Lymphatic Drainage Massage was developed in Europe in 1932 by two doctors named Dr. Emil and Dr. Vodder initially to treat sinusitis and the Immune System. They called it Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) which is a very light rhythmic stroking of the musculoskeletal system to bring about movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body.
The lymphatic system includes the thymus, spleen, bone marrow, lymph channels, lymph nodes, tonsils, and adenoids. The primary function of this system is to maintain adequate blood volumes and to prevent lymphedema(swelling of limbs due to stagnation of fluid flow) with adequate flow throughout the body.
The lymphatic system lives under our skin and in between muscle tissue, therefore a light touch, light stroke massage can effectively move fluid. The whole system of lymphatics is responsible for channeling from the body waste byproducts produced by our metabolism. Dead tissues and cells, dead viruses and bacteria, toxins, and other waste products flow into the excretory canals of our body via the lymphatic system and are permanently removed when we go to the bathroom. Strokes must be gentle and applied in the correct direction of lymphatic fluid flow and excretory pathways.
Often the lymphatic system becomes stagnant and blocked and hence a lymphatic massage provides very beneficial therapeutic stimuli to get things moving and pumping. It has therapeutic effect on many conditions of the human experience, such as:
Swelling
Varicose veins
Sinuses
Lipedema
Lymphedema
Rheumatoid arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Joint pain
Immune System
Cancer
Muscle cramps
Post Thrombosis Syndrome
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Axillary Web Syndrome
Unlike classic massage styles, MLD is primarily used to drain lymphatic fluid and lymph nodes responsible for excreting fluid waste material from the body. Lymphatic fluid is directly linked to glymphatic fluid, which is produced in the brain via the choroid plexus also known as Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF). This whole system of fluid is directed and pumped throughout the lymphatic fascial system via the Craniosacral Mechanism.
We specialize in Lymphatic Drainage Massage and recommend it often to our patients who are receiving craniosacral therapy in our office. If you have any questions, please contact our office.