Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a very gentle, light touch form of massage
based on pumping, circular and spiral shaped movements, which encourage the lymph fluid to flow more freely around the body.
Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a unique method developed in France in the 1930s. It is used by aestheticians, spa therapists and aromatherapists to enhance fluid movement in the skin. It also has a very powerful relaxing and calming effect on the nervous system. The gentle, rhythmic, pumping, massage movements follow the direction of lymph flow and produce rapid results.
This is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that has a powerful effect on the body. Can be used localised to reduce puffiness and or as a full body treatment. Can be very beneficial for reducing pain.
The Dr Vodder technique always starts with lymph nodes and lymph vessels found at the neck and the junction of the large lymph channels found in the venous arch on both sides of the body.
The strokes are performed evenly and rhythmically inducing deep relaxation.
What are the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
MLD renews, nourishes, strengthens and regenerates the cells, removes waste
products, relaxes the nervous system and increases the immune system.
It also prevents and remedies many chronic conditions, e.g.:
- Pain - joint swelling, muscular pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, migraine, chronic headaches
- Skin - cellulite, aids in weight loss
- Fluid retention - swollen feet and ankles (inc sprained ankles), puffy eyes or face
- Respiratory conditions - sinusitis, nasal congestion, catarrh
- Immune conditions - recurring colds & flues, recurring inflammation; infections, allergies, auto-immune disorders
- Digestive conditions - chronic constipation, flatulence, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome
- Stress, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, lethargy
MLD is also beneficial for:
- Post plastic surgery (e.g. face, neck abdomen, thighs etc) - it reduces pain, bruising and swelling
- Post operative inflammation (e.g. after liposuction etc) - it reduces inflammation, bruising and prevents scarring
- Post traumatic events (e.g. accidents, sport injuries etc) - it reduces swelling, pain, bruising and inflammation
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body that drains fluid (called lymph) from tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream.
The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic vessels, lymph fluid and lymphatic
tissue/organs such as lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus, and spleen.
The main role of the lymphatic system includes:
- Managing the fluid levels in the body
- Filtering out bacteria and other body toxins
- Producing and storing lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells which fight off
- pathogens)
- Absorbing and transporting fatty acids and fats to the circulatory system
- Protecting our bodies from pathogens (e.g. bacteria and viruses)
The lymphatic system is a very important part of our immune system that protects us from disease.
Unlike the circulation of the blood, which has the heart to pump blood via the blood circulatory system the lymphatic system has no pumping mechanism. Instead, it relies, for example, on muscular movement and breathing to assist the flow of the lymph fluid. Unfortunately, as the lymphatic system does not have a pump and requires exercise and movement to move – it can become very sluggish (due to our sedentary lifestyles and high table salt diets) leading to puffiness, bloating, constant tiredness, low immunity and more frequent infections.
Manual lymphatic drainage increases the flow of the lymph fluid through the lymph nodes encouraging the production of lymphocytes and hence aiding in the prevention of disease. Daily gentle dry body brushing aids lymph drainage as does breathwork and exercise.
Book yourself a deeply therapeutic MDL massage with Berenice at Woulfe Wellness on 012300255.
Add a Buccal Face Lifting massage for a complete head to toe rejuvenating
treatment.
