Manual Lymphatic Drainage
According to an article put out by the American Massage Therapy Association (amta), Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a "massage technique that works to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid." It is not a massage, but rather a light touch over the lymphatic system.
What is the Lymphatic System?
It is part of the vascular system, comprising of vessels, nodes and organs. It plays an important part to our immune system by helping the body get rid of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. It's primary function is to transport lymph, a fluid that contains infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. In addition to the nodes and vessels, the tonsils, thymus, and spleen are all part of the lymphatic system.
What makes MLD important?
Lymph can only move in one direction - upward, towards the neck. It then enters into the circulatory system through veins. Blood relies on the heart pumping but lymph fluid depends on muscle contractions in the surrounding skeletal muscles to move efficiently through the lymphatic vessels.
What are the benefits of MLD?
Helping to reduce edemas (the body's response to injury or inflammation) and inflammation in the body. This can be beneficial to clients who may experience swelling and inflammation from autoimmune disorders, such as arthritis, Lyme disease, lupus, and Fibromyalgia, to name a few.
Who can get MLD treatment?
Most anyone can receive MLD. The following conditions need medical clearance and permission from your physician before we can do a MLD treatment. Of course, we can do our best to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Sources:
www.amta.com
www.live-science.com
What is the Lymphatic System?
It is part of the vascular system, comprising of vessels, nodes and organs. It plays an important part to our immune system by helping the body get rid of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. It's primary function is to transport lymph, a fluid that contains infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. In addition to the nodes and vessels, the tonsils, thymus, and spleen are all part of the lymphatic system.
What makes MLD important?
Lymph can only move in one direction - upward, towards the neck. It then enters into the circulatory system through veins. Blood relies on the heart pumping but lymph fluid depends on muscle contractions in the surrounding skeletal muscles to move efficiently through the lymphatic vessels.
What are the benefits of MLD?
Helping to reduce edemas (the body's response to injury or inflammation) and inflammation in the body. This can be beneficial to clients who may experience swelling and inflammation from autoimmune disorders, such as arthritis, Lyme disease, lupus, and Fibromyalgia, to name a few.
Who can get MLD treatment?
Most anyone can receive MLD. The following conditions need medical clearance and permission from your physician before we can do a MLD treatment. Of course, we can do our best to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Active Renal Failure
- An active blood clot and/or DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
- Diabetes
- An active infection in the area to be treated
Sources:
www.amta.com
www.live-science.com
