Manual Lymph Drainage- "Lymphatic Massage"
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage therapy technique which encourages the natural process of the lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system, part of your immune system, has many functions. This includes protecting your body from illness-causing invaders, maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing digestive tract fats and removing cellular waste. Surgery, blockages, diseases or infections can affect your lymphatic system’s function. The lymphatic system begins just beneath the skin's surface.
MLD therapy is a gentle, flowing and deeply relaxing treatment. These gentle techniques open the lymphatic channels and move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow which leads to the circulatory system. Lymph flow is encouraged in the direction of the lymph nodes where removal of waste products or blockages can be filtered and eliminated safely. Lymph is then transported into the circulatory system where the organs carry out the waste and toxins.
FAQ: Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
There are many benefits to having a strong lymphatic system through MLD. MLD relaxes the sympathetic nervous system, alleviates edema (swelling), reduces pain and strengthens the immune system to name a few. If your diet contains a high amount of processed foods or exposure to common toxins found in everyday products, this can put stress on the lymphatic system due to excess waste and toxins. Not enough fluid intake can also make the lymphatic system become sluggish, causing slower metabolisms and less energy within the body. MLD can benefit as part of a general detoxification, improving energy, increasing oxygen in the cells, nourishment and increasing the body’s immunity.
If you recently have had surgery to where the skin was cut (Remember the lymphatic system starts with the capillaries which sit right under your top layer of skin), then your lymphatic system has now been damaged. When this happens with surgical trauma combined, fluid shifts into the interstitial space (space between the blood vessels and cells) resulting in edema (swelling). When swelling occurs, pressure is placed on the nerves, resulting in pain. MLD before surgery helps encourage the lymphatic system to flow. MLD after surgery assists in re-routing that flow to alleviate swelling and pain.
OTHER BENEFITS
-Encourages healing of fractures, torn ligaments and sprains and decreases the pain
-Improves chronic conditions such as sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, acne and other skin conditions
-Boosts the immune system
-Facial rejuvenation by stimulating blood flow
-Relieves fluid congestion and edema
-Effective in the control of Lymphedema/Lipedema
-Encourages the healing of wounds and burns, reducing the visibility of scars
-Minimizes the appearance of stretch marks
-Encourages the flushing of toxins and waste material
-Clinically proven to reduce swelling in the foot/ankle or hand/wrist areas during the last trimester of pregnancy
NOT INDICATED FOR PERSONS WITH:
-Acute or active infection of any kind
-Renal failure
-Congestive Heart Failure that is not controlled
-Unmanaged high blood pressure
-Recent blood clots of any kind
-Acute bronchitis
What to expect with your visit and how to prepare:
Your certified MLD therapist will arrive to your home 15 min before your visit to set up while you complete an intake form of your background and history. An area large enough for a massage table is required. Please allow for privacy away from animals or children during your session.
We ask that you have clean, dry skin. No oils or lotions as that decreases the effectiveness of the stretch needed for MLD. If there is a topical product recommended for healing or infection control, your nurse therapist will discuss that with you and your doctors.
It is recommended to expose as much skin as possible. Our therapist will keep you modest. We use a 2 sheet technique to keep you covered. Loose clothing is perfectly acceptable. Paper bikinis are also available at no cost.
We encourage you to set the atmosphere to your liking for the ultimate relaxation. If you prefer a certain type of music, lighting, scents, etc. This is the benefit of us coming to your home. We want you to have to the most relaxing experience and treatment in the comforts of your atmosphere.
Red light therapy is also available at no cost during your treatment.
That's it! Your timer will be set for the duration intended so that you know you get hands-on massage for that entire duration. Relax, enjoy the benefits, and feel better knowing you have just invested in taking care of yourself!
