Manual Lymphatic Drainage
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a technique that supports and enhances the functioning of the body’s immune system by stimulating movement of lymph, resulting in greater immune system functioning.
What is Lymph?
Lymph is a fluid that transports oxygen, nutrients and white blood cells, which are important cells for fighting infections by attacking bacteria and other metabolic waste.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The Lymphatic System is an important part of our immune system functioning, and is made up of lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes and other accessory organs + tissues, including the spleen, tonsils, adenoids + thymus. By stimulating the movement of lymph, our body’s immune system functioning has more potential to do what it needs to do to - enhancing immunity, keep us healthy, decrease swelling and inflammation, and remove waste products. Without the proper functioning of the lymphatic system, edema (swelling) can develop and the waste products in the blood do not get filtered out as they should.
What is a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Treatment Like?
The technique is extremely specific, in the amount of pressure applied, the direction the manipulation of the skin, the rhythmic nature corresponding to the movement of the lymph, and in the order the extremities of the body are worked on. Treatment begins at the supraclavicular nodes that receive and drain the lymph from majority of the body before entering venous circulation through the left subclavian vein, specifically. The pressure is extremely light, in fact, the pressure applied to “stretch/move the skin” is no more than 5 grams (equal to the weight of a nickel). **It is not a deep massage in any way, contrary to what many people hear. Deep massage actually constricts the lymph, and actually lead to further inflammation and swelling.
What Does Manual Lymphatic Drainage Help With?
It helps with enhanced immune system functioning for any condition that affects the integrity of this system, aids in decreasing edema (swelling), and inflammation.
How Does it Help?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, in addition to skeletal movement, aids in the movement of lymph throughout lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage strokes, which are very light and rhythmic, following the unidirectional roadmap of the lymphatic vessels. By assisting in the movement of lymph, this massage technique aids in the filtration process.
Contraindications for Treatment
Conditions in which Manual Lymphatic Drainage is contraindicated include Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), Acute Renal Failure, Untreated Congestive Heart Failure, Decompensated Cardiac Insufficiency + Acute Inflammation due to pathogenic germs (bacteria, fungi or viruses).