What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a set of techniques designed to increase movement of lymph and interstitial fluid. The basic hand techniques are adapted to follow the form and function of the lymphatic system. MLD aims to gently and rhythmically move the lymph through the body, especially swollen areas of the body, relieving pressure and enhancing the functioning of the immune system. In addition to improved uptake of interstitial fluid into the lymphatic system, it has very soothing effects which help to down regulate stress response of the central nervous system and provides pain relief. In the treatment of lymphedema, or when scar tissue is present, the goal of MLD is to redirect the flow around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels which eventually drain into the venous system.

"The lymphatics are where our daily biological battles are won and lost. Research is beginning to show that a healthy lymphatic system has a role in preventing and decreasing not only cancer, but also heart disease, brain problems, gastrointestinal issues, and much more. Lymph has a hand in virtually every major problem that can happen in the body. Because of this, it's actually been called the "Cinderella of medicine" -underappreciated, but doing all the important work. Containing tissues, organs, fluid, vessels, the lymphatic system touches every other system in the body. The simple fact is, the better the lymph runs, the better the body runs. Our goal is to help you improve your lymphatic flow so that you body is better able to clear out toxins and waste products and clean up the domino effects of dysfunction that cause injury, inflammation, and disease, which ultimately results in chronic poor health. The lymphatic system - which runs between your blood vessels to clear toxins from the body and help deliver nutrients - operates unlike any other system of fluid in the body.

Why are the lymphatics so important?

Delivers information about toxins in your body to the immune cells so the can destroy or neutralize harmful substance and then carries away harmful substances and any bi-products formed by them.
Aids in the cleanup process to help heal and rebuild molecules in the area, and returns protein and water from the interstitial to the cardiovascular system.
Absorbs protein, fat and fat-soluble vitamins, through intestinal lymph vessels.

Without effective and efficient lymphatic flow, any of those three processes are compromised which will interfere with healthy metabolism and bodily function."

Excerpt from: Get To Know Flow, Lymph & Longevity by, Gerald M. Lemole, MD

Learn more about the lymphatic system!

Watch this interview with Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr Mehmet Oz and Gerald Lemole, MD

As both a preventative and remedial technique, MLD can be used for a wide range of purposes including seasonal tune up for optimal wellness, stress resilience and immune support, allergies, faster recovery from injury, reduction of swelling, post-surgical and post-traumatic edema, discomfort from pregnancy, and is gentle enough for chronic fatigue syndrome, general anxiety, chronic pain management, autoimmune and neurological disorders and strengthens resistance to illness. 60 and 90 minute appointments available. Discounted treatment plans available. Contact Christine for inquiries regarding your unique health considerations. Click here.

indications for manual lymphatic drainage

Post-traumatic and post-surgical edema

Sprain

Whiplash

Hematoma

Post-surgical

Oncology MLD

Oncology

Palliative care/hospice

Autoimmune Disorders

Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Rheumatoid Arthitis

Scleroderma

Lupus

Head & Neck

Migraine's and sinus headaches

Tinnitus

Other

Follow-up treatment to deep tissue work

Preventative & Complimentary Wellness

Relaxation

Improved Sleep

General Anxiety

Gastrointestinal Issues

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Cellulite

Pregnancy Edema

Lyme Disease

Diabetes

Inflammation

Enhanced Immunity

Lymphedema

Neurological

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Parkinson's Disease

Multiple Sclerosis

Traumatic Brain Injury

Oncology Massage
As an oncology trained massage therapist, I have completed comprehensive training in general massage therapy as well as additional specialized training that addresses the side affects of cancer and it's treatments. Even after people are out of treatment, receiving bodywork from an oncology therapist is important due to the potential for late effects of treatment. I am able to adapt massage techniques to safely meet the changing bodywork considerations during and after cancer treatment. If you are in, or have a history of cancer treatment, please inform your therapist at the time of booking. Thank you!