What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Dr Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an advanced therapy, in which gentle rhythmic pumping techniques are used, moving the skin over underlying tissue. This stimulates the lymphatic system encouraging the removal of waste products, which in turn promotes healing.

What is the Lymaphatic system?

The lymphatic system, often known as our secondary circulation consists of organs, ducts and nodes, interconnected with a network of ‘one way value’ vessels.

The lymphatic system transports excess fluid from body tissues into the blood circulation. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to protect the body from infection and disease, as well as acting as our ‘waste disposal’ system, removing excess waste products from the cells.

How does MLD work with lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is filled with millions of one way valves, which allow lymph fluid to flow in one direction only via the lymph nodes, which act as purification centres. Lymph can become congested and stagnated for various reasons, such as fatigue, stress or infection.

Since the lymphatic system is not connected to the heart, it has to rely upon some other method to initiate movement, mainly muscular contraction, deep breathing and external massage.

The gentle pumping techniques of MLD creates a ‘pressure-release’ effect which in turn increases the motor activity of the lymphatic vessels, stimulating lymph movement.

As a consequence MLD promotes the movement and cleansing of congested lymph, clearing the body of mucous and toxins, thus promoting healing.

What are the benefits?

MLD is particularly effective in:

• Reducing primary and secondary lymphoedema, the latter sometimes arising after surgery
• Helping chronic conditions such as sinusitis, arthritis, scleroderma, acne, rosacea and other skin conditions
• Relieving fluid congestion: swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes, water retention
• Promoting the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains (particularly effective post operative).
• Helping detoxify the body (works well with nutritional therapy)
• IBS by calming inflammation and irritation
• Promoting the healing of wounds and burns. Can improve the appearance and texture of old scars
• Reducing pain
• Promoting deep relaxing, acting on the nervous system encouraging the body to heal itself

The MLD Therapist

At the Abbey Clinic our Sports and Remedial Masseur Julia Hazelwood has qualified to intermediate level of training, allowing her to treat patients with a healthy, if a bit congested, lymphatic system.

If you suffer from any of the conditions listed of are unsure if MLD can help you, the please don’t hesitate to ask at reception for further information. Julia will happily contact you to discuss you requirements in confidence.

45 minute, 1 hour and 11/2 hour treatments are available. The 11/2 treatment can be used in conjunction with sports/remedial massage. The two combined work very effectively on the body systems of blood circulation and lymph circulation, especially when treating a specific injury.

Useful Website Links
www.mlduk.org.uk