Manual Lymphatic Drainage
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage, frequently just called MLD, is the practice of using very light massage to improve the drainage of lymph back into the bloodstream. One may well ask why this is desirable. Fluid surrounds every cell in the body allowing for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and cellular wastes, and much of the immune system's power is concentrated in the lymph. The fluid originates in the blood before it leaves the circulatory system to lubricate the body's cells. It is then collected by lymph capillaries, conducted through larger vessels, and ultimately into the thoracic ducts, where the lymph passes back into the bloodstream for detoxification by liver and kidneys.
The lymphatic system has no pump ensuring smooth and continuos movement - though it has many valves to prevent back flow, relying instead on force exerted by body movement. While this is often sufficient for efficient lymphatic drainage, illness, surgical procedures, sedentary lifestyle, and sometimes pregnancy, can cause congestion. The subsequent accumulation of lymph is often visible as puffiness or swelling. MLD seeks to correct this congestion and stagnation by using light strokes to assist the flow in the critical layer of lymphatic vessels just beneath the skin.
What Are the Benefits of MLD?
Lymphatic Drainage increases the removal of accumulated toxins and metabolic wastes from the tissues. The benefits include the removal of retained fluid - which can manifest as easier joint movement, decreased visible swelling, and decreased nerve pain as the pressure is released, improved immune response, relief from sinus congestion, and improved healing of injuries. Manual
Lymphatic Drainage is of particular benefit following injuries such as sprains and strains when more aggressive forms of massage are not yet appropriate. It is also of great help in the month following surgical procedures when the body systems are sluggish from anaesthetic and taxed by the procedure itself.
What Should Be Expected From An MLD Treatment?
The first consultation will
include the taking of a detailed history - including with medical, lifestyle, and
dietary information - to form a therapeutic picture. In practice, Lymphatic Drainage differs from other types of massage
in that is works on very superficial tissues rather than deep muscles, and strives not to involve he blood circulation. MLD strokes are therefore very light intending only to move and stretch the skin without effecting the muscles below. The treatment is done using either talc or no massage medium at all, so there is no greasy residue on the hair, skin, or clothing.
What About MLD in Pregnancy?
After the first trimester, MLD is helpful in pregnancy to clear the congestion that often develops, and which results in fluid retention and swelling. 30 minute MLD treatments are recommended for women who are pregnant, as they are helpful in moving stagnation but do not further strain an already overburdened system.
When Might Lymphatic Drainage Not Be Suitable?
MLD shares the contraindications of other types of massage, as well as having some other specific ones: Persons with hypertension and immune deficiency of a complicated and serious nature must have permission from their GPs before receiving MLD. While uncomplicated lowered immunity can benefit significantly from MLD, there are serious causes of immune deficiency and these must be ruled out before treatment. Persons currently undergoing treatment for cancer - especially lymphoma - should not receive Lymphatic Drainage, though once the "all clear" has been given and treatment has ended, MLD can be useful in restoring the body to itself. Even so, those who have finished a successful course of cancer treatment within the last three months should seek a doctor's permission. Persons with lymphoedema are advised to seek out a Manual Lymphatic Drainage specialist trained in the Vodder technique or similar. As with all massage, if
you are in any doubt or under
medical supervision, check with your doctor before making an appointment.
It is not advisable to drink alcohol or use non-prescription drugs in the 24 hours before and after your treatment.
Prices For Manual Lymphatic Drainage:
Evening appointments are available.
30 Minutes £25
60 Minutes £40
90 Minutes £55
