What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage?
It is a powerful cleansing, relaxing, pain-relieving massage which is gentle, flowing and rhythmic.
It is primarily used to promote the optimal functioning of the lymphatic vessels that lead to the circulatory system. The gentle movements of the massage facilitate the removal of metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria, large protein molecules and foreign substances from tissue.
MLD relaxes the sympathetic nervous system (the network of nerves that helps your body activate its “fight-or-flight” response), reduces pain and enhances the activity of the immune system.
It is effective in the treatment of a wide variety of issues including oedema, headache, sinus congestion, stress and before and after surgery to remove tissue congestion and minimise scar formation. It is particularly useful as part of a post-mastectomy therapy to reduce oedema and fibrosis and helps relieve pain and tension.
What is lymph?
Blood travels to and from body tissues. A derivative of blood plasma known as interstitial fluid escapes from the blood capillaries and delivers nutrients such as oxygen, glucose and proteins. Interstitial fluid then collects carbon dioxide, lactic acid and other waste products, however not all can pass through the capillary walls due to the high pressure inside the capillaries. The fluid that is left behind is picked up by the lymphatic capillaries. Once interstitial fluid enters a lymph capillary, it is referred to as lymph.
Lymphatic vessels are found throughout the body, in parallel with the capillary system. The vessels are as small in diameter as the capillaries, and the nodes are about the size of a pea.
If the pathways become congested, damaged or severed, fluids and toxins can build up in the connective tissue and eventually cell pathology may begin. Cellular oxygenation and nourishment isreduced as is waste elimination. Toxins eventually penetrate the cells and create the symptoms of chronic disease. So, lymph drainage can enhance recovery rates, by moving out toxins and wastes, boosting immunity and oxygenation and reducing inflammation.