Manual Lymph Drainage

 

What is Manual Lymph Drainage in Massage Therapy?

Manual lymph drainage (MLD) refers to a very gentle kind of massage therapy used to get

 rid of excess fluid from the body and improve the overall role of the lymphatic system.

This particular method of massage therapy is used to treat lymphedema, which is the

 blocking of lymph nodes in the upper and lower extremities.

 

 

 

MLD dates back to the early 1930's when it was first used on patients as a useful

way to detoxify the body. Nowadays, MLD is still used to improve the internal

 mechanism of the lymphatic system. This kind of massage is applied gently in a direction

 parallel to normal lymph flow in order to unclog any blocked lymph vessels and permit

 lymph flow to carry waste from the body freely.

 

 

 

This technique is performed by a massage therapist who is certified in manual lymph

 drainage. The therapist applies a light form of circular massage to their clients' skin.

 MLD massages must be performed to bare skin and no massage oils or lotions can be used

 in order for the procedure to be effective. MLD massage is applied in mild strokes toward

 the heart. This technique will lightly stretch the walls of the lymph vessels and promote

 lymph drainage.

 

 

 

During an MLD massage, the therapist may utilize one of four very effective

 MLD techniques to promote lymph drainage:

 

 

 

Scoop strokes

In this technique, the massage therapist positions his palms in the face up position

 with the fingers outstretched such that hands are cupped and resemble scoop.

The therapist then applies twisting strokes to the patient's skin to promote

waste disposal.

 

 

 

Pump method

The massage therapist positions his palms face down on the patient's skin

and makes long strokes with his fingers and thumbs to promote lymph flow.

 

 

 

Rotary method

The therapist massages the skin in circular motions with his palms down on the skin.

His wrists are used to apply and reduce the pressure of the strokes.

 

 

 

Stationary circles

These strokes are applied in a stationary position using circular motions with

the use of the therapist's fingertips. This is normally applied over the neck,

face, and lymph nodes.

 

 

Benefits of Manual Lymph Massage

• Post-operative healing

• Decongesting tissue

• Eliminate metabolic waste

• Water retention during pregnancy

• Relieves stress

• Promotes of scar tissue healing, torn ligaments and sprains

• Treatment of lymphedema