 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
What is it?
Manual Lymph Drainage is a systematic series of light rhythmic manipulations that stimulate the lymph flow and fluid movement in the whole body. Gentle stretching of the lymph collectors of the body and face sends blocked fluid through lymph vessels for drainage into the venous system. MLD was developed by physical therapists Emil and Estrid Vodder in the 1930’s. They helped change the practice of removing the vital lymph vessels for related problems.
What does it do?
MLD gently cleanses the body of wastes and toxins. It improves immunity and accelerates healing time. MLD relieves lymphodema symptoms. MLD is gently relaxing.
What can I expect?
Manual Lymph Drainage techniques involve application of a very light touch applied to the skin’s surface over the areas with lymph nodes on the body and face. This is very relaxing.
What are the reported benefits?
Manual Lymph Drainage is used for maintaining overall wellness by helping the body to cleanse, remove toxins and fend off infections.
Manual lymph drainage has been successfully treating lymphodema ( protei rich swelling of the limbs) for decades. Manual lymph drainage has proven to be beneficial for conditions such as skin problems, allergies, scar tissue, and a wide range of stress related disorders. It is also helpful for fibromyalgia and other autoimmune conditions. It is being used pre and post plastic surgery and for skin conditions such as spider veins, rosacea, acne and more.
How much does it cost?
Cost varies with training and location from $50-$100 or more for an hour session.
What kind of training does a therapist have?
Training varies among those practicing lymph drainage. Training through the Vodder S chool is 160 hours offered to licensed health care practitioners and massage therapists who have completed 500 hours of massage training. Vodder offers advanced courses and certification. Other schools offer lymph drainage courses that therapists can take over time. The Upledger Institute offers courses in Lymph Drainage Therapy developed by Bruno Chickly.
For the treatment of lymphodema, it is advisable to find a certified Manual Lymph Drainage therapist. For other benefits, certification or extensive training may not be as important.
Recommended Reading
Foundations of Manual Lymph Drainage
Silent Waves: Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy
More Resources
Click on any therapy
to learn more...
Massage Therapy
Manual Lymph Drainage
Myofascial Release
Osteopathic Manipulation
Reiki
Reflexology
Rolfing
Somatics
Tai Chi
QiGong
Touch For Health
Trigger Point
Trager
Visceral Manipulation
Yoga
Zero Balancing
