Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

 

The Lymphatic System is a network of conduits that branches throughout the body and that has the task of draining the interstitial fluids, resulting in a natural cleansing of our organism. This drainage serves two important functions: it ensures a constant supply of nutrients to the cells and it prevents infections by producing lymphocytes and filtering lymph in the lymph nodes.

 

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

 

Manual lymphatic drainage is a technique developed by Doctor Emil Vodder in 1932. Drainage occurs as a result of a particular kind of soft massage of the skin, which is bound by collagen fibres to the lymphatic capillaries, thus facilitating the passage of substances to the lymphatic stream resulting in a gradual cleansing of the body, activating lymphatic circulation.

 

TREATMENT AIMS

 

  • Improve the function of the venous contrast flow and reduce capillo-venicular stasis.
  • Increase circulatory, venous and lymphatic rates.
  • Increase permeability of lymphatic capillaries and improve vascular atony.
  • Reduce oedemas.

 

SYMPTOMS/INDICATIONS

 

The principal function of M.L.D. is its anti-inflammatory effect. It helps with inflammations and oedemas, whether caused by trauma, by poor assimilation of liquids or even lipoedema (cellulitis); in this case it is very effective, having the same results as liposuction -- the difference being it is completely pain-free, does not assault our body, and the results are not short-term.

 

Lymphatic Drainage therefore has an anti-inflammatory effect on our body (it encourages the reabsorption of interstitial fluid), a neural effect (calming action), an immunological effect and an effect on one's musculature (it balances muscle tone).

Indications of M.L.D.: tired legs, swollen legs, poor circulation, water retention, post-operative patients, various inflammations...

 

Lymphatic Drainage: Cleanse and Rejuvenate

 

Lymphatic drainage is a speciality of massage that acts directly on the lymphatic system, responsible for eliminating toxins and maintaining the immune system. We can see its effect by looking at the skin, because it activates circulation and improves microcirculation. Moreover it combats cellulitis, preventing water retention.

Lymph is a transparent and milky liquid, rich in white blood cells ready to fight viral infections, bacterias and other processes that can threaten our immune system.

This important substance circulates through the lymphatic system via a dense network of conduits that run throughout the body and flow into lymphatic collectors and trunks which eventually merge with the bloodstream. Its constant mission is to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells and remove metabolic waste products and toxins.

 

Cleanse and Protect

 

Lymphatic circulation is bound to our blood, although in contrast to blood, lymph only flows in one direction; that's to say, from the organs to the heart. The lymphatic system functions as a cleansing device, but it also works as a protective and defensive system for the body.

Moreover, it carries out a key function regarding the nutrition of tissues; due largely to its cleansing effect, which is reflected in the skin. One must keep in mind that most cosmetic treatments lead to an increase in irrigation, which in turn results in better delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the area being treated.

 

Luxury Therapy

 

Over and above the benefits of traditional massage, MLD has the ability to eliminate toxins and boost the immune system. It is especially useful in preparing tissue before and after undergoing various cosmetic interventions and surgeries.

In connective tissue, an exchange of interstitial fluids is produced. Water, fat and toxins exert pressure on the tissue and give rise to cellulitis. This therapy attempts to eliminate the stagnation of liquids in a natural and non-invasion way by means of manual massage. However, it is considered to be a long-term anti-cellulite treatment that requires a lot of discipline and patience.

The discovery of the powers of the so-called white blood are attributed to the Greeks. Many centuries later, the Vodders arrived on the scene -- a Danish married couple, both physiotherapists, who developed the Lymphatic Drainage Method (L.D.M.).

Today, it is a therapy that enjoys well-deserved recognition within the scientific community.

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

 

Relative contraindications (the professional will assess if application is needed or not)

 

  • Arterial hypertension
  • Thyroidopathy
  • Pelvic pains
  • Autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Bronchial asthma
  • Acute inflammations (gout, rheumatism, renal colic)
  • Nevus (atypical Mole)
  • Post-thrombophlebitis and post-thrombosis
  • Oedemas
  • Oedmas caused by congestive heart failure

 

Absolute Contraindications (treatment should not be carried out in these cases)

 

  • Lymphodynamic oedemas (lack of proteins in the blood, malnutrition)
  • Ongoing neoplasms (cancer)
  • Acute infections (infected wounds)
  • Ongoing phlebitis, thrombosis or thrombophlebitis