Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic method that uses massage like manipulation to stimulate lymph fluid movement. This technique was pioneered in the nineteenth century by a Belgian, surgeon, then refined in the 1930's by Dr. Vodder, and again in the 1980's, by Dr. Foldi.

What is lymph?

This colorless fluid surrounds all the organs and muscles, and has a lower pressure and slower flow rate than blood. The circulation of the lymph system is accomplished by gravity, the movement of muscles and joints, respirations, and external pressures. Unlike the vascular system, which has a heart to pump the blood through it vessels.

What does it do?

The lymphatic network is extensive and lies just below the skin surface. Lymp nodes (or glands) are situated throughout the body and their functions are to store, neutralize bacteria, cancer cells, and other infectious organisms via the lymphacytes, until the metabolic waste can be dumped into the blood stream to be disposed of by the kidneys and the waste product can be removed. This is why the lymphatic system is sometimes referred to as "the garbage disposal of the body."

Can massage help?

Massage therapy can triple circulation within the lymph system. Then as the lymph nodes are stimulated through massage, their ability to produce lymphocytes is improved. Which will in turn increase the effectiveness and ability to detoxify of the body. By removing the metabolic waste and increasing the immune systems, the ability to prevent illness and infections is also increased. This type of massage can also reduce these conditions that cause unattractive swelling in the arms and legs called "lymphedema." This type of condition creates an environment ripe for infection. Manual lymphatic drainage is particularly indicated where the lymph circulation has been impaired by cancer, disease, radiotherapy, and surgery.