What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses light, rhythmic strokes to encourage the flow of lymph through the body.
So, you’re interested in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) or you’ve never heard of it before and would like to learn more? Read on to find out more about the lymphatic system and how Manual Lymphatic Drainage could help you find a way to better health and wellness.
Understanding the Circulation System
Most people are familiar with the cardiovascular system, where the heart acts as a central pump, circulating essential nutrients like oxygen, vitamins, and hormones to cells, while also removing waste products. However, there’s another crucial partner in the circulatory system: the lymphatic system.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system plays a key role in transporting and storing waste materials and foreign substances in the body, while also supporting immune function. When waste isn’t eliminated through the blood, the lymphatic system takes over. It consists of lymph fluid, vessels, nodes, and organs that help manage these processes.
- Lymphatic fluid is a clear, water-like fluid found in the spaces between our cells. This fluid stores nutrients, minerals, hormones, and metabolic waste to support cellular function.
- Prelymphatic vessels, located just beneath the skin, absorb lymph and transport it to larger vessels that typically run alongside the veins. These lymphatic vessels have one-way valves that ensure lymph flows toward the heart, where waste can be filtered and eliminated.
- Lymph nodes form chains along the pathways of the vessels to filter the lymph and eliminate harmful invaders.
- Lymphatic organs include the spleen, tonsils, thymus, and appendix.
Unlike blood, which is actively pumped by the heart, the body relies on several mechanisms to circulate lymphatic fluid:
- Muscle Contraction. Flexing your muscles, like during exercise, helps move the fluid.
- Arterial Pulse. The pulsation of nearby large arteries helps move the fluid.
- Deep Breathing. Pressure changes when the diaphragm contracts helps move the fluid.
- Internal Pulsation. The lymph vessels contract gently on their own about 4-8 times a minute.
Whenever any of these mechanisms are disrupted—due to sedentary behaviour, lifestyle, surgery, injury, or disease—lymph circulation can slow down or become blocked. Stagnant lymph can lead to fluid retention, swelling, and a compromised immune response, which can result in various health imbalances.
By applying gentle, rhythmic pressure to the body, Manual Lymphatic Drainage mimics the natural movements and increases lymphatic circulation.
What to Expect During a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Session
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses light, rhythmic strokes to encourage the flow of lymph through the body. Here’s what you can expect during a treatment:
- Gentle Pressure: MLD uses gentle strokes to move lymph fluid toward the heart. The pressure is very light, typically no heavier than the weight of a nickel.
- Skin Stretching: MLD techniques stretch the skin, which expands and contracts the lymphatic vessels and pumps the lymphatic fluid. No massage lotion is used during MLD.
- Rhythmic Movements: Slow, deliberate movements are repetitive and typically include multiple repetitions of a single stroke.
Each session begins with treatment to the neck, sternum, and abdomen, helping to open the lymphatic pathways closest to the main ducts at the heart. Additional treatment areas may include the arms, back, face, nape of neck and scalp, upper back, lower back, or legs. Each area typically takes about 15-20 minutes. In one session, we focus work on either the upper or lower body.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of sessions depends on your individual goals and needs. Some clients benefit from a series of treatments, while others find relief after just one session. Here are the general guidelines:
- For Acute Conditions (e.g., post-surgical, injury, or inflammation): Multiple sessions may be recommended in the first 1-2 weeks to manage swelling and accelerate healing. Typically, treatments can be spaced 2-3 days apart initially.
- For Chronic Conditions (e.g., endometriosis, fibromyalgia): Regular, ongoing treatments may be beneficial, typically once a week or every other week, depending on your needs.
- For Wellness & Detoxification: If you’re looking for general wellness benefits or detox, a monthly or bi-monthly session may be sufficient.
After the Treatment: Homecare & Recommendations
These are some recommendations for homecare to help you get the most of your treatment:
- Stay Hydrated. Drink water following your session, as lymphatic drainage works best when the body is well-hydrated.
- Rest and Relax. After your treatment, it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours. Light activities, like walking or stretching can assist in lymphatic drainage.
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Refrain from wearing tight or restrictive clothing after your session, including tight bra-straps or waistbands.
- Temporary Effects: Some clients may experience mild fatigue, headache, nausea, or slight swelling. These effects are usually temporary and should resolve within 24-48 hours.
Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage:
- Pain Relief. MLD can be helpful for alleviating discomfort related to conditions like fibromyalgia, muscle recovery, arthritis, or post-surgical recovery.
- Relaxation & Stress Relief. MLD is deeply calming, engages the ‘rest-and-digest’ nervous system, and can help reduce stress and tension in the body and improve sleep.
- Reduced Swelling. MLD can help reduce fluid retention and swelling, especially in areas with injury or chronic inflammation..
- Improved Immune Function. By supporting the movement of lymph, MLD can enhance the body’s ability to detoxify and fight infection.
- Enhanced Circulation. The gentle movement of lymph encourages circulation, promoting wellness and vitality.
We Are Here to Support You
We look forward to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. If you have any further questions, you are welcome to reach out. We are here to support you.
If you would like to experience the care of manual lymphatic drainage massage, book a treatment today.
Book Your Next Appointment with Us
It’s time to enjoy the healing space of relaxation and therapeutic massage therapy. Carissa’s slow flowing, rhythmic strokes will increase circulation and decrease pain, while supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Book easily online today.
Contact Us
Le Soleil Health & Wholeness, Ltd.
Roots on Whyte Community Building
#201, 8135 – 102 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 4A4
Call (780) 414-1466