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Lymph Vessel System
The effects of Manual Lymph Drainage are numerous and generally it affects the nervous system, smooth muscles, fluid movement in the connective tissue and may have an effect on the immune system.
Through the pumping and stretching effect on the lymph vessels, the Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage stimulates the contraction of lymph vessels, helping to move the lymph forward and drain the connective tissue. Scientific research in Europe (Hutzschenreuter, Mislin, Földi, et al.) has made this a well researched therapeutic technique.

Applications    
Manual Lymph Drainage can be utilized in the treatment of many different conditions including:
  • Lymphedema/Edema
  • Fibromyalgia/Arthritis
  • Non-infected inflammatory conditions (e.g. sprains and strains)
  • Radiant skin health and anti-aging
  • Dermatological conditions
  • Circulatory disturbances
  • Sports injuries
  • Stress/Lethargy/Fatigue
  • Strengthens Immune System
  • Pre- and post- cosmetic or routine surgery
  • Seasonal Allergies

 

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Lymph System

 

Lymph Vessel System
The lymph vessel system carries excess water, proteins and wastes from the connective tissue back to the blood stream. During the transportation process the lymph is cleaned, filtered and concentrated. Many immune reactions occur in the lymph nodes.

If the pathways become congested, blocked, damaged or severed, then fluids can build up in the connective tissue leading to edema. Eventually cell pathology may begin. If there is damage in the connective tissue (e.g. burns, chronic inflammation, ulceration, surgery, hematoma), then the lymph vessel system must transport the damaged cells, inflammatory products and toxins away from the area. The quicker this can happen, the faster recovery will be.

What to Expect at Your Manual Lymph Drainage Session

MLD is a very light technique that moves the skin. You will disrobe like a traditional massage treatment, in order to provide access to the skin over or above the swelling. You may feel very little happening during the session. Sometimes people have a sensation of relief, fluid moving, or the nasal passages unblocking even if we’re working in an area not near the face. Occasionally people have a sense of nausea, especially with chronic conditions. Very likely you will fall asleep or at least feel very close to falling asleep. After the session you may feel more tired than usual or than you would expect. You may need to rest after the session or go to bed early that night. You will certainly need to drink lots of extra water to help newly moving waste fluid that has entered your system, to be released from your body. Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a light, rhythmic technique that uses strokes on the skin to encourage the lymphatic system to work more effectively. This incredibly relaxing sequence helps to reduce swelling and fluid accumulation.

The Effects of MLD

  • Reducing pain: The constant repetitive pressure affects sensors in the skin, breaking the pain-spasm-pain cycle.
  • Calming the “fight or flight” side of the nervous system: After 30 minutes, a physiological response kicks in to help turn down the volume on the stressed side of the nervous system.
  • Supporting the immune system:Stress depresses the immune system, MLD decreases stress. It also improves the immune function of the lymphatic vessel system.
  • Decongesting tissue: Increasing lymph flow and increasing the pulsations of the lymphangions, MLD decreases the amount of fluid and waste product in the tissue.
My training allows me to use this technique to move fluid from an area with damaged lymph nodes to an area with healthy nodes. This can be a major benefit to people suffering from lymphedema, whether due to surgery, breast cancer treatment, or another causes. MLD can also be used to address sinus problems, hip and knee replacements, osteoarthritis, recovery from surgery including cosmetic, headaches, fatigue, fibromyalgia, pre/post op procedures, swelling (edema), chronic inflammations and more.

Contraindications and After Care

Contraindications include: those suffering from acute infection, congestive heart failure, untreated cancer (MD release required), and Deep Vein Thrombosis.

What to expect after MLD?

After a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage session, you may experience an increased need to urinate soon after the treatment and for several hours thereafter. This occurs because the excess fluids that were removed from the tissues have now been processed by the kidneys and are ready to be excreted as urine. You may also find that you will sleep very well as a result of your nervous system being calmed down from the actual treatment. Drinking plenty of water after a MLD is necessary to replenish the fluids that were mobilized by the treatment. Take a healing bath and remember to dry brush often and by using these home self care tools will assist you in achieving optimum health and vitality!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about today’s treatment… 928.301.1204