It is through the Lymphatic System that toxic substances are expelled from the body through the bloodstream.

Unlike the blood system, the lymphatic system is not closed and has no central pump.  Lymph movement is slow with low pressure due to peristalsis (the rhythmic contraction of smooth muscles to propel contents through the digestive tract), valves, and the milking action of skeletal muscles.

Trained therapists use the technique (Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD) to stimulate circulation through the lymph vessels and ducts around the body.  Its effects and benefits are profound and many can give credence to its powerful effect.

The concept of Lymph Drainage treatment  was developed by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930`s.  He pioneered the technique used by so many Lymphatic Drainage Therapists today.

Today, this amazingly gentle massage provides a true balance and flow within the body, assisting the body`s immune system!
The benefits from a Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) are endless.
Not only does the entire immune system gain strength through the procedure, conditions such as swelling, cramping and tension virtually disappear.

The treatment is incredibly simple, yet so effective, and extolls the power of a very light touch.  Its very gentleness is why many people have never tried MLD.  Most people want or need a massage for very tight or sore muscles and believe a soft massage won’t fix their problem… and they are generally correct.

However, the gentleness of MLD massage belies the many health benefits that extend way beyond just relaxation and it’s amazing how such a light, slow and gentle technique has such amazing healing power.

The Lymphatic System transports excess interstitial fluid out of the tissue and back to the bloodstream. It maintains and assists movements of materials into and out of cells. It transports fat, proteins including hormones, and nutrients around the body and provides an important defence against illness.

It is be used for different reasons such as:

• After having surgery, in conjunction with a detox or body cleanse.

• Some Plastic Sugery Clinics recommend Lymphatic Drainage before procedures.

• People who have lymphedema to get rid of excess fluid in specific areas.

• For pregnant women to help relieve puffy hands and legs.

• As  a boost to the immune system.

Some clients have arranged a Lymphatic Drainage to try to avoid becoming sick when others in their workplace were coming down with viruses and wogs.  The massages seem to have worked, but how do you scientifically prove a person didn’t get sick because they had a massage.

Some Healthcare Professionals believe that having regular MLD treatments can reduce a woman’s risk of having breast cancer.

A clogged or blocked Lymphatic System creates a condition of stagnation which promotes fatigue and poor health.  Some of the common symptoms include lumps, pain and swelling.

Just like the veins, lymph travels through vessels in a one way direction only, due to semilunar valves.  There are two semilunar valves present in the arteries leaving the heart, and they prevent blood flowing back from the arteries into the ventricles.  The sound of the heart valves shutting is what causes the heart sounds.

This one way movement depends mainly on the movement of skeletal muscles to squeeze fluid through them, particularly near the joints.  Rhythmic contraction of the vessel walls through motion may also help draw fluid into the smallest lymphatic vessels.
Tight clothing will restrict this and reduce the removal of wastes causing them to multiply.  If tissue fluid builds up the tissue will swell…  a condition called Edema.
Some causes of a blocked lymph system are due in part to stress, lack of exercise, improper diet and repressed communication.

What are Lymph Nodes?

All the small and medium-sized lymph vessels open into lymph nodes which are found in strategic positions throughout the body. The lymph drains through a number of nodes before reentering the bloodstream. These nodes vary considerably in size.  Some are as small as a pin head and others the size of a large pea.

Lymph nodes are found throughout the body.

• Mastoid and Sub occipital nodes are of the head.

• Cervical lymph nodes are those of the neck.

• Axillary lymph nodes are found under the arms, chest and pecs.

• Inguinal lymph nodes are in the region of the groin.

• Popliteal nodes are those behind the knee.

The swelling of these nodes is common in inflammation and malignant disease.  Enlarged nodes are usually felt by your therapist during the course of a routine Remedial or Swedish massage.   Palpation or feeling of the neck, armpits and the groin area is an important part of clinical investigation.   Answers to a series of questions will usually confirm the therapists suspicions of their presence.

What causes swollen Lymph Nodes?

The main cause of swollen lymph Nodes is stress.
Other causes will be lack of exercise, improper diet, environmental toxins, trauma and infections.

What are the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

There can be many benefits that occur in result of manual lymphatic drainage, ranging from immediate to long term.

These benefits can include the following and more:

• Promotes healing. This can include healing of acute injuries, such as sprains and fractures, as well as long-term illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• Prevents illnesses. Manual Lymphatic Drainage can not only help heal illnesses and injuries that currently exist in the patient’s body, but it can also help the body prevent illnesses from occurring in the future.

• Relaxation and Stress Relief. Just as with most forms of massage therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a very relaxing therapy for the patient.

• Helps with pregnancy. Many pregnant women receive manual lymphatic drainage while they are pregnant because of the benefits it offers-it can reduce swelling and pain caused by carrying a baby.

• Helps heal the skin. It can do this in a variety of ways, including helping to heal burns and scars, as well as reducing stretch marks.

• Promotes overall well-being. By reducing swelling, reducing pain, increasing immunity, and healing or helping many illnesses, manual lymphatic drainage is thought to increase the overall well-being of its patients.

Some of the less pleasant after effects, however, may be a feeling of tiredness and lethargy as well as various aches and pains. A dull headache is not uncommon.  There may be slight nausea, an increase in nasal discharge, possibly a stronger-than-normal body odour and even diarrohea.

These are all caused by the extra toxins that have been liberated and are moving round the body, and need to be flushed from the body.

Drinking plenty of water will help flush them and reduce any of the less pleasant effects, which will only be short term.

As a general rule, people wanting a full body MLD massage from a Qualified Therapist should allow up to 80 to 90 minutes.  It’s also advisable not to wear anything tight as it will restrict the flow of the Lymphatic fluid.

One thing competent and experienced MLD therapists can confidently say to their clients is that even if they don’t feel any specific effects or benefits from the massage within a day or two, they will still have had a super relaxing massage and they’ll go home for the best sleep they’ve had in a long while.