What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is a light, rhythmic technique designed to ease congestion in the lymphatic system. Lymphatic vessels remove waste products and carry substances vital to the defence of the body. MLD is both preventative and remedial and can enhance overall wellbeing.
The Lymphatic system is our front line of defence in fighting bodily infections and transporting metabolic wastes, excess water, bacteria and toxins out of the body.
Lymphatic drainage can prove beneficial in a number of ways:
- Immune system stimulation,
- Reduction in oedema (swelling),
- Regeneration of tissues (e.g. from burns and pre & post-surgical scarring).
- Reduction of symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
- Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, depression, and stress.
- Treatment and control of lymphoedema.
Lymphatic drainage for pre-and post-surgery:
Lymphatic drainage can encourage tissue regeneration, so reducing the formation and severity of scars which can be unsightly and sometimes painful. Treatment can be as soon as 24 hrs after surgery, with consent from the doctor and no contraindications.
The most significant benefit of applying lymphatic drainage after surgery is to prevent or alleviate oedema or swelling. Swelling can cause pain and encourage infection.
Pre- and post-surgical applications of lymphatic drainage
Pre-surgery:
1 to 3 treatments are recommended.
Benefits may include:
- Preparation of tissue for surgery.
- Reduction in oedema and swelling - may allow surgery sooner.
- Stimulation of the immune system.
Post-surgery:
As soon as 24hrs after surgery.
5 to 10 treatments are recommended depending on the surgery (to access during consultation).
Benefits may include:
- Reduction in post-surgical oedema.
- A reverse build-up of toxins that are secondary to the effects of medication.
- Fluid circulation stimulation.
- Immune system stimulation and prevention of post-surgical infections.
- Improvement in skin regeneration and wound healing to optimise the scarring process.
What are the results?
Postoperative lymphatic drainage can require between 5 and 10 sessions. Good results in the reduction of oedema will be noticed in the first 3 sessions, as long as there is no other untreated factor stimulating swelling. Lymphatic drainage can ease a patient’s recovery from surgery and enhance overall health and wellbeing. You will be advised during your consultation as to the appropriate number of sessions that would suit you best.
What to Expect during MLD?
MLD is applied in gentle strokes toward the heart. I will gently work in the direction of lymph flow in order to unblock any obstructed lymph vessels and allow lymph flow to transport waste from the body freely, resulting in general optimisation of the system.
If you would like to find out more about the Lymphatic System follow the link below:
Let yourself blossom!
Ricardina x
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