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Estoy celebrando 10 meses casi crudivora! Me siento más viva y ligera cada día. Mandame un email para aprender más sobre la dieta integral y viva.

 

The Gentle Art of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

MLD is such a light therapy that you can hardly give it credit for working. But work it does. The soft-soft, repetitive, directional and highly specific strokes convince the lymph to flow in its correct pathways, relieving puffiness and congestion. The massage itself is so relaxing that I can count on one hand the number of clients capable of remaining conscious throughout an entire treatment. MLD has a wealth of benefits associated with it, not the least of which is improved immune function, faster elimination of toxins, better skin appearance and better capillary circulation (that's fewer varicose veins, ladies). Give it a try and surprise yourself. Then tell all your friends, because it really is worth it. If I had to choose just one massage or therapy for the rest of my life, it would be MLD.

I am a Foeldi-qualified lymphedema therapist and can assess and treat cases of primary and secondary lymphedema. I can fit compression garments and assist you with ordering supplies. I practise Complete Decongestive Therapy, which is a three-pronged approach to lymphedema management, involving lymphatic drainage massage, compression therapy (bandages/garments) and diet and exercise. I have recently begun using the Hivamat 200 DEEP OSCILLATION to better serve my clients. Read more about the Hivamat 200 here

I currently work in el Albir, near Alicante, Spain and am accepting new clients. Please e-mail me on rachel @ rachel-rose .net to discuss your needs. I offer a free and no-obligation assessment service.

Meanwhile, here is some information about the lymphatic system:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Lymph(o)edema FAQ

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

MLD is a very light and rhythmic massage technique that aims to stimulate lymph flow and drainage. At it's highest level it is used to treat lymphoedema, a chronic condition characterised by (a) heavy, swollen limb(s). Lymphoedema leaves the skin stretched and its defenses weakened, so parasitic yeasts and bacteria can attack the limb and consequently the person carrying it around. MLD is an effective treatment for scarring and is beneficial if used after face lift and other cosmetic surgery.
Lymph is composed of water, fats, proteins, salts, hormones, dead cells and immune system cells. Healthy lymph carries away the large molecules that cannot be returned to the circulatory system via the minute capillaries. Detoxification is an important component of Naturopathic theory and I believe that MLD can support the elimination of accumulated chemicals.

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is the plumbing of the body. It returns water and other compounds to the circulatory system so that they can be processed by the liver and flushed by the kidneys. The blood capillaries become so tiny at the cellular level that they cannot possibly pick up all the detritus left by cellular metabolism. Hence, the blind-ended lymph channels sweep along the milky white fluid, cleansing the body. Lymph is moved by smooth muscle contraction, strong inspiration (in-breathing) and sympathetic pumping caused by strong circulation and muscular contraction. Lymph channels drain into lymph nodes - small, bean-like appendages whose wrinkled inner surfaces support leucocytes. Terminal lymph drainage occurs at the subclavian vein, below the clavicle. It is interesting to note the asymmetric pattern of lymph drainage. While the left and lower quadrants of the body drain into the thoracic duct, which feeds into the subclavian vein, only the right quadrant drains into the right subclavian vein.
A very nice description of the Lymphatic System may be found here. Diagram of a Lymph Node

What is the history of MLD?

The MLD technique was pioneered by Dr. Emil and Estrid Vodder, two Danes practising massage in 1930's Cannes, France.

How is it used today?

In Europe, MLD is used extensively in the management of lymphoedema. Once this condition develops, you are stuck with it. Any sort of trauma, stress or illness can trigger swelling and require treatment. MLD treatment requires total patient compliance, but the results are impressive and satisfying, and it is a drug and surgery free way to control an otherwise debilitating condition.

What does a typical MLD treatment consist of?

Because MLD strokes are done so slowly, it is unlikely that you would ever get a full-body treatment in one go. Treatments will normally begin with a treatment of the neck region. This promotes lymph drainage into the subclavian vein, supporting a cascade of fortified lymph flow. If time permits, most therapists will do some work on the abdomen and this is another key area of lymph collection and movement. Then the affected body part will be treated.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is extremely relaxing, causing no pain or redness. A treament will typically last 30-90 minutes.
For lymphedema patients, the swollen limb(s) would then be bandaged up using special techniques and materials. Part of a course of lymphedema treatments is client education. I would show you how to manage your own bandaging so that it is most effective and minimally intrusive. After an intensive decongestion I might measure and fit a compression garment that you would then have to wear as much as possible even if you're not actively receiving MLD treatment. These garments are expensive, but some medical plans cover their cost. It would be unusual to find medical insurance that would cover the cost of MLD treatment other than the garments.

2 video clips about lymphedema bandaging

How does a practitioner qualify in the technique of MLD?

MLD is always a post-graduate course. Nurses, massage therapists, physiotherapists and doctors may all choose to learn this valuable technique. The five main schools are Foeldi and Asdonk, in Germany, the Vodder School in Walschee, Austria, LeDuc in Belgium and the Casley-Smith's, whose method is popular in Australia. All techniques are based on the original Vodder method, but there are subtle differences between each method. I began with Vodder and re-qualified with Foeldi.

Prices

90 minutes: € 55 , 60 minutes: €40 , 45 minutes: €30 , 30 minutes: € 20

Lymphedema Resources and Links