Manual Lymphatic Drainage

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Developed in the 1930s, manual lymphatic drainage is a delicate form of gentle yet effective massage that stimulates the body’s lymphatic system, improving the metabolism, helping the body to eliminate waste and toxins – stimulate the body’s fluid circulation and providing a boost to the immune system. This can have a profound effect on the weight, shape and energy levels of some clients.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage for whom?

Most people benefit from the treatment. Although anyone can be affected by retained lymph, this treatment is particularly well suited to those who are less active. Known to help with cellulite, puffiness, swollen joints, scarring, bags under eyes, eczema, stress, poor immunity, sluggish tissue regeneration, migraines, run down etc.
Contra-indications:
1. ACUTE INFECTIOUS/INFLAMMATORY ILLNESSES IN DEVELOPMENT, FEVER.
2. SERIOUS CIRCULATORY PROBLEMS (thombosis, phlebitis, venous obstruction)
3. MAJOR CARDIAC PROBLEMS (acute angina, recent heart attack)
4. HEMORRHAGE
5. ACUTE ANURESIS (absence of urination)
6. MALIGNANT AILMENTS (sarcoma, active cancer, leukemia

What is it good for?

Manual lymphatic drainage massage is especially useful for individuals who seem to suffer regularly from common illnesses like colds and flu. It is also recommended for people who lead sedentary lifestyles, or those who want to reduce puffiness or swelling. It has been cited as having a positive effect on problem skin, cellulite, dysfunctional respiratory systems and people with low energy.

What does the treatment involve?

Manual lymphatic drainage is essentially a form of massage carried out by a specialist practitioner. The first session involves a consultation to determine the client’s needs and, at that point, the number and frequency of future sessions is decided upon. Unlike some other forms of massage, lymphatic drainage utilises a very light pressure combined with soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes. The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes with the masseur concentrating on a localised area, to two hours when working on the whole body.

After a treatment

After the session the body finds it easier to flush out the waste. The recipient will gain maximum benefit from the treatment if resting afterwards and drinking plenty of water. Be aware of the detoxifying effect for about 48 hours after the treatment.
The number of treatments that may be needed to cure a problem depend on the age of the person, the length of time the recipient has been suffering from the condition. The older the person and the longer they have had the condition the more treatments they will need before there is a noticeable improvement.