MLD: Manual Lymphatic Drainage

What is the Lymphatic System:

The Lymphatic system, also known as “The river of life”, is the body's frontline of defense

against bacteria, viruses, toxins and metabolic waste. It’s job is to detoxify the body of foerign

invaders and increase production of the immuno-competent B and T cells.

The Lymphatic system is a one direction system that begins as interstitial fluid (the fluid between

the cells). Via the osmotic process, interstitial fluid is collected by lymphatic capillaries, tiny

microvessels that collect the lymph. Lymphatic fluid moves throughout the body by contraction

and relaxation of smooth muscles, by physically moving out bodies, by taking deep

diaphragmatic breaths and through peristalsis. As the lymph is moved through the nodes and

the lymphatic trunks, the fluid is cleansed and is returned to the circulatory system via the right

and left subclavian vein.

We have 400-700 lymph nodes in our bodies and 70% of those nodes work above the

superficial fascia, meaning very close to the surface of our skin. On an average day, our

lymphatic system circulates 1.5-2 liters of lymph fluid, it is a slow moving system. A manual

lymphatic drainage massage can increase the circulation to 15-30 liters a day. As there is no

muscular pump to keep the fluid moving, our bodies rely on the natural contraction and

relaxation of smooth muscle. MLD maneuvers the tissue of lymph capillaries manually opening

the anchoring filaments and drawing excess fluid from the connective tissue. Mild mechanical

traction to the connective tissue helps to facilitate decongestion of the lymph pathways and

lymph nodes. This stimulates fluid circulation and elimination, which helps to assist in

detoxification.

Post-operatively MLD can redirect lymph fluid across a watershed, a linear area separating

lymphatic territories, to more functioning nodes. It creates an anastomosis or an opening

between two normally distinct spaces by the joining together of lymph capillaries. Thus the

immense benefits and results when working with mastectomy and lymphedema.

How does MLD differ from Swedish Massage?

While Swedish Massage works with the manipulation of soft tissue within the skeletal system,

MLD uses extremely light pressure delivered in a slow rhythmic manner to the superficial

tissues, like the connective tissue and fascia. Manipulation is made with the skin as opposed to

on the skin. To achieve maximum results a sequence of strokes is used to encourage complete

evacuation of fluid. Deeper massage is not used as it collapses the ducts and vessels and takes

approximately 20 minutes for these vessels to refill. A full body treatment should take 90

minutes and MLD can work cohesively with other massage modalities. Beginning a treatment

with localized manual lymphatic drainage can assist in the progress of a sports massage or a

Swedish massage by decreasing muscle tone, removing stagnant fluid retention, and creating

fluidity in the anchoring filaments of the fascial tissue.

Some indications for MLD are: post-surgery - MLD can assist in decreasing scarring, decreasing

fluid retention, and decreasing the risk of infection, primary and secondary lymphedema, acute

edema caused by injury, sinusitis and hayfever, breast surgeries, dentistry, dermatology,

aesthetically and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Some contraindications to receiving MLD are: new onset cold and flu, malignant tumors,

thrombosis or phlebitis, heart valve insufficiencies or cardiac asthma, very low blood pressure,

and sclerosis of specific areas. With any uncertainty, it is always advised to seek a doctor's

referral.

A single manual lymphatic drainage massage will speed up the lymphangeal motors moving

lymph throughout the body at a much faster rate, encouraging the nodes to work more swiftly. It

will in turn produce more immuno-competent B and T cells which produce antigens that combat

viruses and bacteria, creating antibodies for that specific foreign invader, strengthening the

immune system. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system that allows the body to “rest

and digest”, this helps soft tissue to relax, decreasing muscle tone and the pain cycle.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage has been in practice since the early 1900’s and has significant

research to support the benefits. Educating the public is of significant importance as there are

many differences between MLD and Swedish massage. With comprehension will come interest

and the willingness to try this beneficial therapy.

Author - Melanie Gillians