Lymphatic Drainage Massage
CLEANSE & DETOXIFY YOUR BODY SYSTEMS
What is Lymph
The lymphatic system is interlinked to the blood, digestive, muscular & the nervous system, Lymph is the body’s secondary circulatory system, unlike blood it is a clear fluid that flows in the lymphatic vessels and bathes tissues and organs, it is the body’s filtration system and Its function is to clean, detoxify and destroy foreign organisms; excess proteins; waste products; harmful bacteria; damaged & tumour cells and toxic substances. It helps to maintain fluid balance to supply nutrients, oxygen and hormones to cells, to transport fats, proteins and antibodies to fight infections.
Toxins are in the air we breathe - inhalants, dust, food and medication which can affect every organ and cell in our body. If under stress such as illness, surgery, medication, inflammation or lack of physical activity especially if we are in a state of fight or flight our body produces appropriate hormones to run and if we don’t then these hormones become stagnant in the body. Lymph is the body’s primary transport system, if it fails to function efficiently our nodes become blocked and sore to touch further slowing the regeneration of white blood cells and lack of oxygen to tissues; This creates a toxic environment for onset disease.
The Liver is a major detoxifier in the body and if this organ is overloaded from toxicity then it sends unprocessed material to other areas of the body, this slows down the body’s systems causing blockages and slower to fight infection, In this case the liver will protect the major organs and neglect other areas within the body and why lymph is extremely important to help overall body and immune.
The lymphatic system will drain fluids, fat and toxins from the body, helping you feel more energised, lighter & healthier.
How Does Lymphatic Work
As you know the heart involuntary pumps blood around the body, however the lymphatic system has no pump and solely relies on muscular activity, this is why sitting for long periods can cause fluid build-up in the lower part of the body, the Lymphatic system often needs manual help to cleanse the body of toxins.
What does MLD do
Manual Lymphatic drainage is a gentle form of massage, unlike traditional massage it uses specialised techniques involving gentle rhythmic pumping movements and sweeping motions to stimulate lymph flow towards the direction of the heart into working nodes located around the body, lymph can be directed if nodes are not working or have been removed.
MLD aims to detoxify and reset your systems in order to work more efficiently further strengthening & supporting the body’s systems. Body workers offering MLD would hold a post graduate training from a specific teaching school.
MLD increases the volume of lymph through the nodes whilst increasing the production of white blood cells.
Delivers oxygen & nutrients around the body.
Removes toxins & dead cells to help with stress management.
Absorbs fat & fat soluble vitamins during digestion.
Produces white blood cells to fight infection & disease.
Drains excess fluid helping with pain, inflammation and weight loss.
Speeds tissue regeneration.
Increases blood circulation.
Improves metabolic rate.
Benefits of MLD
- Migraines, headaches & sinus caused from fluid build-up.
- Treats Allergies.
- Helps with sluggish digestive system.
- Improves skin problems.
- Reduced swelling – inflammation in part or all the body.
- Treats long covid – pockets of infection remain in the lungs.
- Reduces common colds or recurrent infections.
- Treats cellulite by stimulating blood flow and breaks down deposits.
- Treats Oedema – caused from excess proteins in tissues.
- Helps with pre and post long haul flights.
- Post-surgery swelling & drains Anaesthetics from the body to enhance healing.
- Coeliac/Autoimmune disease – helps to absorb vitamins and essential oils into the villi of small intestines.
- Reduced Bloating.
- Lowers cholesterol levels – discards excess fat from arteries.
- Management and control of lymphoedema – part of a care plan.
- Sports injuries – reduced muscle pain and inflammation.
- Drains lactic acid from over exercise or fatigue tensed muscles.
- IBS
- Arthritis – reduced joint pain
- Laryngitis
- Tonsilitis
- Fibromyalgia
HEALING IN HARMONY
Rest - Renew - Restore
Who can receive MLD?
MLD is not for everyone, check with your Dr if you have the following;
- Stage & type of Oedema
- Bronchial Asthma
- Kidney problems
- Removed spleen
- Present Infection
Who cannot receive MLD
- Acute inflammation – only if inflammation is no longer hot or acute.
- Major heart problems.
- Thrombophlebitis – inflammation of a vein that leads to blood clots.
- Cancer
What Happens during MLD?
Your treatment will be 90 minutes including consultation to determine the appropriate treatment based on your needs, the sequence of massage will be explained before proceeding, so you know what to expect during your treatment, After care will be discussed and a treatment plan if required.
Prepare for your appointment
- It’s important to drink a litre of warm water prior MLD as this will help with the drainage and gives hydration.
- It is best to shower prior MLD which also helps remove excess tanning lotions.
- Wear comfortable clothing, remove makeup and jewellery prior session.
Home Care
- Sip warm throughout the day of receiving treatment to assist in lymph drainage and support the body’s systems.
- Some report of feeling tired, headaches or discomfort after MLD, this is normal and a sign lymphatic drainage is working.
- Avoid toxins to include, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, processed and heavy foods so your lymphatic system can work efficiently.
- Take time for well-deserved REST.