Lymphatic system is the body first line of defense in fighting with pain, inflammation, body infection, detoxifying, and moving metabolic waste and toxin out of the body. When the lymph nodes becomes blocked, fluid builds up and accumulate causing whole lymphatic system to become toxic, making us feel lethargic low energy level and more susceptible to sickness. Manual Lymphatic Drainage, commonly known as MLD, is an advanced therapeutic method that has been proven to stimulate the lymphatic system founded by Dr Emil and Mrs Estrid Vodder in the early 1930s.
As a preventative and remedial treatment, the effects of MLD are numerous. It can aid post-operation healing, reduce pain, clear congestions, soften the skin and reduce the appearance of scar tissue. It is also beneficial in the treatment of Sinus problems, Arthritis, Migraine, Insomnia and extremely useful in the treatment of swollen ankles.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage ?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a light rhythmic massage that help to clear blocked lymph nodes and remove excess fluids. It can also stimulate the lymphatic vessels naturally encourage the flow of lymph fluid.
The lymphatic system is the body’s second circulatory system, made up of lymph vessels, similar to the veins and capillaries of the circulatory system. These lymph vessels are connected to lymph nodes, where the lymph fluid, a clear fluid that contains infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body, is filtered.
Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymph system has no “pump” of its own and relies on bodily movement and breathing to transport the lymph fluid.
The lymph system have lymph nodes, which help to filter the lymph and produce new lymphocytes.
Lymph doesn’t always drain properly on its own. Sometimes lymph nodes become “congested” and/or swollen, affecting the flow of lymph in its vicinity. On the face and neck specifically, this could lead to: clogged pores, acne, slowed healing, dull skin, dehydrated skin, and puffy skin.
Specific health conditions can also interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs, where it can cause swelling. This condition is called lymphoedema. People can develop lymphoedema as a result of infections, injury, surgery, cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes, and any condition that damages the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic drainage massage is often used to manually move waste fluids away from the damaged area. This happens by encouraging the stimulation of the lymphatic system to accelerate the absorption and transport the lymph fluid along. A decrease in these metabolic wastes aids a reduction in swelling, fatigue and weakness, therefore improving recovery. This type of massage uses a gentle pressure, rather that deep tissue, to reduce lymphoedema. The direction of the techniques used is towards various nodes and glands located within the body as this is where the waste products are removed from.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
People may benefit from lymphatic drainage to treat a wide array of disorders, from oedema (swelling) to wrinkles. The following is a short list of problems that can benefit from lymphatic drainage:
- Encourages natural flow of lymph fluid Clears congestion.
- Increases the carrying capacity of the lymph system, thereby increasing the bodies ability to fight infections.
- Aids post-operative healing and help to prevent possible complications.
- Reduces peripheral swelling of arms, legs, hands and feet.
- Excellent for reduction of swollen ankles in pregnancy.
- Softens skin.
- Reduces appearance of scars.
The Lymphatic system plays an important role in the overall immunity of your body. It has a vital role of flushing out the by-products of metabolic waste as well as ‘used’ white blood cells needed to fight infections. A healthy, active lymphatic system uses the natural movements of smooth muscle tissue to transport and remove toxins and cellular waste from the body. However, some health conditions resulting in surgery or injury, can cause lymph fluid to build up causing congestion in the lymph flow leading to swelling.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. It can reduce swelling considerably and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. Many have found benefit in alleviating skin conditions such as puffiness and fine lines, but also for acne and eczema. It may have a part to play in easing arthritic swelling and pain, relieving the symptoms of migraines and helping you get a good night sleep.
Affordable massage clinic near you
Shanghai Medical Clinic is a leading Chinese Medical clinic in Dubai. Our clinic is located at M-02, Rawdat Al Wasl Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE. If you think that you could benefit from a lymphatic drainage massage, you could make consultation at our clinic from here before embarking on the massage.
