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Manual Lymphatic

Drainage

 

Manual lymph drainage is a gentle method of promoting movement of lymph into and through the lymphatic vessels. It reduces edema, a condition in which the tissues of the body contain an excessive amount of fluid.
 
• TECHNIQUE: Light, rhythmic, spiral-like movements to encourage the flow of lymph, toward lymph nodes.
 
• BENEFIT: The main purpose is to reduce edema by draining excess fluid from the bodys cells and tissues.
 
Therapists use all of the finger pads to simulate gentle, specific wavelike movements that activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation and stimulate immune function activity.
 
Lymphatic drainage is indicated for edema that is the result of an injury such as a strain, sprain, or repetitive overuse syndrome. As the excess lymph is removed from the interstitial spaces, the pressure it was exerting on pain receptors is reduced, and thus, pain decreased. Overall, the movement of lymph is encouraged by deep breathing, gravity, joint movement, muscular contraction and general massage.

 

In most cases edema and/or pitting edema can be found in the feet and lower legs. The massage therapist will sometimes elevate the feet while performing lymphatic drainage techniques to help the flow of the fluid. Clients are advised to drink plenty of water before and after the treatment to aid in the excretion of the fluids and toxins.
 
Other benefits of manual lymphatic drainage include:

• Reducing edema

• Relieving pain by relieving fluid pressure on nerve endings

• Stimulating immune function

• Relieving tension headache and migraine headache pain

• Minimizing scarring

• Minimizing connective tissue restrictions following surgery

• Accelerating healing time from wounds

• Relieving sinus congestion

• Reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome

• Reducing muscle hypertonicity

• Relieving some forms of gastrointestinal distress such as constipation, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome

• Improving relaxation to aid insomnia, stress and loss of vitality


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Works Cited
Braun, Mary Beth., and Stephanie J. Simonson. Introduction to Massage Therapy. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005. Print.
Stillerman, Elaine. The Encyclopedia of Bodywork from Acupressure to Zone Therapy. Facts on File. 1996.

 

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