The Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Why Manual Lymph Drainage
The lymphatic system plays a key role in the body’s immune defenses. Lymphatic fluid flows through lymph vessels, which connect lymph nodes. As it passes through the lymph nodes, white blood cells trap and destroy harmful particles, such as bacteria.
Like blood in the circulatory system, lymphatic fluid is always moving. If it stops, swelling can occur due to fluid build-ups, often in the arms or legs. Health experts call this lymphedema. This fluid can become fibrous if left in the tissues.
Lymphatic massage forms part of a treatment program that health experts call decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT). This treatment plan may also include skin care, exercise, and compression garments.
Together, these can improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system and help manage symptoms of lymphedema.
Indications:
- Edema: postsurgical, post traumatic, sprain, whiplash, hematoma
- Musculoskeletal dysfunction
- Nervous system dysregulation: complex regional pain syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Pregnancy edema
- Neuropathy
- Lyme disease
- Oncology
Benefits:
- Increases lymphatic flow
- Tissue recovery
- Analgesic effects
- Parasympathetic response
- Pain reduction
- Edema reduction
What is MLD for the Face, Neck and Head?
Facial lymphatic drainage is a type of massage. It uses softer and slower pumping movements. The soft pressures are directed towards the lymph nodes to eliminate toxins, fluids and waste naturally.
First, the lymph is moved from the face down to the deep lymph nodes of the neck. It is ultimately drained into the circulatory system where it leaves the body as waste.
15 Benefits of MLD for the Face, Neck and Head:
- Improve the quality of your skin.
- Reduces acne and oily skin symptoms.
- It is a natural facelift (it can make you look younger).
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Can decongest capillaries.
- Improve blood flow.
- Can improve symptoms of rosacea.
- Reduce dark circles.
- Reduce wrinkles.
- Your skin tone may look uniform.
- Improve the circulation of nutrients.
- Help in cell renewal.
- Reduce edema.
- Improve the appearance of scars (treats fibrosis).
- Reduce fatigue signs.
When you should not have MLD:
Lymphatic drainage is used as a treatment for certain medical conditions (edema or swelling issues). It can also benefit the appearance of the skin through cell renewal and increased lymphangion activity. It also can improve the immune system.
There are contraindications to receiving manual lymph drainage. Some of those are listed below.
Contraindications:
- High risk of blood clots or acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Untreated congestive heart failure.
- An active lymphatic infection.
- Unknown swelling condition.
- Risk or have a history of arteriosclerosis.
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Acute cellulitis
- Hypersensitivity of the carotid sinus.
- Malignant disease (requires doctor's approval)
- Renal dysfunction (requires doctor's approval)
You can find links to articles further discussing the benefits and contraindications of MLD below:
https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/research-update-lymph-drainage/
https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/benefits-lymphatic-massage