MLD works by stimulating the effect of nature’s own internal cleanser, the lymphatic system – a network of channels carrying lymph fluid. This fluid clears the tissues of bacteria and waste. The collected waste is passed into the lymph nodes in the neck, groin and under the arms. MLD is a gentle almost feathery massage which prevents these nodes getting congested.  

Helpful with the stimulation of the Lymphatic system, reduces High blood pressure and Oedema e.g.: pregnancy. Improvements to sinusitis and Hay fever 

Lymph system consists of: - Lymph nodes linked by lymph vessels that carry the lymph fluid around the body. This system collects fluid and waste from the tissues and returns it to the blood after it has been purified in the thousands of numerous lymph nodes we have all over the body. Where circulation is failing we get Oedema (swelling) that can be due to various reasons i.e.: -Sports injuries and falls.

It is recognised as the specific treatment for Lymphodema and after mastectomy. Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling caused primarily by a failure of lymph drainage. Lymphoedema is most commonly seen in developed countries following treatment for cancer. Where nodes are removed from the body, especially breast cancer.

MLD is a specific massage technique designed to increase the normal lymphokinetic activity and encourage fluid to drain from an oedematous region to a non –oedematous area of the body. It aims to improve the function of the lymphatics. MLD allows the channels to drain in new directions thus aiding drainage from congested or obstructed areas. 

MLD affects the automatic nervous system –helping to improve damaged nerve areas.  Also helpful with decreasing the pain of MS and sub-acute arthritis sufferers

• Stimulation of the Lymphatic system
• Reduction of High blood pressure
• Reduces Oedema e.g.: pregnancy       
• Improvement of sinusitis and Hay fever 

Like a face-lift without surgery, It also helps with the reduction of Acne, together with post. Surgical / Scar tissue – improves lymph flow

Treatment: - Because lymph fluid only flows in one direction, proximal areas are treated before distal areas.  The technique is a gentle pumping action.  Pressure is very light because lymph flow is just under the skin. MLD should not cause pain.

What is the Lymphatic system?

The lymph system is a drainage system that works in parallel with the venous system.  The excess tissue fluid that the veins cannot carry gets transported in the lymphatic vessels. 

Unlike the vascular system (a continuous circular track) there is no pump pushing the lymph fluid around the circuit.  Lymph only moves in one direction. Muscular contraction forces fluid along Lymph vessels together with compression from pulsing arteries, movement of organs and lymphatic drainage.

Lymph system consists of: - Lymph nodes linked by lymph vessels that carry the lymph fluid around the body.  This system collects fluid and waste from the tissues and returns it to the blood after it has been purified in the thousands of numerous lymph nodes we have all over the body, that help to protect and maintain the internal fluid environment.

This is done by filtering – removing foreign particles and fragments of broken down cells, bacteria and virus particles – and by producing and circulating Lymphocytes (cells of the immune system) that defend the body against disease and invasion by foreign substances.

The lymph system network also transports fats, proteins and other substances to the blood system and restores about 60% of the fluid that filters out of the blood capillaries during normal metabolism

Lymph nodes have two essential functions

• Filter the lymph and remove foreign particles and fragments of broken down cells, bacteria and virus particles.
• To produce and circulate lymphocytes

Like a blocked sink the nodes can become blocked (i.e.: - arm pit -axilla) and when only a little of the fluid can get through this area it causes back flow and discomfort (i.e.: -shoulder).

Nodes can become blocked for various reasons (virus /glandular fever) and it is only after some time we start to feel the impact of the impaired condition and slowing down of lymph flow as it effects other parts of the body. Fatigue and lethargy are some of the symptoms because the toxins and poisons in the body are not being filtered out.

Where circulation is failing we get Oedema (swelling), which can be due to various reasons: -

• Composition of the blood is abnormal  - too much salt/water (nephritis)
• Depletion of protein - nephritic syndrome
• General circulatory problem – right sided or congestive cardiac failure or pelvic blockage
• Associated with late pregnancy and high blood pressure
• Myxoedema is a condition that results from hypothyroidism

A unique method, with in the broad framework of classic massage, where a very light pumping action moves the skin to bring about an increased lymph flow.

Primarily, MLD is used to promote the optimal function of the initial lymph vessels, nodes and ducts of the lymphatic system.

It facilitates removal of metabolic waste, excess water, large protein molecules and foreign substances from tissue via the initial lymph vessels and venous capillaries.

However, new research done in Australia by Alan Hudson has broadened the technique further using an even lighter touch that is being recognised in UK and results have been very successful.

It was found that if too much pressure was being used it could flood the tissue instead of releasing lymph fluid. Joy has trained in the Alan Hudson method and uses it with much success.

It is the treatment of choice where there is stasis of lymph associated with high protein oedemas.   In the case of chronic lymphoedemas, it is an essential part of a decongestive physical therapy routine involving compression exercise and skin care.

The positive effects are well known in Europe, Australia and USA.  In Europe particularly the technique is practiced widely in hospitals and clinics and is recognised by relevant national health insurance plans.

LYMPHOEDEMA

Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling caused primarily by a failure of lymph drainage.  This can be congenitally determined with no obvious cause – (PRIMARY LYMPHOEDEMA) or may develop after surgery or radiotherapy treatment (SECONDARY LYMYPHOEDEMA).

Limbs are the most commonly affected part of the body, although the adjacent part of the trunk may be involved. It could occur immediately after treatment or many years later.

Lymphoedema is most commonly seen in developed countries following treatment for cancer, where nodes are removed - especially breast cancer. Literature has suggested that the prevalence rate for women treated for breast cancer is in the region of 25-28%

Strain is put on the Lymph vessels when nodes and glands are removed.

Swelling may affect all or part of a limb and may also extend to the trunk

It can be soft and pitting or hard and non-pitting due too interstitial fibrosis.   

Unlike other odemas, it does not significantly reduce overnight.   Patients may experience a number of other effects, particularly skin changes i.e.: -

• Enhanced skin creases
• Hyperkeratosis – thickening of the outer layer of the skin
• Papillomastosis – non-malignant tumour resembling a wart
• Lymphangioma – collection of abnormal lymph vessels

Other effects include acute inflammatory episodes (commonly referred to as cellulites) and with Lymphoedema on the leg can contract fungal infection –

In this country the management of lymphodema is based upon work

done in mainland Europe - Foldi clinic Hineterzarten Germany. 

This approach is based around twin concepts of “Maintenance

therapy “ and “Intensive therapy”. This includes: 

• Skin care 
• External support – elastic hosiery
• Exercise programme 
• Self massage

Lymphoedema Support Network -  www.lymphoedema.org/lsn

Treatment principles of MLD

First treatment includes a consultation

• Because lymph only flows in one direction proximal areas are treated before distal areas.
• Pressure is light because lymph flow is just under the skin.Technique is rhythmical – same pressure, same speed and same number of times.  It is not done at a fast pace.
• Pumping action technique has a pressure phase and relaxation phase.
• MLD should not cause pain

Benefits of treatment: -

• A deep relaxation treatment together with stimulation of the Lymphatic system. 

Reduces Oedema e.g.:

Sports injuries and pregnancy, also minimises scarring and stretch marks

• Increase in bowel and/or bladder movements
• Post surgical/ Scar tissue – improves lymph flow  

MLD affects the automatic nervous system – giving improvements to damaged nerve areas. MLD has a calming effect as the automatic nervous system changes from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state through the triggering of attraction reflexes. 

• Improvement of Hay fever and sinusitis
• Reduction of High blood pressure
• Decrease in pain of MS and sub-acute arthritis sufferers 

Recognised as the specific treatment following Lymphodema and mastectomy

MLD also:

• Speeds up healing
• Relieves headache and pain
• It is a fantastic treatment for Hay fever and helps un-block sinus, together with improvements for sinusitis. 

A spectacular skin treatment - It helps tighten up the saggy parts and reduce  puffiness.  It is like having a face-lift without surgery.           

• Reduction of acne due to detox, although initially it may become worse, as toxins are released.
• Reduction of High blood pressure.
• Stimulation of the immune system 

Clears colds - Improvement of breathing in colds, flu, bronchitis and asthma (not acute state) 

It is suitable for almost everyone regardless of age. Except for TB,

Heart conditions, Cancer - while having treatment i.e.: - radio therapy etc.,

Before Treatment of Manual Lymph Drainage- 

• Inform your therapist if you are on any medication
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid eating a heavy meal before a MLD treatment 

First treatment includes a consultation and will take approx

1- 3/4 hours including medical history.

Normal sessions thereafter take approx one hour

Treatment is given on a treatment bed with the client wearing underclothes and covered with towels. As we work down the body a part of the towel is opened up and the area exposed is worked on. 

At the first session a full treatment is advised to evaluate the body

Thereafter half body treatments may be suggested

Your MLD Therapist will decide which advanced technique will best suit your needs for a quick recovery and put a package together with the option of recommendations for nutrition, diet, hair analysis and emotional / stress relief

After Treatment: -

• Your treatment will have started the process of elimination of poisons and toxins.
• Drink plenty of still water over the next 24 hours.
• Filtered or bottled non fizzy water 6-8 glasses minimum
• If water is not taken the toxins released may cause a headache
• Some clients feel sleepy after treatment.  Allow some extra time for yourself especially during the first few sessions. Rest and look after yourself for a short time afterwards.

How Many Treatments

Most forms of disease will have been building up over a period of time.  It is therefore unrealistic to expect an instantaneous improvement

Every client is different, so it is not possible to predict the exact number of sessions required.

Serious diseases usually take longer to treat than minor ones.

Chronic disorders that have been present for a long time again usually take longer than those that have been present a short time.

Older people sometimes take longer than younger people

For all disorders a course of treatment (6-8 treatments) is recommended even if the symptoms appear to go after the first treatment.

A course of treatment will help to balance the body’s systems that, in turn, will help to prevent a recurrence of the disorder.

Usually some improvement should occur after about three to four sessions, depending upon condition of the lymph

There are few people who do not benefit in some way from MLD. Even if the disorder is not completely cured, the clients often feel more relaxed or better in themselves.

REACTION FOLLOWING TREATMENT

Once the treatment has finished the client should feel relaxed and perhaps warmer, because of the blood circulation stimulation       

Sometimes however, the client may feel cold – this is because of the toxins leaving the body.

People are often surprised, during and after the treatment, that stimulating the lymph can have such a dramatic effect across the body.

They often feel sleepy, calmer and relaxed.  Leaving them with a heightened feeling of well being

Common reactions after treatment: -

• Perhaps the most common is that the client has a good nights sleep
• The rate of urination may increase.  The colour and smell may also change.
• Some find that they have a good bowel movement.
• Suppressed past conditions could flare up

** Tiredness and lethargy can affect some, as the toxins/poisons have been disturbed  - this should clear within 24 –48 hours

**Some people experience a headache after treatment – this is because the treatment has started the movement of toxins in the body   

**In this case you need to drink plenty of water to help clear the toxins from the body - 6-8 glasses in the next 24 hours

These are all positive reactions and show that the body is trying to heal itself.

Regular treatments have proven to produce a Homeostasis in the body. Most clients like to continue with a monthly or six weekly sessions just to keep the lymph flowing and nodes clear. Their level of relaxation improves together with strengthened immune systems and systems rebalanced.