Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a very specialized manual technique that closely mimics the body’s natural rhythms. The goal of MLD is to stimulate the lymphatic system and to move stagnated fluid into working lymph nodes and vessels. The light touch and rhythmic movements of MLD stretches the skin and associated anchoring filaments to increase the amount of fluid into the vessels. The lymphatic vessels (lymphangions) are anchored to the body’s soft tissues. The movement of your body pull on these anchoring filaments opening the lymphangions to suck in fluids from their environment. Picture the anchoring filaments as little flaps; when the skin is stretched during MLD, the flaps open and allow fluid to flow in.
The touch used during a MLD treatment is very gentle. The gentle touch is used to stimulate the lymph vessels that lie just beneath the skin. Because the lymphatic system is very superficial, firm pressure pushes beyond the lymphatic system into the muscle and is ineffective for lymphatic stimulation. The exception to this is when accessing the vessels in the abdomen. Abdominal vessels lie deep and require more pressure.
The direction and order of MLD strokes are as important as the gentle strokes. First the areas of the body where nodes are concentrated are stimulated in order to ready them to receive more fluid. Lymph nodes are located all over the body but are most concentrated in the neck, under the arms, deep in the abdomen and at the inguinal region where the legs meet the trunk. Once all nodes are cleared and working efficiently the focus will be on any areas of edema. All strokes continue proximal to distal and always in the direction of working nodes.
Remember, health is a process and not an event. Stimulating the lymphatic system through manual lymphatic drainage will activate your lymph nodes, vessels and organs, as well as encourage fluid circulation and cell regeneration. MLD promotes detoxification, facilitates healing and supports the immune system.
We are trained in the Vodder Technique – the most widely recognized and sought-after MLD technique. Give us a call – consultations are always free.
214-773-2837