Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Written By Isaiah Young

What is MLD?

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialized type of medical massage. It is a form of bodywork that is gentle and focuses on the lymphatic system (essentially the Waste Management of the body).

MLD is a very gentle light massage that helps to direct lymphatic fluid toward the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system and cleans toxins, proteins, cancer cells, viruses, and dead cells about 10-12 times faster than the body can do on its own. Once a large amount of toxins are eliminated, the body can relax more deeply and use its energy more directly to regenerate the cells.

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a network of lymph vessels, tissues, and organs that carry lymph throughout the body. The parts of the lymphatic system that lay a direct part in lymphedema include the following:

• Lymph: Colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph vessels and carries lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell.

• Lymph vessels: A network of thin tubes that collect lymph from different parts of the body and return it to the bloodstream.

• Lymph nodes: Small, bean shaped structures that filter lymph and store white blood cells that help fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes are found along a network of lymph vessels throughout the body. Groups of lymph nodes are found in the neck, underarm, groin, and other areas.

When can it be helpful?

Lymphatic drainage massages may benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, or other conditions:

  • Alopecia

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia

  • Bell’s Palsy

  • Earaches

  • Sinusitis

  • Burns

  • Glaucoma

  • Alzheimer’s

Pre-Op & post-op

  • To prepare the body for surgery

  • Reduce edema/swelling, pain, bruising.

  • It can be done over compression garments.

  • Combined with our Dolphin Scar Reduction Therapy it can greatly help to reduce scars.

Plastic Surgery & Cosmetics

It could help with

  • Acne

  • Rosacea

  • Eczema

  • Anti-Aging

Pregnancy

Pre delivery (MLD)

  1. Healthy Start to Healthy Pregnancy

  2. Maintain Optimum Immune System Function

  3. Edema Retention Prevention

  4. Stretchmark Prevention

  5. Constipation Relief

*Contraindications

  • Morning Sickness

  • Dental Infections

  • All High Risk Pts

Post Delivery MLD Benefits:

  1. Weight Reduction

  2. Accelerate Healing

  3. C-Section Pouch

  4. Pitting Edema

  5. Increase Milk

Isaiah Young