Manual Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is a vital part of our immune system. It consists of a large network of vessels, ducts and nodes full of clear lymphatic fluid, which spread throughout the body, not dissimilar to blood vessels.
Unlike our cardiovascular system though, which has a pump (the heart) to continuously move blood around the body, our lymphatic system relies on the continual contraction and relaxation of muscles in order to move lymphatic fluids around the body. If the body does not move over long periods of time, or the delicate lymphatic vessels are damaged or blocked in some way (disease, infection, surgery, etc.) then fluid can build up and cause visible swelling underneath the skin.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is an incredibly gentle and relaxing technique, targeted at lymphatic structures just below the surface of the skin. It begins at the centre of the chest and works outwards towards the extremities, emphasising major lymph node locations along the way.
Although the effects may be visible after the first session it may take up to 10-12 regular sessions for the swelling to clear completely. Often the swelling will need to be continuously managed if the causative factors cannot be addressed.