Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic modality that uses a variety of skin stretching techniques to promote the absorption, transportation, and detoxification of excess fluid in the body.
The lymphatic system is the biggest drain of the body, and its ability to detoxify well and eliminate waste efficiently determines longevity and optimal health.
MLD enhances the function of lymphatic system, therefore assisting in systematic detoxification and promoting quick and powerful immune responses to foreign viruses, materials, and injuries.
4 Main Causes of Lymphatic Congestion
01.
STRESS
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Stress is degenerative, and congests lymph. Under stress, the body produces excess stress-fighting hormones to boost energy. The waste product of these hormones are free-radicals which are very acidic and alter the blood and cellular chemistry, leading to pre-mature aging.
02.
DIGESTIVE IMBALANCES
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The highest density region of lymphatics is in the abdomen surrounding the gut. This tissue is referred to as GALT (gut-associated lymphatic tissue) and its integrity determines body's ability to digest, detoxify, and have an immune response.
03.
TOXIC ENVIRONMENT
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Some of these toxins include; heavy metals, pesticides, air pollutants, molds, microplastics and endocrine disruptors. Environmental toxicity places an overwhelming burden on the lymphatic system which slows it down. Furthermore, the large particle size of these toxins can fully congest the system.
04.
IODINE DEFICIENCY
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Iodine naturally helps promote the movement of lymph through the body. It helps mitigate the effects of environmental toxicity and supports the lymphatic system at a cellular level, often making it a helpful supplement for lymphatic congestion.
Signs of Lymphatic Congestion
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Headaches & Brain Fog
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Mood Swings & Memory Loss
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Low Immunity
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Constipation & Digestive Issues
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Stiffness or Soreness in the Morning
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Skin Issues, Itching, Acne
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Fatigue & Stress
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Sinus Infections or Allergies
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Bloating, Swelling, or Heavy feeling extremities
Understanding the Lymphatic System & MLD
01
Fluid Transportation
The lymphatic system is present throughout the body and consists of organs and lymphatic vessels (shown in green). Lymphatic vessels absorb excess fluid in the body and transports it back to the cardiovascular system where it proceeds with detoxification. MLD increases the speed of which the lymphatic system functions, therefore reducing swelling, pain, and recovery time of injuries. In a normal healthy person, lymph typically moves at a rate of 10 - 12 beats per minute. Manual lymphatic drainage increases that rate to 100 - 120 beats per minute.
02
Fat & Vitamin Absorption
A majority of our lymph nodes are found in the abdomen. Lymphatics of the small intestine play the vital role of absorbing fats and fat soluble vitamins from our diet and transporting them throughout the body. Because lymph vessels are larger than blood vessels, they are responsible for the transportation of larger molecules. When GI associated lymphatic tissue is compromised, symptoms including of anxiety, constipation, bloating, and acne may arise in which case MLD can help profoundly.
03
Immune Response
Lymph nodes are small yet powerful filters that remove harmful materials such as bacteria, toxins, and cellular waste from lymphatic fluid. They house lymphocytes, crucial for fighting infections and boosting immune responses. Because MLD increases the flow of lymph fluid through the lymph nodes, it powerfully boosts the immune system by systematically surveillencing, recognizing, and removing foreign cells, microbes, and viruses from the body. Simultaneously while filtering the bad, MLD promotes the flow of the good (new lymphocytes) to offer an enhanced immune response.
04
Detoxification
Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system has no pump. It instead relies on movement, muscle contraction, arterial pulse, and massage for fluidity. Our lymphatic systems can easily become congested. This easily can lead to puffiness, bloating, low energy, impaired immunity, and frequent infection. Manual lymphatic drainage kickstarts the entire system by clearing blockages and speeding up lymph flow.
Indications for MLD
Herbal Support for Lymphatics
dandelion root, cleavers, echinacea, manjista, neem, gotu kola, burdock, calendula, citrus pith & red clover
Please reach out if you have any questions about lymphatic drainage
