Manual
Lymphatic
Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle specialist massage therapy focusing on the drainage and function of the lymphatic system. This therapy encourages the natural drainage of lymphatic fluid away from our tissues and skin back towards the heart and circulatory system. Stimulating the correct functioning of this complex system with manual lymphatic drainage helps to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, promote detoxification, encourage relaxation, stimulation of the immune system and supports overall health.
What is
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a versatile and effective therapy utilising light and rhythmic skin stretching movements, without oils, to stimulate the lymphatic system thereby increasing the flow of lymph and promoting its drainage. When the body’s natural drainage of lymph fails, is damaged, congested or is placed under pressure lymphedema can occur presenting as fluid retention and swelling in the tissues beneath the skin anywhere in the body notably within the legs and arms.
Lymphedema can cause swollen, heavy and painful limbs leading to a higher risk of infection, painful movements and skin problems. By gently stimulating the lymphatic circulation MLD helps to breakdown and drain away unwanted fluid build-up within the tissues. Draining this fluid clears toxins, moves accumulated fluid, increases healing and results in a feeling of lightness, brighter skin, better movement and decreased pain.
MLD is widely recognised in medical and therapeutic settings for its targeted relief for those suffering with Lymphoedema, Lipoedema, generalised swelling (oedema) as well as chronic venous insufficiency, muscle fatigue, sinusitis, tinnitus, migraine, injury recovery and post-surgical or post-trauma swelling.
Who is it recommend for?
Manual lymphatic Drainage (MLD) benefits those diagnosed with Lymphoedema or oedema to the legs, trunk, groin, neck and face occurring as the body ages, due to decreased mobility, increased body weight, or following surgery or radiation therapy particularly for those who have had lymph nodes removed. Others who benefit from MLD are those with conditions causing generalised swelling or oedema from chronic venous insufficiency within the legs/arms or from post-surgical, post cosmetic procedure or post trauma swelling. Chronic inflammation and pain suffers including rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia benefit from MLD which enhances lymph flow and clears out pain and inflammatory markers while calming the area. Finally MLD enhances relaxation, stress relief and overall detoxification of the body and skin.
The Benefits of MLD
Manual Lymphatic Drainage has many therapeutic effects upon the body including: reducing swelling, promoting detoxification, alleviating pain, encouraging relaxation and supporting overall health.
MLD directly reduces swelling, pain and oedema caused by lymphedema, trauma, surgeries or intense athletic training or injuries which promotes faster recovery.
MLD massage provides pain relief from chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and promotes relaxation and stress reduction by calming and soothing the autonomic nervous system.​
By targeting the lymphatic drainage within the skin of the face MLD results in a reduction in puffiness, improving the appearance of dark circles, increases skin tone and texture and improved healing after cosmetic procedures leading to a more youthful and glowing appearance.
A main benefit for every MLD massage is the support of the body’s detoxification process by helping to remove metabolic wastes or toxins from the tissues leading to better energy, mood and sleep and increases the immune system’s ability to fight and clear infections.
What happens during the treatment?
Prior to the initial treatment an in dept consultation with every client is completed which includes treatment expectations and medical conditions and is updated prior to every subsequent customised session. Prior to the session the treatment plan and areas to be worked upon will be discussed with the client.
The client is positioned either lying on their stomach, back or in a semi seated position with each session lasting between 30-55 minutes depending on the treatment. Clothes are removed from the areas to be treated; the client is covered in a towel and only the necessary body areas will be exposed as treatment progresses.
Every MLD massage begins with light rhythmic movements without the use of oils or lotions, enhancing the body’s natural drainage of lymph starting with the neck and shoulders and moving out to the limbs. The unaffected areas are worked on first, before targeting any problem areas.
Each treatment ends with a five-minute meditation, clients are advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids and are then provided with specific recommendations for after care to maintain the effects of treatment.
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