What is Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is the process of moving lymph, a clear fluid containing white blood cells, waste products, and other materials, through the lymphatic system, which is a vital part of your immune system. Lymphatic drainage, or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a specific type of gentle massage that promotes the natural drainage of lymph from the body’s tissues.

Dr. Vodder’s manual lymphatic drainage method uses rhythmic circular and spiral-shaped movements to promotelymphatic circulation. This movement produces increased lymph mobility by stimulating the receptors of the lymphatic vessels. This improves absorption into these lymphatic vessels, thus increasing the flow of lymph and draining the congested tissue caused by poor circulation.

Functions of the lymphatic system

1. To drain excess interstitial fluid (fluid between cells), proteins (molecules too large for blood capillaries) and electrolytes that left the blood flow. Every day, about 3 litres of lymph flow to the heart to enter the bloodstream. This keeps blood volume constant, maintains blood pressure and keeps a balance of electrolytes in the blood.

2. To transport dietary lipids absorbed in the intestine into the blood flow.

3. To protect the organism against unwanted intruders with immune responses: lymph nodes are interspersed insidethe lymphatic vessels. Lymph travels through these lymph nodes and is purified of foreign substances and pathogens.

What are the effects of lymphatic drainage?

• Prevents of redness and alleviation of pain.
• Increases lymphatic flow up to 30 times per minute.
• Stimulates blood circulation without an increase in local blood pressure.
• Raises the rate and amplitude of vessel contractions, enabling greater lymph volume.
• Circulation of tissues’ fluids.
• Reduces stretching of tissues by draining excess interstitial fluid (fluid between cells).
• Drains tissue proteins through the bloodstream.
• Prevents edema through draining proteins, drawing more fluid into the lymphatic system and improving lymphatic system efficiency.
• Softens fibrotic tissue.
• Inhibits the transmission of pain. Stimulates receptors located in the smooth muscles around the lymphatic vessels that inhibit the perception of pain by interrupting the transmission of pain signals from nociceptors.
• Alleviates the sympathetic nervous system. The application of slow, rhythmic movements reduces the sympathetic tone of the skin, which has a calming effect.