Manual Lymph Drainage

October 12, 2017

I’ve recently completed the first of four courses The Vodder school offers for Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and am excited to begin incorporating it into my practice. The lymph system is a complex network of vessels and capillaries that link up to form one of the largest systems of fluid management in our bodies, thereby playing a big role in the immune system, regulating swelling and edema, and other important functions.
Unlike the heart, the lymph system doesn’t operate with one main “pump” to help the fluid circulate, and requires help from various bodily functions to circulate the lymph fluid, which is where MLD comes in. Though a healthy, active person may not need MLD, as regular bodily activities such as muscle movement, breathing through the diaphragm, peristalsis (gastrointestinal movement), etc, is the body’s natural way of helping with lymph circulation, the lymph system can be compromised, or simply sluggish, if one or more of those aides isn’t functioning at optimal level.
Though it’s most common to use MLD in clients with compromised lymph systems, I’m currently only able and trained to treat people with intact lymph systems. Still, it can be incredibly helpful for injury recovery and healing, breastfeeding (primarily the engorgement phase), pre- and post-surgery recovery, chronic inflammatory conditions such as colitis, irritable bowel, etc (though not during flare up), and in general is one of the best tools we have to promote relaxation, as it dampens the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight, stress responses, etc.).
If you have any questions about whether MLD is right for you, or if I’m currently able to treat a condition you’re seeking help with, please feel free to get in touch!

Tags: breastfeeding, chronic inflammation, collitis, edema, engorgement, healing, inflammation, injury, injury recovery, irritable bowel, lymph system, Manual Lymph Drainage, Massage, MLD, parasympathetic nervous system, recovery, relaxation, relaxation massage, surgery, surgery recovery, swelling, sympathetic nervous system, Vodder

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