A healthy lymphatic system equates to good health
I first discovered Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) after someone close to me completed successful cancer treatment. With a physician’s recommendation MLD was performed by a medical massage therapist certified in MLD.
MLD had profound effects on reducing edema(swelling) following surgery as well as re-routing the flow of lymph past compromised lymph nodes. The cancer treatment drugs had overwhelmed the lymphatic system and depleted the body of energy. During illness the lymph system gets backed up and results in lymphedema.
Not only did MLD result in improved energy and increased fluid drainage it was found to calm the nervous system and improve insomnia due to anxiety. Circulation improved and incisions healed quickly. The overall quality of life for my loved one improved and I decided to pursue the comprehensive process of becoming certified as a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage was developed by Dr Emil Vodder, Ph.D., M.T. in Europe 1932 after discovering that treating lymph nodes intuitively was effective in curing the common cold. The term Manual Lymphatic Drainage originated from his success.
Benefits of MLD:
- Enhance overall immunity
- Improve sleep quality and energy levels
- Reduce edema and inflammation
- Ease pain from injury or surgery
- Ease effects of Autoimmune Conditions
- Reduce scar tissue formation
- Decrease stress and anxiety
- Reduce hypertension
- Aid digestion
- Ease headaches and congestion
- Improve lymph flow and detoxification
- Calm the sympathetic nervous system
- Follow cosmetic procedures
- Improve digestion
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
As I researched MLD I learned how closely our lymphatic system is linked to our cardiovascular system and our immune system.
The lymphatic system filters metabolic wastes and toxins from our tissues much like the arteries and veins filter blood. The lymphatic system is comprised of lymph nodes, fluids, vessels and tissue. The role is to filter or clean 3L or more fluid consisting of proteins and water a day and return excess fluids into the bloodstream.
Fatigue, colds and infection imply a weakened immune system. When toxins aren’t being passed out of the body at a regular rate feeling sick or sluggish is normal. MLD is used to improve the flow of lymph and eliminate the buildup of excess toxins and fluids. Lymph flow can also be redirected around blocked regions into healthy lymphatic vessels. MLD stimulates lymph vessels, nodes and ducts to help with optimal function.
The Lymphatic System engulfs foreign materials, isolates infection and eliminates unwelcome pathogens. It’s the lymphatic tissue that creates and stores fighter white blood cells and the 600-700 lymph nodes in the body that act as filtration stations. Also the intestinal lymph vessels have the important function of absorbing much needed proteins and vitamins.
Despite the importance of a healthy lymphatic system to detoxify and support health the lymph system can get overlooked until disease occurs. Manual Lymphatic Drainage may help support the immune system and rid our bodies of waste.