Lymphatic Drainage

This is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that has a powerful effect on the body.   Research in Australia, Europe and North America has proven its efficacy as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with other therapies. This method was developed in France in 1932 by Emil and Estrid Vodder MLD has grown to be the most well known manual technique to assist lymph flow and aid in drainage of tissues.

 The skin is stretched and torqued in a specific manner, based on scientific, physiological principles that have proven to encourage lymph flow.  If performed correctly with the correct pressure, direction and speed, this can greatly enhance recovery and facilitate drainage.  It also has profound effects on systems in the body.

MLD affects the nervous system by lowering sympathetic tonus, as demonstrated by Hutzschenreuterin Germany. In so doing, MLD can have an effect on smooth muscles innervated by the sympathetic system, for example in blood and lymph vessels as well as intestinal motility. It can also help a patient to recuperate from chronic illness by allowing their parasympathetic nervous system to predominate. MLD is calming and relaxing to receive and patients often feel a sense of well-being after treatment.

Through the pumping and stretching effect on the lymph vessels, the Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage stimulates the contraction of smooth muscles in lymph vessels, helping to move the lymph forward and drain the connective tissue.

Fluid movement in the connective tissue (interstitial fluid) as well as the movement of lymph is assisted with a correctly performed MLD. By stimulating microcirculation and lymph vessel motility, MLD can be successfully employed in edematous conditions, such as lymphedema and certain types of venous edema.

Indirectly it may also affect the immune system. By assisting lymph flow, MLD is thought to bring pathogens quicker to the lymph nodes where they can be neutralized.