Types of Massage Therapy and Bodywork: Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic Drainage
Background: Two styles of Lymphatic Drainage are most commonly practiced. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle massage that encourages the natural circulation of the lymph through the body. The lymph system normally depends on peristalsis and the movement of skeletal muscles to squeeze fluid through lymph ducts and vessels. Manual Lymphatic Drainage, MLD was pioneered by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930s for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and other immune disorders. While working on the French Riveria, Dr. Vodder noticed that patients with chronic colds also had swollen lymph glands. In 1932, Dr. Vodder began to study the lymph system and to develop hand movements to facilitate the passage of lymph. In 1936, after four years of study, he introduced the technique in Paris, France. His work was continued and developed by his associate Dr. Wittlinger at the Dr. Vodder School in Austria and by others throughout Europe. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is today recognized as a primary tool in Lymphedema management.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) is a method of lymphatic drainage developed by Dr. Bruno Chikly of France. Dr. Chikly’s doctoral dissertation in the early 1990s focused on the lymphatic system, its historical evolution, and the manual lymphatic drainage technique. LDT is now taught throughout the world under the auspices of the Upledger Institute.
Methods: Lymphatic Drainage of either school is a specialized massage therapy that uses precise, light, wave-like, flat hand movements which gently stretch the skin in a circular motion along the lymphatic pathways. The pumping movement stimulates the contractions of the lymphatic vessels and promotes the take up of fluid from the tissues into the lymphatic system where the fluid is cleansed and returned to the blood stream. Using exacting anatomical science and distinctive manual process, LDT enables practitioners to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph flow anywhere in the body. The practitioner then uses his/her hands to perform Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM) of the vessels to assess overall circulation and determine the best alternate pathways for draining body-fluid stagnations. The massage therapy treatment activates lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulates the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Results: A healthy lymphatic system is essential for our immunity because it contributes to healthy body tissue and carries white blood cells which help fight infection. Some specific results include reduction in edemas (swelling) and lymphedemas of various origins; detoxification of the body; regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds and wrinkles; anti-aging effects; relief of numerous chronic and subacute inflammations, including sinusitis, bronchitis, and otitis; relief of chronic pain; reduction in the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia; Antispastic actions to relieve conditions such as muscle hypertonus and some forms of constipation; deep relation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory; and alleviation of adiposis and cellulite tissue.
