Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD), although centuries old, is having a resurgence on social media with 425 million views on TikTok.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is an advanced massage which uses a range of gentle specialised and rhythmic pumping techniques to stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays important roles in our immune system, fat transport and drainage of the fluids between cells.
Lymphatic drainage is both preventative and remedial, and can enhance wellbeing. The massage is deeply relaxing, promotes healing, and controls swelling. It also relieves fluid congestion and is an effective component of the treatment and control of lymphoedema.
The lymphatic system is a vital part of our immune system. It’s often described as the body’s sewage system for its role in removing waste, toxins and fatty proteins from the body. It’s a delicate network of vessels and nodes that transports a translucent fluid called lymph.
The average human body contains approximately 12 litres of interstitial fluid and produces 8 to 12 litres of lymph daily. 4 to 8 litres of lymph are reabsorbed by the lymph nodes, with the remainder returned to blood circulation to be removed from the body.
Lymphatics work in the background, making sure the body can properly cleanse, detoxify and maintain essential fluid levels, by transporting lymph, which also contains white blood cells, it works to fight bacteria and infections, and expels abnormal or old cells.
However, unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have the help of the heart to keep it pumping around the body, instead relying on muscle movement to keep it in motion. Despite this, even very healthy and active individuals can suffer from sluggish lymphatics, meaning intervention is often required to keep them functioning optimally. When the lymphatic system is flowing healthily, it helps give skin a glow and bodies a more chiselled look, as stagnant fluid isn’t sitting around.
Illness, stress, poor diet or lack of sleep can negatively affect our lymphatic system, impacting overall health and beauty. When we’re ill, the lymphatic system’s infection-fighting cells work overtime, causing the lymph nodes (located throughout the body with the biggest being in the groin, underarms and neck) to swell as they work to combat these infections. Swelling of lymph nodes may also be seen in those who are run down or overworked.
A sluggish lymphatic system can lead to acne, bloating, water retention, loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, redness and puffiness as well as fatigue and mental health issues.
The Dr Vodder method of MLD is a technique used by many medics and advanced beauty therapists, originating from the 1930s. It can have a powerful calming effect on the parasympathetic nervous system. The gentle, rhythmic, pumping massage movements follow the direction of lymph flow and produce rapid results.
It involves moving the skin over the underlying tissues using repetitive, circular and spiral-shaped movements with alternating increasing and decreasing pressure. This creates a pumping effect, which encourages the flow of lymph fluid and drains excess fluid from connective tissue.
Surgeons often encourage patients to receive the Dr Vodder method with a trained MLD specialist before and after procedures such as liposuction, facelift, abdominoplasty etc, to enhance results and reduce the risk of swelling or complications. Treatments can be tailor made for clients with the correct pressure, flow and technique. This method only requires the hands, as no oils are typically used, making it safe and suitable for all skin types.
When the cells around the body are cleansed, it can make the appearance of our skin healthier and more radiant. The lymphatic system is connected to every organ in the body, if it gets overloaded by environmental or lifestyle toxins, then inflammation and toxic load increases, which weakens the immune system, causing an array of health problems. A badly backed-up system can cause oedema or swelling, which can lead to lymphedema, a chronic condition caused by a build-up of excess lymph fluid in the body.
For women, the function of the lymphatic system can ebb and flow with their menstrual cycles. Periods can affect the function of lymphatics. MLD during menstruation can reduce the feeling of bloating and discomfort.
Pregnant women can benefit hugely from MLD to help reduce swelling and keep the body working healthily. In fact, in Brazil, where MLD is hugely popular, it is often built into pregnancy plans.
Besides this, anyone can benefit from MLD – from those recovering from an injury or receiving cancer treatment to someone looking to feel better, lighter and healthier.
It is important that people see lymphatic circulation as one of the most important systems in our body. It needs regular maintenance and servicing as you would your most precious car or similar possession, for it to work efficiently.
Click here to book an appointment with one of our Manual Lymphatic Drainage specialists, or please call the clinic on 0121 456 7930.
