Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle technique that utilizes very light pressure and rhythmic movements to mimic the natural flow of the lymphatic system and stimulate its intrinsic activity.

Although MLD is sometimes referred to as "lymphatic massage" it is very different from massage therapy. In MLD there is no manipulation of muscles or fascia. Most techniques use a gentle stretching of the skin and superficial tissues, however some techniques do access deeper lymphatics and use deeper pressure and deep diaphragmatic breathing.

MLD has many uses including:

management of lymphedema
pre/post surgery
pain relief
autoimmune conditions
whiplash
headaches and migraines
vascular insufficiency
complex regional pain syndrome
pelvic congestion syndrome
fibromyalgia
multiple sclerosis
rheumatoid arthritis
stress
insomnia
immune support
sinusitis
injury recovery
swelling/puffiness
general health and wellness
and more

MLD is a deeply soothing technique that is therapeutic on many levels:

Physically it creates profound relaxation in the nervous system, helps alleviate pain, and provides symptom relief from numerous health conditions.
Emotionally it helps release anything you may be holding and are ready to let go.
Energetically it gently moves the waters of the body allowing optimal flow of energy channels.

What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system provides many important functions in our body including returning fluids from our tissues back to the circulatory system, transport of proteins, absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins, and it plays a very large role in immunity. Without our lymphatic system, we could not live.

There are 600-700 lymph nodes in the body, as well as innumerable lymphatic vessels that transport lymph throughout the system. More than 300 lymph nodes reside in the head and neck, around 200 in the abdomen, and there are other various clusters of nodes throughout the body, as well as other lymphatic tissues and organs such as the thymus gland, spleen, bone marrow, tonsils, appendix, and Peyer's patches within the small intestine.

The body is delineated into lymphatic flow areas called "watersheds". These vessels flow toward certain clusters of nodes, and eventually lead to larger trunks and back into the major blood vessels near the clavicle, just like rivers flowing toward the ocean. MLD focuses on supporting the natural activity of these watersheds in people with fully functioning lymphatic systems, and helps redirect flow in those who have a compromised lymphatic system, such as with removal of lymph nodes, or in lymphedema.

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