what is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage and How Can it Help Me?

Have you heard the term lymphatic massage but aren’t exactly sure of what it is? We are often familiar with our body systems such as the circulatory system and respiratory system, however the lymphatic system is one that not many people know much about. So what is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is responsible for the removal of toxins and cellular waste. It plays a role in how fast we recover and heal. Unlike our circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have its own series of muscles like the heart to pump it around. It requires physical movement via external methods.
Lymph is a fluid that moves through its own series of vessels towards the neck and then the heart, in a one way action. The lymph collects and transports foreign material, protecting us against disease, bacteria, viruses and fungus. It transports fatty acids and fat soluble nutrients from the digestive system for absorption into the blood vessels. Hormones and proteins that cannot make it automatically into the blood must travel via the lymphatic system before they can be utilized. The lymph also assists our metabolism.
The primary drivers of lymphatic movement are activity and breathing. Even a 15min jog while focusing on deep breaths helps your body shift the fluid around and get rid of metabolic waste. Swimming also benefits lymphatic movement. The water pressure provides a built in compression which further helps lymphatic circulation.
What can go wrong with the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system can stop working properly if it becomes blocked, inflamed or cancerous. Underlying lymphatic problems and blockages are commonly undiagnosed, contributing to many inflammatory disorders and health complaints.
Addressing the lymphatic system is beneficial for overall health and immunity. It has shown promising results in helping with inflammation, pain, stress, blockages, weight problems, skin issues, and gut health.
Symptoms of lymphatic problems may include:  Rashes
Joint pain
Muscle aches and pains
Itchiness
Swelling of lymph nodes in the throat, armpits or groin
Breast swelling
Hormonal problems
Cellulite
Weight gain
Chronic fatigue
Hemorrhoids
Stress
Sore throats and being sick often

What is lymphedema? Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system fails to drain the lymph fluid. This fluid can then accumulate, cause swelling and potentially increase the risk of infection. Lymphedema may arise because the lymphatic vessels or nodes have been damaged or were not formed correctly. Secondary lymphedema is the most common type that develops following damage to the lymphatic system. This can occur with: Cancer treatments which may involve the removal of lymph nodes or radiotherapy to lymph node groups Progression of malignant disease Trauma and tissue damage Infection Obesity Immobility Venous disease

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic massage, or lymphatic drainage, is a gentle massage treatment to stimulate the circulation of lymph fluid around the body. This helps to speed up the removal of wastes and toxins. Lymphatic drainage can also be used to help people who have had damage to their lymphatic system following plastic or orthopedic surgery, trauma or due to developmental disorders. Lymphatic massage has very light pressure because the lymphatic system is close to the surface of the skin. It is not like a regular massage that has deeper pressure to massage the muscles. It also has a specific sequence to ensure the blocked lymph areas are cleared and the lymph is being moved in the right direction.

What conditions benefit from lymphatic massage?
Chronic fluid retention in legs or arms Lymphedema
Post-mastectomy or breast cancer treatment Swelling of a limb
Pre or Post Surgery
Chronic fatigue
Hormonal and emotional imbalances
Recurrent infections eg colds, tonsillitis, sinus infections

MLD- the Vodder Technique
Manual Lymph drainage (MLD), is a technique developed by the Vodders (Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Estrid) in 1936 in Paris for treatment of swollen lymph nodes[
Lymphatic dissorders, especially lymphedema, represent a serious problem in the health community.
Surgery disrupts the Lymph Vessels and therefore causes swelling that can be reduced with MLD. Additionally, the reduction of the edema minimizes inflamtion and scar tissue development. Pain is greatly reduced and range of motion more quickly restored.
MLD is a light, skin-stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb. It should not be confused with a traditional massage. MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. Therapy is applied to your unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, or “decongest” the region. MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics.