Manual Lymph Drainage- Dr. Vodder Technique

Lymphatic drainage relieves swelling that occurs when illness or medical treatment clogs your lymphatic system. MLD involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to move excess fluid buildup away from your tissues and toward working lymph vessels and lymph nodes so they can get rid of toxins in your body.

Typically, your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a network of vessels and nodes. When something disrupts this process, lymph collects in your arms, legs, ankles or other parts of your body, making them swell.

A massage therapist certified in MLD uses lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.

This is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that has a powerful effect on the body. Research in Australia, Europe and North America has proven its efficacy as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with other therapies. Developed in France in 1932 by Emil and Estrid Vodder, MLD has grown to be the most well known manual technique to assist lymph flow and aid in drainage of tissues.

Forty years of scientific studies MLD produces three major effects, all of which have been scientifically studied and confirmed:

Decongestive Effect- Any swelling of the body – with the exceptions of cardiac(heart) and renal(kidney) edema – can be successfully treated with MLD. The lymphatic system is a kind of “one-way street”, which ultimately transports the lymphatic load (protein, fat, cellular and water load) in the right ventricle from the tissue back into the circulatory system. Just picture the lymph fluids as the waste removal system of the human body. Wherever “waste” (toxins, proteins, detritus from wounds) is produced, the lymphatic system must act in order to drain such waste. The special MLD technique induces a pumping effect in the tissue. The lymphatic pathways’ own rhythm is accelerated to up to 20 times its normal rate. This enhanced drainage effect results in rapid decongestion and restoration of normal tissue condition.

Sympatholytic Effect- Manual Lymph Drainage is very soothing. Frequently patients doze off within minutes. Steady and rhythmic hand strokes by a good therapist are the prerequisite for successful treatment. Are you very stressed? Try a series of 6 x 45 minute lymph drainage sessions. It is a wonderful restorative practice.

Analgesic Effect- Pain relief through MLD is like trying to “scratch away” the pain and itching of mosquito bites. Scratching will stimulate large skin areas, thus reducing the feeling of pain, just as MLD stimulates the lymphatic system to alleviate pain. (Gate control theory). Moreover, MLD results in pain mediators being drained into the lymphatic system more rapidly, so that they are no longer active in the tissue. Any prolonged pain, such as pain generated by migraine, acute injuries, Sudeck’s disease, fibromyalgia, etc., therefore is among the indications for lymph drainage. 

Immunological Effect- MLD helps accelerate the transportation of bacteria and allergens to the places where the body’s defense system is located (the lymph nodes) and where the increased rate of lymphatic drainage heightens the sensitization of lymphocytes and macrophages. The latter can travel more rapidly via the blood flow to reach the “scene of action” and intervene by phagocytosis, which in turn will improve immunization. 

Conditions treated:

• Fibromyalgia
• Injury
• Lipedema
• Rheumatoid arthritis

MLD is also a popular cosmetic treatment. Facial lymphatic drainage may increase blood circulation and reduce puffiness in your face, giving your skin a boost.

How do I know if I need lymphatic drainage?

You might have a congested lymph system if you develop:

• Bloating
• Brain fog
• Chronic sinus infections
• Chronic Fatigue
• Long COVID
• Headaches
• Puffy, swollen ankles or hands
• Skin conditions like acne, dryness or rashes
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck

Benefits:

• Reduced swelling in your body, increased lymph flow to make it easier for your lymph nodes to get rid of toxins
• Immune system support
• Reduced fluid retention
• Relief from neuropathy
• Stress management
• Better sleep

Risks:

MLD should be avoided if you have:

• Blood clots
• Cellulitis
• DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
• Fever
• Heart disease
• Infection
• Kidney failure
• Stroke