Lymphatic Drainage
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
Manual lymphatic drainage (Vodder method) is bodywork that involves gentle, light pressure and specific skin stretching techniques.
Because the superficial lymphatic system (1) is located just beneath the surface of the skin, a light touch is essential. To mimic the natural flow of lymph fluid, each hand movement is repeated 5 to 7 times over specific regions of the body.
Lymphatic drainage can range from a full-body session to targeting a single isolated area. Treatment can be customized to a client’s individual goals.
As treatment stimulates lymph flow, lymph fluid passes into the lymph nodes. While there are hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body, the primary clusters focused on during a session are located deep in the abdomen, the armpits (axilla), the crease of the hip (inguinal), the neck, and along the ears.
Fig. 1 - Superficial Lymphatic System, Front side of the body.
Lymphedema + Wound Center. (n.d.). Superficial-lymphatic-system. Lymphedema + Wound Center. https://cclymph.com/treatments-services/manual-lymphatic-drainage/
The lymphatic system plays a large role in the body’s immune system and consists of several organs and tissues(2). Lymph fluid is made up of water, proteins, and white blood cells; it may also carry harmful, foreign cells. Intestinal lymph fluid is called chyle and is primarily made up of fats and proteins.
Lymph is moved at a rate of about 6-10x/min when resting and can increase by 10 times more than that when exercising or any type of movement. The body moves about 4 liters of lymph a day.
White blood cells called lymphocytes are housed in the lymph nodes. When lymph fluid passes through these nodes, the lymphocytes eliminate harmful cells, and the filtered lymph is returned to the circulatory system.
Fig. 2 - Components of the Lymphatic System
Richard Whelan ~ Medical Herbalist ~ Lymph nodes swollen. (n.d.). https://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/conditions/lymph_nodes_swollen.html
Who can receive MLD and what are the benefits?
With a few exceptions, almost anyone can benefit from a lymphatic session. Because of the gentle touch, MLD increases the body’s rest-and-digest response, while decreasing the fight-or-flight response. MLD also increases the rate at which lymph flows in the body thereby supporting the immune system.
Manual lymphatic drainage may help: reduce pain, promote restful sleep, reduce tissue congestion/inflammation, and relieve stress.
There are many conditions that are commonly treated with MLD; these include but are not limited to:
Post surgical edema - Swelling that may occur after any surgical procedure.
MLD may help - reduce inflammation, hinder scar tissue from forming and accelerate recovery time.*
*Please consult with your doctor before receiving MLD after surgical procedures. Note that your therapist will not work on anyone who is less than two weeks post-op or who currently has drains in.
Autoimmune disorders such as - Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, Scleroderma.
Cancer - Treatments such as radiation therapy, surgery, or lymph node dissection can cause side effects that may benefit from MLD, alongside current medical care.*
*Please consult with your doctor before receiving MLD. If receiving chemotherapy treatments, it is important to wait at least 48 hours after a round of chemo to avoid disrupting the body from absorbing the medication. Any areas that are being treated with radiation will be avoided for 6-8 weeks after last treatment.
Lymphedema - Build up of protein-rich lymph fluid - Both primary and secondary forms. Secondary lymphedema is more common and can be caused by a triggering event such as cancer treatment (surgery involving lymph node dissection and/or radiation therapy) or after an injury, trauma or infection of the lymphatic system. Lymphedema may cause chronic inflammation, achiness, and pitting edema.
MLD may help - by rerouting lymph flow around blocked areas into healthy areas, reducing swelling and increasing lymph circulation.*
*Please consult with your doctor. Note that while MLD is beneficial for Lymphedema, your therapist is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage only, and is not a Lymphedema Therapist. Should pain or discomfort persist, it is recommended to seek out a Lymphedema therapist for extra treatment.
Other conditions such as: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Fatigue, Puffiness, Migraines, Tinnitus, Allergies,