Healing Strands

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

More than a massage, it is a whole body, systemic therapy that makes you feel good from the inside out!

Most people haven't heard of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapy or if they have , they're not really sure what it's good for. It is often linked with detoxing the body but it can be used for so much more.

As stated, it is more of a systemic therapy than a massage. What does this mean? It means that it stimulates various systems in the body, e.g. the lymphatic system, the immune system, even the digestive system! It does NOT work knots out of muscles and it does NOT use a deep pressure. What is DOES do is use is light, rhythmical strokes, designed to encourage the flow of lymph throughout the body. The lymph a clear-yellowish fluid that runs throughout the body, helping to rid it of toxins, infections and helps wounds to heal by taking away the unwated materials that build up in them. For this reason, MLD is an excellent way to help reduce recovery time after surgery and speed up healing of the wound.

Below are the answers to some of the more common questions about MLD therapy:

• What are lymph nodes?
  Lymph nodes are located in multiple sites throughout the body. The most common areas we find lymph nodes are: in the armpits (axillary nodes), down the side of the neck (profundus), in the groin (inguinal/ iliacal), in the inner elbow (cubital), behind the knees (popliteal) and deep within the abdominal region (cysterna chylii). The main sets of nodes that are worked within an MLD treatment are the axilla, profundus, inguinal/iliacal and cysterna chylii. Not all areas may be worked, as this depends on what the individual needs from the treatment. The most common nodes that most people recognise are the profundus, found in the neck, as these nodes are the ones that are most like to swell and become tender if we suffer from an infection such as the flu or tonsillitis.

• Why is MLD light touch?
  MLD uses a light tough for the simple reason that the lymphatic system is located close the surface of the skin. We don’t need to use a heavy touch to acieve great results. In fact, it’s better that we don’t because the firmer we push on the skin, the less effect it will have on the lymphatic system. Instead of a gentle pumping motion, all we would be doing is cutting off the flow of the lymph, rendering the treatment ineffective.

• What are the benefits of MLD therapy?
  The immediate benefit of MLD therapy is the sense of relaxation and calmness one feels after the treatment finishes. It is also a very detoxifying treatment so you may experience in increase in thirst or need to go to the bathroom. More long term benefits of MLD therapy include:

• • improved immune system functions (reduces frequency and duration of colds/flu)
  • increased energy
  • recover from injury faster
  • clearer skin
  • possible weight loss
  • improved digestion
  • reduced stress
  • better sleep

• Reasons for not using oil during mld massage
  Due to the types of movements used during an MLD treatment it is not necessary to use a lubricant, such as oil, cream or lotion. In fact, it is better that no lubricant is used as the purpose of the movements is to move the upper layers of the skin over the lower layers of tissue to gain the desired effects. To do this, we need skin-to-skin contact and to be able to “hang onto” the skin as it moves over the underlying tissue.

• What is the sequence for lymphatic drainage massage for the body?
  Unlike a Swedish massage where you can start anywhere on the body and then move to another part of the body, an MLD treatment has certain restrictions on the sequence of the body parts that are massaged. As we are trying to move fluid throughout the body and not work individual muscles or muscle groups, we need to take into consideration, where and how this fluid will and can be moved. For this reason, all MLD sessions will start with a basic sequence which is mostly done around the upper chest and neck region. This is because all lymph fluid drains into a node found under the collarbone (clavical) called the terminus. It makes sense to make sure that this node is working and ready to collect all the incoming fluid from the rest of the body. From here, we can choose which parts of the body to work on, depending on the individual client’s needs. If working the upper body and arms, the axilla nodes are then worked before continuing. If working the lower body, then the inguinal/iliacal nodes are worked before continuing. These nodular areas are like doors and need to be “opened” to allow proper lymph flow.

• What should I expect from mld session?
  Aall new clients will be asked to fill in a history and contact form before their first MLD session. This enables me to assess the client and ensures that the most suitable treatment is suggested for the client. Before the treatment begins the client’s medical history, reasons for coming in, treatment plan and explanation of the treatment will be discussed. Depending on the needs of the client, the first MLD session will last approximately 60 minutes, including a 40-55 minute treatment. I always re-assess the client after the treatment, to get reactions and feelings from the client so I can be sure that the treatment is the right one for them. A glass of water is also give to the client at this time. After treatment care is also discussed before allowing the client to leave.

• How much does MLD cost?
  My costs are based on an hourly rate, therefore a 60 minute treatment is €60 and a 90 minute treatment is €85. Usually the first 1 or 2 treatments are 60 minutes long and subsequent treatments are 90 minutes long. Again this all depends on the individual.

For more information on MLD therapy or for a personalised consultation to see if MLD can benefit YOU, please call us on 086 210 2791

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massage is designed to stimulate the lymphatic system in order to drain the build up of waste fluid from the cells of the body. it is also a well known treatment for cellulite.

The lymph system is responsible for regulating the immune system and removing toxins and built up waste from the body. An obstruction in the system results in a build up of fluid and toxins leading to localised swelling, fatigue and possible systemic nausea. Cellulite prone areas such as thighs, stomach and bottom are common zones where this can occur.

Cellulite causes a lack of circulation which is necessary for healthy tissue. This lack of circulation leads to changes in the tissues in the affected areas and results in the dimpling, or "orange peel" effect that is often associated with cellulite affected areas.

MLD helps to improve the circulation of the lymph, which helps to keep the affected tissues healthy. The result is a reduction in the appearance of the cellulite.

MLD can also help with weight loss by ridding the body of dead and unwanted waste. This works to increase weight loss through 2 ways: through the loss of dead cells massaged out through the treatment and through increasing the efficacy of the lymphatic system, allowing the body to perform its elimination processes without undue delay. People who have a sluggish lymphatic system often have a sluggish metabolism, preventing them from losing weight.

The lymph system is part of the immune system and is made up of a network of vessels, similar to blood vessels, that carry a clear liquid called lymph. It consists of lymph vessels, lymph nodes/ glands, and organs such as the spleen, thymus, tonsils and adenoids. It has 4 main jobs in the body:

1. Draining fluid into the bloodstream - As the blood circulates, fluid leaks out from the blood vessels into the body tissues. This fluid is important because it carries food to the cells and waste products back to the bloodstream. The leaked fluid drains into the lymph vessels. It is carried through the lymph vessels to the base of the neck where it is emptied back into the bloodstream. This circulation of fluid through the body goes on all the time.

2. Filtering lymph - The lymph nodes filter the lymph fluid as it passes through. White blood cells attack any bacteria or viruses they find in the lymph as it flows through the lymph nodes. If cancer cells break away from a tumour, they often become stuck in the nearest lymph nodes. This is why doctors check the lymph nodes first when they are working out how far a cancer has grown or spread.

3. Filtering the blood - This is the job of the spleen. It filters the blood to take out all the old worn out red blood cells and then destroys them. They are replaced by new red blood cells that are made in the bone marrow. The spleen also filters out bacteria, viruses and other foreign particles found in the blood. White blood cells in the spleen attack bacteria and viruses as they pass through.

4. Fighting infection - When people say "I'm not well, my glands are up" they are really saying they have swollen lymph  nodes because they have an infection. The lymphatic system helps fight infection in many ways such as:

• Helping to make special white blood cells (lymphocytes) that produce antibodies

• Having other blood cells called macrophages inside the lymph nodes which swallow up and kill any foreign particles, for example germs.

This is where Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage comes in. A properly functioning lymph system will maintain a healthy immune system and in turn allow us to feel healthier and enjoy life more. Manual lymph drainage massage helps to reduce your stress as well as instil a feeling of peace and relaxation. It is a pain free treatment which has benefits like:

• improved immune system (reduce frequency and duration of colds/flu)

• increased energy

• recover from injury faster

• clearer skin

• possible weight loss

• improved digestion

• reduced stress

• better sleep

When you think of it, it can be seen as a top-to-toe rejuvenating make-over, not just a way to boost your immunity. Why not try it for yourself today! Call 086 210 2791 today to find out how manual lymphatic drainage can benefit you! You body will thank you for it!