resolved Sinus Issues
MLD is highly decongestive. When lymph is not flowing properly, you may experience sinus or allergy issues. Draining the lymph nodes that work with the sinuses can help get everything flowing smoothly again and offer some well-deserved relief.

4. Lymphedema Prevention
When the normal flow of lymph is seriously interrupted (by medical treatment, infection, cancer treatments, surgeries, or health or medical conditions), you could end up with lymphedema, which causes major swelling in one or more limbs. Lymphoedema often affects people recovering from breast cancer surgery.
Compression therapy is typically used to prevent lymphedema, but lymphatic massage can also greatly help reduce swelling and prevent lymphedema from getting worse. Some studies also suggest MLD can also be preventative.

5. Fluid retention and circulation.
Fluid retention can happen to us all. Whether around your stomach or your legs, ‘water weight’ can result in puffiness and bloating that your lymphatic system may need help to clear. A lymphatic drainage massage helps to ease all that fluid away, pushing it towards the lymph nodes where it can be eliminated. If you suffer with heavy legs, this is a big benefit.

Poor leg circulation is automatically chalked up to poor vein health. However, it could be the lymph nodes in your legs – and not just your veins – that are the culprit. If you’ve started to notice swelling, pain, or discomfort in your legs, contact our MLD therapist for a specific MLD treatment.

6. Optimises results after liposuction
If you’ve undergone liposuction or a body-sculpting treatment (such as CoolSculpting or EMSculpt Neo), booking in for MLD post-procedure can help to enhance the contoured results. Talk to your surgeon or practitioner first, as they may advise some downtime before you go for a massage. However, in many cases, you can visit soon after your procedure.

7. Cellulite.
When the lymphatic system is not functioning properly, waste products and toxins can accumulate in the body, causing inflammation and fat accumulation. Lymphatic drainage massage can help to stimulate the lymphatic system and speed up the elimination of waste products and toxins from the body. This can aid in the reduction of inflammation and the appearance of cellulite.

8.. Helps with post-injury swelling
When you have an injury – say from working out hard in the gym – you might find the area doesn’t circulate fluids as well, which causes extra swelling. Excess puffiness may be a sign that your lymphatic system isn’t working quite as it should, so a lymphatic drainage massage could be needed to help drain some of the swelling away.

9. More Energy
Many people report feeling more energy after a manual lymphatic drainage treatment. It can last for a few hours to a few days. Many people choose to incorporate MLD into their weekly or monthly massages for this great boost of energy.

Last but not least, a lymphatic drainage massage can be truly relaxing. The sweeping gestures and the increase of lymph flow often works wonders at easing tension throughout your body. So, if you’re feeling pent-up, you can lie back and allow your practitioner to ease away stresses, all while receiving the benefits above.

It is important that you always visit a therapist who is fully qualified in this treatment, as it requires knowledge about the correct techniques and about the direction of flow of the lymphatic system.

MLD is offered by Debbie Lyon . Appointments can be booked on-line.