Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a "retraining" of the lymph to make it flow faster and more efficiently.

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MLD involves light, rhythmical massage that aids the body in collecting and moving lymphatic fluid, which plays a key role in delivering nutrients, antibodies and other immune constituents to the tissue cells of the body and removing debris such as toxins, cell waste and dead particles which are then cleansed by clusters of lymph nodes. MLD also works on the nervous system, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and improving sleep patterns.

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The tissue fluid, or prelymph, can become static due to toxic or mucus overload, a blocked lymph passageway as a result of surgery or injury, or certain congenital problems. This leads to the puffy appearance of certain parts of the body, a slow healing process, and problems such as allergies, headaches, sinusitis, low energy and frequent infections.

A condition for which MLD has proved to be particularly effective is oedema (water retention) and, in its more serious form, lymphedema - severe swelling of a limb or body part - which can lead in turn to cellulitis. MLD is an essential element of Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which is used to treat lymphedema and also includes exercises for the affected limb, compression bandaging, skin care and wearing compression garments.

Three case studies are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the treatment in cases of lymphedema, sinus congestion with chronic catarrh, abdominal bloating, migraines and headaches.

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What is MLD?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an advanced therapy in which the practitioner uses a range of specialised and gentle rhythmic pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow. This stimulates the lymphatic vessels which carry substances vital to the defence of the body and removes waste products. The first visit will include a consultation during which the therapist will recommend the number and frequency of future sessions. Each session will last approximately 45 minutes.

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Is MLD used for Post surgery procedures?

​Yes, It is necessary to help and remove bloating and contour imperfections, and helps recovery by 75%

Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit a range of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

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Procedures like:

• Liposuction

• Tummy Tucks

• Breast augmentation

• Face lift

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Without lymphatic massages post-surgery, healing times can be slower and lymphedema can occur.

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For Post surgery procedures MLD is used to:

• improve blood circulation

• give the blood more oxygen – which can help to shorten healing times

• decrease inflammation

• improve skin quality – after bruising and damage from surgery

• reduce stress

• reduce scarring of wounds

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What are the benefits?

MLD is both preventative and remedial and can enhance your well being.  Furthermore, MLD:

• is deeply relaxing

• reduces stress

• promotes emotional balancing

• promotes the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains and lessens pain.

• can improve many chronic conditions: sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, acne and other skin conditions.

• strengthens the immune system.

• relieves fluid congestion: swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes and swollen legs due to pregnancy.

• is an effective component of the treatment and control of lymphedema and assists in conditions arising from venous insufficiency.

• promotes healing of wounds and burns and improves the appearance of old scars.

• minimises or reduces stretch marks.

• Promotes wellbeing.

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How is MLD Applied?

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• MLD is a slow, rhythmical touch applied by the therapist in the form of a light massage. It is incredibly relaxing; some patients fall asleep during treatment.
   

• It has a calming, anti-stress effect which can facilitate the easing of  pain and the reduction of blood pressure. It can also stimulate the immune defence system within the body.
   

• It brings about a change in the autonomic nervous system, lowering the "Sympathetic" nervous system (daytime / flight nerves) and accentuating the night / rest nerves of the "Parasympathetic" nervous system.
   

• MLD reduces pain by exciting the "touch receptors" in the skin which produce an inhibitory or blocking signal to the brain, with the correct application.