Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a very relaxing, gentle
and rhythmic form of massage. Special techniques and specific
pressure are used to stimulate the lymphatic vessels which
carry substances vital to the defence of the body and removes
waste products thus relieving fluid congestion and assisting
in conditions arising from insufficiency.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapist:
Amanda May
About Manual Lymphatic
Drainage (MLD)
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)? Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised therapy
which is designed to improve the functioning of the lymphatic
system. This is primarily achieved through gentle, rhythmical
circling movements of the skin which stimulate the contractions
of the lymphatic vessels. As a result a greater amount of
the metabolic waste products and excess fluid are being
removed from the body's tissues and enter the lymphatic
system. The fluid is now known as lymph and passes through
a series of lymph nodes (lymph glands) where it is cleansed
of dead cells, bacteria and other waste products. The clean
lymph is then returned to the blood stream.
A well functioning lymph system contributes to healthy body
tissue and plays an important part in the body's immune
system responses.
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How long is a therapy session? Your first visit
will include a consultation and you and your therapist will
agree on a treatment plan The length of sessions vary between
30 and 90 minutes, depending on your requirements.
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If I am having MLD therapy should I still see my doctor? Where appropriate your therapist will work in conjunction
with your medical practitioner and other health care professionals.
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What are the benefits of Manual Lymphatic drainage therapy? MLD can be applied to may different conditions
and is also excellent as a preventative measure that can
enhance your general well being.
It has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system
that leaves you deeply relaxed. It can improve the quality
of your sleep, relieve constipation and generally aid digestion.
Some people experience an improved performance of their
immune system as a result of regular MLD treatments
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Can MLD therapy help if I have swollen legs or ankles
due to pregnancy or pre-menstrual syndrome? MLD alleviates
fluid congestion: swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes, swollen
legs during pregnancy and fluid retention due to pre-menstrual
syndrome can all be improved and alleviated by Manual Lymphatic
drainage therapy.
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I have painful breasts, can MLD help? Women
with painful breasts have found relief through MLD treatments.
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Can chronic conditions such as sinusitis, arthritis, acne
and rosacea be improved with Manual Lymphatic drainage therapy? Yes, each of these chronic inflammatory conditions (sinusitis,
arthritis, acne and rosacea) can be improved with the application
of MLD.
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I have heard that Manual lymphatic drainage can help to
heal wounds, burns and improve the texture of old scars. Can
MLD help in the cases? Yes, MLD promotes the healing of
wounds and burns and can improve the appearance and texture
of old scars.
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Can MLD help with broken bones, torn ligaments
and sprains? The healing process of broken bones, torn
ligaments and sprains can be accelerated, enhanced and the
pain can often be eased.
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Can Manual Lymphatic drainage help with Leg
ulcers? MLD has been successfully used to help heal leg
ulcers.
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I have recently had an operation. Can MLD
help with post operative bruising? MLD is particularly
beneficial in cases of post operative or traumatic bruising
and swelling.
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Can MLD help with lymphoedema, truncal oedema
or venous insufficiency? It is an effective component
of the treatment and management of lymphoedema and is of special
importance in cases of truncal oedema. It also assists in
conditions arising form venous insufficiency.
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History of Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy. During the 1930's the innovative Danish physical therapist
Dr. Emil Vodder created a unique set of movements which he
successfully used to clear chronic catarrh and facial acne.
After intensively studying what was them known as the lymphatic
system he devised treatments for the whole body. He concludes
that his technique, which he termed Manual Lymph drainage,
could be applied to almost any condition, because of the important
role the lymphatic system plays in our bodies
Since Vodder' pioneering work, modern research has supplied
us with the answers of how his method so effectively influences
both the lymphatic and nervous system. As a result, MLD has
spread world wide and has become a popular treatment in many
European hospitals and Spas. There are now a variety of schools
which teach a form of this method.
In the UK MLD is continuing to be more widely accepted as
an important component in the treatment and maintenance of
lymphoedema and is gaining acceptance in the treatment of
some skin conditions (e.g. acne and rosacea).
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