Well of Life Center for Holistic Healthcare

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Slow lymphatic drainage can cause symptoms ranging from swollen neck lymph glands to more extreme symptoms, such as lymphedema.

There are several reasons you can experience some sort of swelling, aching or bloating in your life. From injuries to standing for work for hours to illness. Swelling is the body’s way of protecting and healing itself. Swelling in the body will typically resolve itself over time but manual lymphatic drainage massage can help speed up recovery time in a drastic way.

People who receive manual lymphatic drainage completely heal from surgery in about 6 to 12 weeks as compared to those who have not taking 9 months to sometimes over a year to heal. MLD can help speed your recovery while relieving pain and helping you relax. And MLD is completely painless.

As a major player in the immune system, proper lymphatic flow can remove the harmful substances in the tissues that contribute to the symptoms of colds and flu infections, joint pain, headaches and migraines, menstrual cramps, arthritis, fatigue, depression, acne, cellulite, and much more.

What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and immune system. It is made up of organs and lymph vessels that carry a clear fluid, called lymph. Lymph moves through the body, gathering toxic waste and foreign invaders as it transports white blood cells to and from lymph nodes. Lymph nodes will then clean the lymph fluid and dispose of the toxins. In this way, the lymphatic system cleanses every cell in the body.

The spleen, thymus, tonsils, and adenoids are also part of the lymphatic system, and support the functions of the immune system. Immune cells, which fight infection in the body, are also created in the lymph nodes.

When lymphatic circulation slows down, the regeneration of cells becomes less effective, which allows toxins and proteins to accumulate around the cells, creating blockages and further restricting the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body. This stagnation of cells leads to increased inflammation and pain.

What is Lymphatic Distress?

If the body is in a state of distress, the lymphatic system may become blocked or backed up. When this happens, lymphatic fluid builds up in the tissues, preventing waste from moving out of the body. This creates congestion in the body, forcing the toxins to move back into the tissues, skin, and joints.

Lymphatic distress can lead to swelling, sensation of heaviness, discomfort, and a number of other symptoms. While not all lymphatic disorders can be cured, symptoms can be managed in order to improve quality of life and ensure comfort. Lymphatic distress can range from mild to severe depending on cause and extent. But even mild cases can cause trouble with the lymphatic system leading to discomfort, fatigue, and negatively impact your quality of life.

What is M L D (Manual Lymphatic Drainage)?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD, is a gentle technique used to promote lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system sits right beneath the skin. By using light pressure and rhythmic pumping, the lymph fluid is prompted to move, creating an increased lymph flow.

All hand motions follow the natural movement of lymph and are directed towards the lymphatic drainage areas, including the neck, armpits, and groin. When applied correctly, MLD will increase lymph vessel activity and move interstitial fluid, resulting in a properly functioning lymphatic system.

MLD

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage can help with symptoms related to…

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Medical:

Alopecia, trigeminal neuralgia, Bell’s Palsy, ear aches, sinusitis, strokes, burns, Alzheimer’s, glaucoma, lymphedema, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, cystic breasts, cancer

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Cosmetic:

Acne, rosacea, eczema, effects of aging, under eye circles and puffiness, cellulite, lipodema

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Injuries:

Bruising, discoloration, torn muscles, phantom pain, effects of knee/hip/shoulder replacements, tennis elbow, skier’s thumb, golfer’s arm, tendonitis

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Issues with Pregnancy:

Infertility, immune support, stretch mark prevention, edema, constipation, weight loss after delivery, healing after delivery or C-section, scarring, milk production

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MLD can also help with:

Swelling, immune support, allergies, weight control

8 Facts You May Not Know About The Lymphatic System

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New research reveals that 80% of overweight women have sluggish lymphatic systems. Trapped toxins and excess fluid can add an extra 10 – 15 pounds.

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As the body’s second circulatory system, decongesting stagnant lymph can substantially reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, or blockage of the arteries.

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Lymphatic drainage is one of the few techniques to be successfully used in the permanent reduction of cellulite.

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In emphasizing prevention, lymphatic drainage has been found to be beneficial in improving healthy flow of lymphatic fluids, critical to the health of the cell in the breast.

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Lymphatic stagnation can weaken the immune system, compromising the integrity of the cells and encouraging inflammation, which is known to be the beginning of many common illnesses.

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Without a properly functioning lymphatic system, fat and cholesterol cannot be carried away from the heart. Dr. Bruno Chikly believes that at least 30% of heart attacks may be related to the health of the lymphatic system, a condition called lymphostatic angiopathy.

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Lymphatic drainage improves veno-circulation, which aids in the elimination of excess fluids and stored toxins, leaving your skin infinitely more youthful and vibrant.

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Conditions that respond positively to an improvement in lymphatic health are swelling, pain, allergies, tissue congestion, inflammation, Lupus, and many problems related to fluid retention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my clothes on during MLD?

No, you must be fully undressed. You are able to wear your underwear if necessary, but better not to.

Will I experience any side effects?

You may experience headaches, upset stomach, excessive tiredness, frequent urination, or odor/color changes in urine. These side effects can last 24-48 hours after treatment, so be sure to drink plenty of water before and after treatment.

Are there any diagnoses that should not receive MLD?

Yes. If a client has been diagnosed with kidney, liver, or heart failure, DVT, malignant tumor(s), or kidney disease, or if they are experiencing infection, open wounds, fever, high-risk pregnancy or morning sickness, or acute inflammation, or if they are taking blood thinners, it is best to hold off on receiving an MLD treatment.

For more information or to schedule your session, contact us today!

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