How Does Manual Lymphatic Drainage Work? And How Does Manual Lymphatic Drainage Help Me?
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of bodywork therapy that focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system to promote the natural drainage of lymph fluid. The lymphatic system is a network of connecting vessels and nodes that run throughout the body and is responsible for transporting toxins and waste products found in the body back to the bloodstream where they can then be eliminated.
How are Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massages performed?
MLD is best performed by a trained and certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist. Using light pressure, gentle skin stretches, and rhythmic strokes your therapist will follow the natural flow of lymph and move the fluid in the direction of the regional lymph nodes to be filtered and flow back into your bloodstream.
What Manual Lymphatic Drainage is NOT:
MLD is not massage: It is a common misconception that MLD is a type of massage, but while massage therapy addresses and treats soft tissue problems (muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments), MLD addresses the Lymphatic system, dysfunctions, and components of it (lymph nodes, vessels, fluid). MLD has a specific order, movements and protocols that must be followed to receive optimal results.
MLD is not incisional drainage: If someone is forcefully and painfully pushing fluid out of your surgical incision, RUN! This is NOT manual lymphatic drainage. Not only is it painful, but it is also DANGEROUS. Causing immediate and acute damage to already inflamed tissues, an increased risk of infection, and potentially longer and/or greater use of opioids due to increased pain. (This is very important to note because there are many people out there doing this type of work and labeling it as “Manual Lymphatic Drainage”. It is important to be informed and know what MLD is and what it is NOT.) Incisional drainage is invasive and is always to be performed in a doctor's office. MLD is non-invasive and can be performed by a certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist or CLT.
What are the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
There are so many and the list below does not do it justice. But here are a few:
Reducing swelling, inflammation, and edema: MLD can help to reduce swelling and fluid buildup in the body, which can occur as a result of injury, surgery, or other conditions.
Improving immune function: The lymphatic system is closely linked to the immune system, and by promoting the natural drainage of lymph fluid, MLD can boost the body’s immune response and help to improve the body's ability to fight off infection and disease.
Relaxing the body and reducing stress: MLD is a gentle and relaxing therapy, and many people find that it helps to reduce stress and tension in the body. And even fall asleep during the session!
Improving skin health: MLD may also improve the appearance of the skin by promoting the natural elimination of toxins and waste products from the body.
However, it's very important to note that while amazing, MLD is not a cure-all for every condition. It is important to have realistic expectations and know what the limitations of any therapy or treatments are.
Interested in a Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy session?
Interested in receiving Manual Lymphatic Drainage? At Colysa Therapies, I pride myself on always providing the best possible care. I am a trained and certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage practitioner, but I haven't stopped there. I am always learning, growing and adapting, so that I can provide you with the most effective and up-to-date therapy techniques. If you are interested in receiving MLD from me, please feel free to contact me and we can discuss if this therapy would be beneficial for you.
