Manual Lymph Drainage is a gentle technique that assists the lymphatic system in working more efficiently. Healthy lymph is a clear, watery-looking fluid that flows throughout vessels in the body into lymph nodes, which filter out the waste and debris from the system. When the lymph system is damaged or blocked up, excess fluid may accumulate in the body causing lymphedema.
A Manual Lymph Drainage session is a 50 minute, full body treatment of the lymph system or a 50 minute treatment of the head, neck and face. The full body treatment helps to create a whirlpool effect in the body, drawing the excess lymph into the nodes where it can be filtered and passed on to the excretory system. The head, neck and face treatment has a more localized effect.
A healthy person without lymphedema benefits from receiving MLD every 3 months, just as your car benefits from having its oil filter changed on such a schedule. Someone who is experiencing lymphedema, sinus issues or immune system difficulties may benefit the most from several treatments within a week. These sessions can also greatly help with recovery when received both before and after surgery. We see many clients as they recover from surgery including joint repair, BBL, liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation and tooth extractions.
It is outside the scope of practice for massage therapists to open sutures and express fluid from them. Our treatment will increase the flow of lymph within your body and you will lose excess fluid through urination.
It is important to drink a lot of water before and after treatment to assist your kidneys in processing the lymph. If you are retaining lymph fluid, then I recommend you schedule 3 to 5 visits within a period of 4 to 7 days, followed by quarterly maintenance visits. For long-standing, chronic issues, it may take more visits for you to be fully decongested. Once you are, I recommend medical grade compression garments as ordered by your doctor to maintain the results.
