Manual Lymph Drainage is a massage technique developed by a Danish medical doctor E. Vodder and his wife in 1932. Vodder, who also discovered and developed a new branch of medicine called Lymphology, created this method primarily to treat patients with swollen necks or limbs due to poor lymph flow. He applied a series of particular rhythmic, light strokes along the lymphatic vessels and surrounding tissues to help the flow of lymph toward the heart thus reduce swelling in the affected area.

Manual Lymph Drainage today is an advanced form of massage that aims to stimulate the lymphatic system to remove congestion and stagnation from within the body, and so help it return to a healthy condition. Dr Emil Vodder was able to show that many chronic conditions could be alleviated with lymphatic drainage and massage techniques.

So what is the Lymphatic system?

The function of the Lymphatic system is closely related to that of the circulatory system. It contains a fluid called Lymph, which originates in the blood.

Blood contains plasma, which is rich in nutrients, oxygen and hormones (groceries) for the cells. In the capillary beds throughout the body the flow of blood is slowed so that plasma leaves and becomes tissue fluid.

The role of the tissue fluid is to deliver the groceries to the cells. The role of lymph is to take out the trash that is left behind and to dispose of it. As lymph continues to circulate between the cells it collects waste products that were left behind including dead blood cells, pathogens, and cancer cells. This clear fluid also becomes protein-rich as it absorbs dissolved protein from between the cells.

The structure of the Lymphatic system that transports the lymph is made up of:

Lymphatic Capillaries- A network of tiny blind-ended tubes that sit just underneath the skin.

Lymphatic vessels-These are much deeper within the body very similar to veins.

Lymph nodes/glands- Lymph passes through these where waste products are filtered out. It is also where a specialized white blood cell is found Lymphocytes, which kill any pathogens (e.g. bacteria) that maybe present.

In Brief
The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body's ability to operate at peak performance. This system drains fluids, detoxifies and regenerates tissues, filters out toxins and foreign substances and helps us maintain a healthy immune system.

When lymphatic tissues or lymph nodes have been damaged, destroyed or removed, lymph cannot drain normally from the affected area. The lymph circulation will stagnate, toxins will accumulate, and swellings will appear and compromise cellular functioning, which opens the way to physical ailments.

What is Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)?

MLD is a massage technique performed with the hands and fingers simulating gentle, wave-like movements. They are neither tiring nor straining but light-touch and easy to use. These subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic (the night nerve, which permits us to rest, sleep, and renew our strength for the next day) nervous systems.

What to expect from a treatment?

A qualified therapist will take a full consultation including your medical history, lifestyle and nutritional intake. Depending on the individual the therapist will then access how long and what areas of the body need to be treated using the MLD massage.

What it can help?

Detoxification of the body
Relief of numerous chronic and sub-acute inflammations, including sinusitis, bronchitis, hay fever and rhinitus
Reduction in oedemas (swelling) and lymphodemas of various origins 
Relief of chronic pain
Regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds, stretch marks and wrinkles
Stimulation of the immune system
Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
Anti spastic actions to relieve conditions such as muscle hypertonus and some forms of constipation
Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory
Anti-aging effects
Alleviation of oediposis and cellulite tissue

There are so many more benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage and if you've never had a treatment before - now is definitely the time to get one

What to expect after a treatment?

MLD is very relaxing so you will possibly feel very sleepy afterwards and because of the de-toxing effect the need to go to the toilet.

Manual Lymph Drainage Facial

A total drainage facial working on the fluid pathways to relieve puffiness, stimulate the glands in the face to work more efficiently and help with problems like spots and acne. It can relieve pressure in the face and head, which can lead to tension headaches and sinus problems. Also helping to tone the skin, help prevent blemishes and soften fine lines.