Manual Lymphatic Drainage

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

MLD is a very gentle, specialised type of massage designed to help the body move fluid out of swollen tissues and into the circulatory system. It focuses exclusively on the lymphatic system which sits just below the surface of the skin, therefore does not need deep strokes to reach the muscles. In fact, deep strokes actually inhibit the lymphatic system as they flatten the vessels which we are trying to open and clear.

How the treatment works

There are 5 key things which make MLD unique:

1. The massage will begin with some deep breathing to help you to control your nervous system.
2. The lymph nodes (think of them as drains from the lymphatic system to the circulatory system) need to be cleared. This involves small circular movement at key points such as your arm pits, neck and groin area.
3. The massage is carried out directly on the skin with no oils or lotions so that the skin can be gently worked and stretched.
4. The pressure used is feather light! Pressing herder will crush the tiny lymph vessels that are right underneath the skin.
5. Slow, rhythmic movements are used to mimic the body’s natural internal rhythms and direct the fluid towards the lymph nodes.

Who benefits from MLD?

Potentially everyone! If you are tired or feeling sluggish, your lymphatic system may not be operating properly. This massage will revitalize your body, relax you and help you to sleep.

Specific groups of people for whom MLD is recommended include:

• Lymphodeoma management – relieving intense swelling in limbs, this could be after lymph nodes have been removed in cancer treatments.
• Post surgery recovery – decongesting specific areas.
• Chronic conditions – reducing heavy fluid build up and consequently pain caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia, lipedema and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cosmetic improvements – depuffing the face and helping with stomach bloating.

Whilst one session is effective, regular Manual Lymphatic Drainage or a course of 4 sessions enables you to see and feel a real difference.

Please note; this gentle MLD technique is used for mental and physical wellbeing. It is very different from heavy pressure drainage techniques used for body sculpting.