What is Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) ?
MLD was created by Dr. Emil Vodder in Europe, nearly a century ago in the 1930s. Originally designed to treat facial conditions, the modality was discovered to promote healing, reduce scar formation, and research has shown that it benefits over 40 conditions.
The term Manual Lymphatic Drainage describes how the treatment is applied – with hands. In Europe, Certified MLD therapists are found in the finest Spas and Clinics of Lymphology. While it is a manual therapy, MLD is not a massage directed at muscles, and is gentle in comparison. The focus of MLD is on the lymph vessels just below the skins surface that contain your natural healing cells – The Fountain of Youth Within!
MLD is used to drain excess fluid from the body and improve the overall functioning of the lymphatic (immune) system. MLD is most commonly used to treat Lymphedema, which is characterized by the blockage of lymph nodes in the arms and legs.
Learn more about Lymphedema and self-care at the following website: www.nwlymphedemacenter.org
“What would happen to your car or air conditioning unit if you never changed the filter? It would slow down, be less efficient and eventually breakdown. This is the concept to keep in mind when approaching the lymphatic system with Holistic MLD”…Elisa DiFalco, MS, OT, CLT-LANA
Find out more from expert Plastic Surgeons:
Daniel Man, M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Bart Rademaker, M.D., American Society of Plastic Surgeons Member, Latin & International Division
at: mldinstitute.com/advisory-board/
Manual lymphatic drainage involves the detoxification of the entire body. The massage can provide relief from chronic pain, restored hydration and a reduction in fluid retention in various parts of the body. It is a good therapy for individuals with anxiety, insomnia and allergies, and studies have shown that it has positive effects on the nervous system. Not only does manual lymphatic drainage lower blood pressure and reduce overall stress, but many physicians recommend the therapeutic MLD after surgery.
MLD for secondary lymphedema following breast cancer surgery
After the removal of lymph nodes by surgery, or the use of radiation treatment, lymph can build up in the body tissues, causing pain, discomfort and anxiety. There may be a feeling of heaviness, tightness and swelling in the affected arm. Manual Lymphatic Drainage encourages the body to find new pathways and to energize adjacent, existing lymph vessels, to re-route excess fluid away from the swollen area, and to maintain those pathways, so they continue to work in the long term.
“Women to Women ” website on Lymphatic system and benefits of Lymph Massage.
Learn more about Lymphedema and self-care at the following website: http://www.nwlymphedemacenter.org
Lymphedema Risk Management Program Series
Reduce present and future risks of developing Lymphedema
A recent study published in the Journal of Lymphology1 emphasized the significant effect of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) in preventing the onset of secondary lymphedema of the upper extremity on the operated side following breast cancer surgery. The study showed that prophylactic application of MLD administered immediately following breast cancer surgery helped to prevent or considerably alleviate secondary lymphedema of the arm, irrespective of the method of breast cancer treatment. Read more..here
MLD to detox the body
Allow Manual Lymphatic Drainage to take the strain of your next detox session, where it will be a useful adjunct to the other techniques you normally use. MLD will accelerate the removal of waste products, toxins and excess fluid, helping produce clearer skin, reduced cellulite, improved skin tone and feel, reduced puffiness, lower fluid retention, improved energy, alertness and well-being.
Body MLD for Sports & Wellness
Stimulates the body’s lymph circulation, improves metabolism, helps eliminate waste, toxins that build up during training and healthily supports the immune system. Many benefits for Acute and Chronic conditions, Sports related, Degenerative, Cancer related conditions in which Edema plays a part…Compression wrapping available.