After spa-goers have had a lymphatic drainage massage, they may never go back to a regular massage again! The Story Behind the Treatment The specific treatment, actually called manual lymph drainage (usually referred to as MLD) was developed in the 1930s in France by Emil Vodder, a Danish physical therapist, and his wife, Estrid, a naturopath.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a light but very specific hands-on therapy designed to reduce lymph swelling by enhancing lymphatic drainage. MLD therapists are trained in the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system to facilitate lymph drainage of the vessels. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle and rhythmic pumping technique on the skin along the limph nods and lymphatic vessels. The pumping motion is done in the direction of the lymph flow. Manual Lymphatic Drainage promotes healing, prevents illness, and is very relaxing and good for the overall well-being. Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. Manual lymphatic drainage for lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of massage based on preliminary evidence which is hypothesized to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) • Skin mobilization technique that is designed to: 1. Stimulate lymphatic system 2. Remove biochemical wastes from body tissues 3. Reduce edema by enhancing fluid dynamics 4. Decrease sympathetic nervous system (Vairo et al., 2009) Evidence • Increased lymph flow This type of edema is called lymphodynamic edema, and requires other forms of therapy due to the fact that it is a chemical imbalance. (Kasseroller, R., Compendium of Dr. Vodder's Manual Lymph Drainage, Haug, Heidelberg, 1998) INDICATIONS: Lymphatic drainage massage is a profound technique to help increase lymph flow. Lymphatic drainage massage helps to reduce body