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What
is Manual Lymph Drainage ?
Manual
Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised therapy that is designed to
improve the function of the lymphatic system. This is achieved through extremely
gentle, rhythmical stretching movements of the skin (not the muscles)
that stimulate the contractions of the initial lymphatic vessels that are
situated just under the skin.
As
a result, a greater amount of metabolic waste products, water, proteins,
blood cells and excess fluid are removed from the body's tissue fluid that
surrounds our cells, and enter the lymphatic system. Once in the lymph
vessels the fluid - now known as lymph - passes through a series of lymph
nodes (lymph glands) strategically placed in the body. The main collection
of lymph nodes is found behind the knees, at the groin, the abdomen, in
our armpits, and neck. Lymph nodes act as ‘filtering’ stations that
clean the lymph fluid of dead cells, bacteria and other toxins.
This is carried out by the bodys’ white blood cells –our immune
system - that destroy bacteria and fight foreign bodies/antigens. The body
also has special cells called phagocytes that ‘engulf’ debris like
dead cells. The cleaner lymph fluid then moves onto the next node, where
it is again filtered of any waste and bacteria that was missed beforehand.
The clean lymph fluid is returned to the venous blood stream, just
under the collar bones, before it enters the heart. Our kidneys filter out
any further waste products, or excess fluid which is expelled from the
body via the bladder.
A
good working lymphatic system encourages the nourishment of cells, allows
for faster skin regeneration and healing, plus plays an important part in
the body's immune system.
Due
to the specialized technique, MLD also works directly on the autonomic
nervous system thus making it one of the most deeply relaxing therapies.
In
a nut shell, MLD decongests the tissue, relieves pain by reducing pressure
due to swellings, calms the nervous system, and is thought to help boost
the immune system.
The
Lymphatic System
Our
body has 2 waste disposal systems: Firstly, the circulatory system picking
up approximately 80% of metabolic waste, and secondly, the lymphatic
system picking up the remaining 20%. What is very important is that large
molecules (protein, toxins and dyes) have to travel via the
lymphatics.
As
mentioned before, our lymphatic system starts just under the skin. Lymph
fluid itself is clear, and thick in consistency, like honey - that moves
very slowly inside the lymphatic vessels.
It cannot be seen through the skin like blood, which is why this
system was overlooked for years. The fact that lymph travels one-way,
mainly upwards except in the head and neck, and does not
have a pump (like a heart) to assist it, means it relies heavily on
outside forces to squeeze it along. These forces are :-
- the movement of muscles,
- the pulsating arteries,
- the changes in thoracic
pressure,
- good intestinal
movement,
-
and correct MLD.
They
each push on lymph vessels helping to squeeze the sluggish lymph fluid
upwards.
How
does this affect us ?
If
we do not walk or exercise enough the lymphatic system becomes very
sluggish and slow due to lack of muscular and circulatory activity, i.e.
it doesn't flow as easily. Added to that, an unhealthy diet and a
stressful lifestyle also have negative effects on the efficiency of the
system, which is reflected in our health and skin.
The efficiency of the lymphatic system can be greatly enhanced
simply by going for regular walks, or even doing gentle stretch exercises,
for example yoga.
The
Benefits
of MLD
This
relaxing therapy is ideal for many different conditions. It is excellent
for stress related problems and PMS because of its calming
effect on the autonomic nervous system. It helps improve the quality of sleep,
and relieves constipation (often associated with stress).
Generally,
its decongestive effects on fluid retention, tired puffy eyes,
enlarged breasts, and swollen ankles are excellent -
especially during pregnancy, as it is so gentle and non-invasive.
For people with Down’s Syndrome draining their cheeks, gums and pallet
helps them with clearer speech.
MLD
successfully helps relieve migraine, tinnitus and sinusitis.
It
accelerates the healing process of acne, wounds and burns. It also helps
reduce and soften scar tissue and stretch marks and can improve their
(scars) appearance.
It
has been successful in helping heal leg ulcers.
MLD
can reduce pain caused by the pressure of fluid accumulation as in
arthritis, rheumatic problems, sprains and inflammations.
It
is a very effective component in the treatment of lymphoedema in
conjunction with compression bandaging, and of special importance in cases
of truncal oedema.
Lymphoedema
is a swelling - mainly in the arms or legs but other body parts can also
be affected – that occurs when the function of the lymphatic system has
been damaged or impaired. This is due to either
a.
The removal of lymph nodes, e.g.
mastectomy
b.
Burns, especially radiotherapy treatment
c.
Trauma
or surgery where the lymphatics have been damaged
d.
Immobility
caused by stroke, or
e.
A
birth defect of the lymph system
There
is no cure for this unfortunate condition, but manual lymph drainage,
compression bandaging & the wearing of correct compression sleeves or
stockings can bring great relief and huge reductions in the
swelling.
Treatments
Your
first visit will include a consultation and you and your therapist will
agree on a course of treatments which may be 3-5 x a week to start, or
simply 1 x weekly depending on the severity of problem. The length of the
sessions may vary between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on your
requirements.
Where
appropriate your therapist will work in conjunction with your medical
practitioner and other health care practitioners.
History
In
the early 1930's the Danish physical therapist Dr. Emil Vodder created a
unique set of movements which he successfully used to clear chronic
catarrh and facial acne. After an intensive study of the lymphatic system
he devised treatments for the whole body. He concluded that his technique,
which he coined Manual Lymph Drainage could be applied to almost
any condition because of the important role the lymphatic system plays in
our bodies.
Modern
research has supplied us with the answers how his methods so effectively
influence both the lymphatic and nervous system. As a result MLD has
spread world-wide and has become a popular treatment in many European spas
and hospitals, and there are now many schools which teach a form of this
method.
Schools
that teach correct manual lymph drainage are those that instruct the
Vodder, Földi, Asdonk, Le Duc, or Casley-Smith MLD technique.
For
more information please visit the following
web sites:
www.mlduk.org.uk
www.lymphoedema.org/lsn
www.anarmandaleg.co.uk
www.vodderschule.com
Hatzy
Joyce •
January,
2003