What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

The Lymphatic System is an integral part of our circulatory system that helps to filter waste from our blood and interstitial tissues. The lymphatic system contains lymphoid organs, lymph ducts, lymph nodes, lymph vessels and lymph capillaries that all work together with our vascular system to keep our immune system healthy and properly functioning as the first line of defense against disease. Anywhere in your body where you have circulation, you also have lymph tissues!

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, a component of Decongestive Therapy, is a type of therapeutic massage where a trained therapist helps to move excess lymph accumulation back through the proper channels of drainage. The massage therapist uses light movements following a specific pressure, direction, and sequence, with no oil or lotion.  It is a very gentle and relaxing treatment.  Some conditions that can benefit from MLD include:

• Chronic abdominal bloating   

• Head colds

• Sinus congestion 

• Lipedema

• Lymphedema

• Menopause 

• Fibromyalgia 

• Osteoarthritis 

• Digestive problems

• Hormonal imbalances

• Skin conditions (acne, rosacea, cellulite)

• Allergies 

• Stress

Who benefits from Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage?

Those with a compromised vascular system are more prone to edema and lymphedema.

Lymphedema occurs when the body accumulates lymphatic fluid with high concentrations of protein in the interstitial tissues underneath the skin. Most of the time, it shows up in arms and legs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the chest, breast area, genitals, neck, and head. Other symptoms associated with lymphedema may be weakness and heaviness in the arm or leg and tissue swelling, skin discoloration, and pain in the affected areas.  If you have had any damage to your lymphatic system, including surgery, blunt trauma or node removal, lymphedema can occur.

Edema appears when small blood vessels leak non-protein-rich fluid, which gets trapped in the tissues causing swelling. Edema can occur in any part of the body, but in most cases affects legs, ankles, and feet.  Venous insufficiency is the most common cause of edema.  It causes the veins in the legs to fill up with blood, especially when standing. Venous insufficiency is often attributed to conditions such as varicose veins and blood clots and is commonly a symptom of a weak circulatory system. Recent studies show that manual lymphatic drainage massage relieves edema symptoms and increases the health-related quality of life of those suffering from venous insufficiency.

Who should not receive Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage?

If you suffer from any of the following health conditions, MLD and Decongestive Therapy is not the right treatment for you:

• Congestive heart failure

• Emphysema

• Skin infections

• Renal disfunction

• Acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT)

There are some additional health conditions that require caution with MLD, so please take the time to thoroughly inform your therapist of your complete health history.

How can I keep my Lymphatic System healthy?

1.     Stay hydrated!  Pure water is best.

2.     Regular, gentle exercise including cardiovascular and strength exercises.

3.     Deep diaphragmatic/belly breathing. See this YouTube video from UCLA Health.

4.     Eat a healthy, balanced diet with enough fiber.

5.     Wear comfortable clothes that are not too tight and consider compression socks when flying.