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Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
What is MLD?
A lymphatic drainage massage is a massage which removes lymph (fluid which carries waste and does not have its own pump) out through gentle touch and opening of lymph nodes in a systematic way to ensure a full lymph movement. Great for people who have a sedentary job or lifestyle, for detoxifying the body, who have had recent weight loss, in cancer recovery, post surgery, or those who simply wish to return to a natural state of homeostasis.
First, it’s important to understand how the lymphatic system works. It’s your body’s built-in detoxifier, working hard to get rid of ‘waste’, such as bacteria and excess fluid. Sometimes the system needs a little extra help to effectively cleanse your body of unwanted toxins. The goal of a lymphatic drainage massage is to give it a ‘reboot’, so it can work more efficiently.
The massage consists of precise, skilfull gestures that deftly sweep stagnant ‘waste’ towards the lymph nodes, which makes it easier for your body to eliminate the toxins – and fast. But make no mistake: it takes an expert to carry out these techniques properly, so it’s always recommended that you seek a professional to give your lymphatic system a boost. This also isn’t like your usual massage, which works to loosen knots and tension; it combines firm pressure with a specific set of motions to unlock a raft of other tangible body benefits.
Key Functions of Your Lymphatic System
- Maintains body fluid levels
- Absorbs fats
- Protects the body against foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, etc.)
- Transports and removes waste products and irregular cells from the lymph
Who Should Get MLD?
“Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage that targets the lymphatic system, which resides just beneath the skin,” said Mae Murakami, a physical therapist at Cedars-Sinai. “It can be a powerful tool for people whose lymphatic system is compromised from surgery, illness or injury.”
Lymphatic drainage massages are often used to relieve lymphedema following breast surgery. Other conditions that benefit from lymphatic drainage massages are: Rheumatoid arthritis: This is ongoing arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Who Should NOT Get MLD?
MLD is contraindicated in the presence of cellulitis, radiation dermatitis, venous thrombosis, and directly over cancerous tissue. MLD is not believed to cause metastases in cases of lymphedema appearing after cancer therapy or in the case of malignant lymphedema.
We always encourage your to speak to your Doctor if you are unsure if you should receive an MLD massage
More on Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
MLD Benefits
1. Debloats and depuffs
Fluid retention can happen to us all. Whether around your belly or your legs, ‘water weight’ can result in puffiness and bloating that your lymphatic system may need help to clear. A lymphatic drainage massage helps to ease all that fluid away, pushing it towards the lymph nodes where it can be eliminated. This is one of many reasons you may leave your treatment feeling lighter and more energized. If you suffer with heavy legs, this is a big benefit.
2. Breaks down cellulite and fat cells
Your practitioner can target cellulite during your lymphatic drainage massage, using a clever technique that, over time, may contribute to the smoothing of dimpled skin. This manual process also aims to break down fat cells, with some people reporting that it’s helped them to lose weight faster.
3. Gives skin a glow
Massaged skin often glows because the manual gestures give your blood circulation a boost, but we haven’t just seen boosted radiance on limbs, legs and decollete. Some of our lymphatic drainage clients notice the skin on their face also looks more luminous – again, as a result of stimulated blood flow.
4. Helps with post-injury swelling
When you have an injury – say from working out hard in the gym – you might find the area doesn’t circulate fluids as well, which causes extra swelling. Excess puffiness may be a sign that your lymphatic system isn’t working quite as it should, so a lymphatic drainage massage could be needed to help drain some of the swelling away.
5. Optimises results after liposuction
If you’ve undergone liposuction or a body-sculpting treatment (such as Cryoskin, CoolSculpting or EMSculpt Neo), booking in for MLD post-procedure can help to enhance the contoured results. Talk to your surgeon or practitioner first, as they may advise some downtime before you go for a massage. However, in many cases, you can visit soon after your procedure.
6. Eases tension in the body
Last but not least, a lymphatic drainage massage can be truly relaxing. The sweeping gestures and the increase of lymph flow often works wonders at easing tension throughout your body. So, if you’re feeling pent-up, you can lie back and allow your practitioner to ease away stresses, all while receiving the benefits above.
Medical Benefits of MLD
- Reduces swelling
- Relieves pain
- Alleviate discomfort and stiffness from fibromyalgia
Cosmetic Benefits of MLD
- Decreases puffiness
- Enhance skin tone
- Improve circulation
- Reduce fat
How Do I Know If I Need an MLD?
The following disorders may appear benign, but if you encounter any or all of them regularly, it may be an indication that your body is suffering from toxin overload and that you require a lymphatic drainage massage:
- Allergies
- Bloating
- Brain fog
- Persistent tiredness
- Constipation
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Excess weight
- Increased vulnerability to colds and flu
- Sinus infections
- Skin problems
- Swelling in the fingers