Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual Lymph Drainage
The lymphatic system is an important part of our immune system. The fluid that travels throughout the system is called “lymph”, and it carries water, protein, and cellular waste out of the tissues where it eventually ends up at the kidneys and liver to be processed and removed from the body. When the system is over-worked, either from injury to the body or damage to the system, the lymph accumulates and swelling (a.k.a. edema) can occur. This accumulation of fluid can inhibit normal cellular processes and bodily function. Manual Lymph Drainage allows the therapist to assist stagnant fluid through the lymphatic vessels and help to reduce edema.
Lymphatic vessels are located just below the skin and on top of the fascial system that wraps around muscles. It requires a very light touch to move the lymph through these vessels without crushing them due the small distances between these structures. Manual Lymph Drainage has been shown to:
Reduce edema
Reduce pain
Activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest/digest/repair)
It has also been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of:
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Migraine headaches
Post-Surgical Swelling