Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage | MLD is a very light touch modality, working with lymphatic flow to decrease swelling and purify the body. Most sessions are done entirely face up with focused treatment to the neck and torso. MLD consists of "skin stretching” and rhythmic movements to aid in the movement of stagnant fluid, detoxify the soft-tissues, flush toxins, and help maintain a healthy immune system.
Moving fluids can help ease symptoms of conditions known to have chronic inflammation, such as:
Chronic Fatigue
Stress
Swollen Joints
Insomnia
Digestion Issues
Post Surgical *strictly done 2+ weeks post surgery.
Menstrual Fluid Retention
Overall Puffiness
MLD is recommended every 10 weeks to keep the Immune and lymphatic system healthy and flowing.
If you have been drinking heavily the night before and/or are dehydrated, MLD will not be as effective.
FAQs
It feels like my therapist is barely touching me. What are they actually doing?
Lymphatic flow is very subtle and also lies very close to the surface in most areas so sensing it requires a very light touch. Your therapist is feeling and following the rate and direction of your flow, addressing any sluggish areas and redirecting unhealthy flow patterns.
How will getting MLD affect me?
Your inflammation and water retention will decrease as a result of MLD which can result in increased energy levels. Those with a heavy toxin load (and therefore more toxins flushed from the treatment) may experience fatigue after a session. MLD commonly causes increased urination as the body flushes more fluids from the tissues. Remember to HYDRATE!
When shouldn’t I get lymphatic drainage?
When you are dealing with an infection, sunburn, rash, or an entire extremely swollen limb (this can indicate full blown lymphedema or other severe medical conditions, requiring more specialized, emergent medical treatment).
Skin conditions that are contagious, infected, and open or discharging fluids
Acute fever
Any heart, kidney, or liver diseases present and/or procedures taken in a year
Severe asthma
Thyroid disease
Blood clots or phlebitis
Currently receiving organ transplants
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Active cancer patients must receive physician’s approval for treatment
Hard contacts should not be worn during massage session
Are there things I can do to help my lymphatic flow on my own?
Drink plenty of water and get enough electrolytes (add lemon juice or Himalayan salts to your water).
Submerge yourself in water (the way your skin lifts in water allows you lymphatic fluid to flow more easily) whether that means swimming or soaking in a bath. Try an epsom salt soak to increase mineral absorption.
Exercise can increase lymph flow.
Jump on a trampoline- the inertia at the bottom of the jumps affects the superficial lymphatic fluid.
