Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle and non-invasive technique that has a powerful effect on the body. MLD is a highly specialized form of massage which uses light, rhythmical, and very precise hand movements and sequences. A practicing therapist is required to develop a great degree of skill and have intimate knowledge of the workings of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system integrates with other bodily systems, such as the circulatory system and the urinary system. In addition to playing a big part in immunity, it facilitates waste removal at a cellular level and assists with bringing nutrients and oxygen to cells.

This form of massage, on the whole, is a very light technique. This is because the practitioner is trying to influence vessels that are situated under the skin layers. It is important to point out here that Manual Lymphatic Drainage is NOT the same as 'Lymph Drainage Massage' offered by others (such as sports or Swedish-massage therapists), which can be a very heavy technique. That kind of heavy massage may not be suitable for someone who has a compromised lymphatic system and it is not as effective in moving fluid as MLD.

The aim of the MLD therapist is to restore equilibrium in the tissues and ensure that 'that which enters equals that which departs'. If the body is not in this state of equilibrium, and there is too much fluid in the tissues, they become soft and 'boggy' to the touch. If excess fluid is present, it can interfere with cell nutrition. This means that waste products from cell metabolism will take longer to be removed them from the body. There are many reasons for the Lymphatic system to feel sluggish and not function well, including: Pollution, toxins, poor nutrition, mucous formation, overload from previous viral or bacterial infections etc – these are all things that can give rise to cellular stagnation.

What are the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage? 

• MLD renews, nourishes, strengthens and regenerates cells; removes waste products; relaxes the nervous system; and improves the immune system. 

• It also prevents and remedies many chronic conditions, e.g.

• Pain - joint swelling, muscular p ain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, migraine, chronic headaches 

• Skin conditions - cellulite, and aids in weight loss

• Fluid retention - swollen feet and ankles (inc sprained ankles), puffy eyes or face

• Respiratory conditions - sinusitis, nasal congestion, catarrh

• Immune conditions - recurring colds & flu, inflammation & infections, allergies, auto-immune disorders

• Digestive conditions - chronic constipation, flatulence, bloating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Stress, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, lethargy 

  MLD is also used in:

• Post plastic surgery treatment (e.g. face, neck abdomen, thighs etc) - it reduces pain, bruising and swelling 

• Post operative inflammation treatment (e.g. after liposuction etc) - it reduces inflammation, bruising and prevents scarring 

• Post traumatic events (e.g. accidents, sport injuries etc) - it reduces swelling, pain, bruising and inflammation 

• The prevention, treatment and control of lymphedema (e.g. after breast- or prostate cancer) 

• The treatment of lipoedema and phleboedema