What is Manual Lymph Drainage?
Manual lymph drainage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph and interstitial fluid around the body. (Interstitial fluid is a thin layer of fluid which surrounds the body's cells. The fluid contains water and solutes, which includes electrolytes, sugars, salts, acids, hormones, neurotransmitters, and cell wastes.)
The touch is very gentle and careful since the lymph vessels affected by MLD are less than one millimeter in diameter on average. The more superficial, valveless lymph capillaries, as well as the precapillary channels are even smaller in diameter.
The lymph cannot be forced to move faster, therefore a very slow and gentle application of the method is necessary. The pulsation in lymphangions is approximately 6/minute when resting and approximately 20/minute when working, therefore a faster application is not indicated.
I am certified in the Vodder Method which consists of 4 basic strokes:
- Stationary circles
- Pump Technique
- Scoop Technique
- Rotary Technique
General Effects of MLD:
- Reduces Edema/swelling and can increase ROM (for example in post-traumatic or post surgical Edema)
- Decreases pain
- Improves lymph capillary uptake
- Increases lymph-angio activity which results in increased lymph transport
- It has a very soothing effect. MLD decreases the symphatetic (fight and flight response) mode and
promotes parasympathetic response (Sometimes called the rest and digest system, the parasympathetic
system conserves energy as it slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes sphincter
muscles in the gastro- intestinal tract). It promotes relaxation.
- It has an analgesic effect.
- It can re-direct fluid around blocked areas. (for example in lymph node removal after breast surgery)
In the treatment of lymphedema, or when scar tissue is present, the goal of MLD is to redirect the flow around
blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels which eventually drain into the venous system.
There are contraindications to MLD. Please check with your therapist before you set up an appointment. Some conditions may require a doctor’s permission.
The Function of the Lymphatic System:
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.
- Filters bacteria, toxins and dead cells
- Produces lymphocytes for fighting infection
- Absorbs protein, fat and fat-soluble vitamins (chyle) through the intestinal lymph vessels
- Returns proteins and water from the interstitium to the cardiovascular system
- Recognizes and responds to foreign cells, microbes and cancer cells (serves important - immunological functions).
What is Lymph?
Lymph is a clear-to-white fluid made of:
- White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, the cells that attack bacteria in the blood
- Fluid from the intestines called chyle, which contains proteins and fats.
Lymph nodes make immune cells that help the body fight infection. They also filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material such as bacteria and cancer cells. When bacteria are recognized in the lymph fluid, the lymph nodes make more infection-fighting white blood cells. This causes the nodes to swell.
Lymph nodes are soft, small, round- or bean-shaped structures. They usually cannot be seen or easily felt. Sometimes they can be felt in the neck, under the arms and groin. They are located in clusters in various parts of the body, such as the neck, armpit, groin and inside inside the center of the chest and abdomen. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are all part of the lymphatic system.
The network of lymph vessels is divided into:
- Capillaries
- Pre-collectors
- Collectors
- Trunks
The lymph capillaries form the beginning of the lymphatic system. Here, large molecules (proteins) and interstitial fluid are absorbed and flow towards the pre-collectors, which channel the lymph fluid into the larger collectors.
The collectors have valves similar to veins which determine the direction of flow. The lymph collector segment bordered by a distal and proximal valve is known as a lymphangion. Here, the lymph flow is supported by intrinsic contractions of the lymphangion which is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system and lymph volume.
Lymph transport is also facilitated by several extrinsic factors:
- Breathing (diaphragm)
- Muscle contractions
- Vasomotion (pulsation of arteries)
- Negative pressure in central veins
External compression:
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
- Short stretch bandages
- Gradient compression garments
On its way into the circulatory system, lymph passes through lymph nodes, which are stationed throughout the body. While the axilla and inguinal areas are the most well known for lymph nodes, the head and neck also contain a large quantity, as do the intestines. We have over 700 lymph nodes in our body. Finally, the lymphatic fluid is returned to the circulatory system throughout the major lymphatic trunks, such as the thoracic duct. Approximately two liters of lymph flow into the blood circulation every day.
The lymph cannot be forced to move faster, therefore a very slow and gentle application of the method is necessary. The pulsation in lymphangions is approximately 6/minute when resting and approximately 20/minute when working, therefore a faster application is not indicated.
I am certified in the Vodder Method which consists of 4 basic strokes:
- Stationary circles
- Pump Technique
- Scoop Technique
- Rotary Technique
General Effects of MLD:
- Reduces Edema/swelling and can increase ROM (for example in post-traumatic or post surgical Edema)
- Decreases pain
- Improves lymph capillary uptake
- Increases lymph-angio activity which results in increased lymph transport
- It has a very soothing effect. MLD decreases the symphatetic (fight and flight response) mode and
promotes parasympathetic response (Sometimes called the rest and digest system, the parasympathetic
system conserves energy as it slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes sphincter
muscles in the gastro- intestinal tract). It promotes relaxation.
- It has an analgesic effect.
- It can re-direct fluid around blocked areas. (for example in lymph node removal after breast surgery)
In the treatment of lymphedema, or when scar tissue is present, the goal of MLD is to redirect the flow around
blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels which eventually drain into the venous system.
There are contraindications to MLD. Please check with your therapist before you set up an appointment. Some conditions may require a doctor’s permission.
The Function of the Lymphatic System:
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.
- Filters bacteria, toxins and dead cells
- Produces lymphocytes for fighting infection
- Absorbs protein, fat and fat-soluble vitamins (chyle) through the intestinal lymph vessels
- Returns proteins and water from the interstitium to the cardiovascular system
- Recognizes and responds to foreign cells, microbes and cancer cells (serves important - immunological functions).
What is Lymph?
Lymph is a clear-to-white fluid made of:
- White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, the cells that attack bacteria in the blood
- Fluid from the intestines called chyle, which contains proteins and fats.
Lymph nodes make immune cells that help the body fight infection. They also filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material such as bacteria and cancer cells. When bacteria are recognized in the lymph fluid, the lymph nodes make more infection-fighting white blood cells. This causes the nodes to swell.
Lymph nodes are soft, small, round- or bean-shaped structures. They usually cannot be seen or easily felt. Sometimes they can be felt in the neck, under the arms and groin. They are located in clusters in various parts of the body, such as the neck, armpit, groin and inside inside the center of the chest and abdomen. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are all part of the lymphatic system.
The network of lymph vessels is divided into:
- Capillaries
- Pre-collectors
- Collectors
- Trunks
The lymph capillaries form the beginning of the lymphatic system. Here, large molecules (proteins) and interstitial fluid are absorbed and flow towards the pre-collectors, which channel the lymph fluid into the larger collectors.
The collectors have valves similar to veins which determine the direction of flow. The lymph collector segment bordered by a distal and proximal valve is known as a lymphangion. Here, the lymph flow is supported by intrinsic contractions of the lymphangion which is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system and lymph volume.
Lymph transport is also facilitated by several extrinsic factors:
- Breathing (diaphragm)
- Muscle contractions
- Vasomotion (pulsation of arteries)
- Negative pressure in central veins
External compression:
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
- Short stretch bandages
- Gradient compression garments
On its way into the circulatory system, lymph passes through lymph nodes, which are stationed throughout the body. While the axilla and inguinal areas are the most well known for lymph nodes, the head and neck also contain a large quantity, as do the intestines. We have over 700 lymph nodes in our body. Finally, the lymphatic fluid is returned to the circulatory system throughout the major lymphatic trunks, such as the thoracic duct. Approximately two liters of lymph flow into the blood circulation every day.