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.

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UNDERSTANDING THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM & MLD

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.

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 anxiety, brain fog, constipation, bloating, and acne (and much more) may arise in which case MLD can help profoundly.

IMMUNE RESPONCE

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 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.

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.

SIGNS OF LYMPHATIC CONGESTION

Headaches & Brain Fog
Mood Swings & Memory Loss
Low Immunity
Constipation & Digestive Issues
Stiffness or Soreness in the Morning
Skin Issues, Itching, Acne
Fatigue & Stress
Sinus Infections or Allergies
Bloating, Swelling, or Heavy feeling extremities

SOME MAIN CAUSES OF LYMPHATIC CONGESTION

01.

LETS TALK TISSUE

First things first, is there scar tissue? Scar tissue or fibrosis, from surgery, trauma, or burns, can compress lymph vessels and nodes, preventing lymph fluid from draining properly. Sometimes the key to a lymphatic issue lies in scar tissue release.

In much the same way, fascial adhesions or restrictions also obstruct the healthy flow of lymphatics. Bringing slide and glide to the fascia not only helps improve muscular performance but also lymphatic drainage!

02.

WHATS IN THE BELLY

Digestive imbalances, whether due to poor digestion, inflammation, infections, or dysbiosis, can have cascading effects on the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system becomes overwhelmed with toxins, waste, and inflammatory by-products, leading to congestion, impaired immune function, and compromised detoxification. Additionally, poor lymphatic flow can exacerbate digestive symptoms like bloating, constipation, and toxin buildup, creating a cycle of impaired gut and lymphatic health.

03.

OUR TOXIC ENVIRONMENT

Environmental toxins like heavy metals, pesticides, air pollutants, molds, microplastics, endocrine disruptors, processed chemical foods and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can burden the lymphatic system due to their large particle size. This leads to congestion and reduced detoxification efficiency. Air pollution particles accumulate in lymph nodes, impairing immune cell function and weakening the body’s ability to fight infections.

INDICATIONS FOR MLD

PRE & POST SURGICAL

By doing 1-3 sessions of MLD pre-operation, the lymphatic system is decongested and flooded with healthy lymphocytes ready to expedite recovery.

Post-op MLD will enhance surgical outcomes by reducing swelling, pain, bruising, and scar tissue formation. MLD also helps tremendously with the detoxification of anesthesia & medications, and assists in healthy bowel movements that can become challenging post-op.

Orthopedic surgery
C-Sections
Lymph Node Removals
Cosmetic surgery

INJURIES

MLD reduces swelling, alleviates pain and bruising, and accelerates recovery time from injuries.

Sports Injuries
Fractures
Hematomas
Whiplash
TBI & Concussions

GENERAL DETOXIFICATION

Because the primary function of the lymphatic system is detoxification, MLD has profound effects on systematic cleansing.

MLD serves as a powerful health-promoting treatment for detoxifying medications, aiding individuals recovering from substance or alcohol abuse, supporting athletes in achieving quick recoveries and peak performance, and assisting individuals seeking overall detoxification and rejuvenation.

INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS

Chronic inflammation
Arthritis
Bursitis
Tendonitis

CHRONIC & NEUROLOGIC CONDITIONS

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Bell's palsy
Parkinson's
Multiple Sclerosis
Dementia

CONDITIONS OF THE SKIN & FACE

Eczema
Acne
Rosacea
Cellulite
Migraine
Tinnitus
Natural facelift
Allergies
Sinusitis & general sinus issues

OTHER

Pregnancy Edema
Painful Menstrual Cycles
Diabetes
Oncology
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Lyme's Disease
Palliative Care
Down's Syndrome
Rapid Weight Gain or Loss

AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS

People with autoimmune disorders often struggle with impaired detoxification and a decline in the body's ability to distinguish between self vs foreign pathogens. This leads to an increase in inflammation and overstimulation of the immune system by cytokines.

Regular MLD can enhance the body's waste removal capabilities and optimize white blood cell function, helping to alleviating symptoms.

Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scleroderma
Crohns Disease

SPORTS RECOVERY

MLD helps athletes maintain peak condition and minimize downtime between training and competitions by

Rapidly removing metabolic waste products
Reducing muscle soreness and inflammation
Decreasing post-exercise swelling
Improving muscle circulation and flexibility
Accelerating injury recovery
Boosting immune system function
Promoting mental relaxation

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!