Manual Lymphatic Drainage + Why it is Important
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle form of massage that aids in moving lymphatic fluid throughout the body. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that helps remove toxins and waste from the body including organs & muscle tissue. Lymphedema is a build up of lymphatic fluid and can cause discomfort and pain. MLD assists the movement of this fluid from these areas, thus relieving pain & improving the blood flow to the surrounding tissues. It also helps relieve pain associated with other health issues such as Fibromyalgia.
What are the benefits of MLD?
Deeply Relaxing - The massage technique is very gentle and helps relax your body and mind.
Decongesting (removes lymphedema) - by removing lymphatic fluid, it can help decongest different areas of the body. In the head, it can allow fluid movement to be released from the nasal cavity & ear canals into the throat. MLD provided to the neck & upper chest area can move fluid that may be blocking further drainage of the head into the chest. Fluid movement from the axillary area (under arms) and inguinal region (groin) can vastly improve fluid flow from the limbs.
Pain Relieving - Swelling can cause pain on tissues and joints by increasing the pressure on those areas. MLD can relieve that pressure by moving the fluid away from the tissues.
Improves wound healing & scarring - When you move stagnant fluid from wounds, new fluid takes its place. When the tissue is replenished with new fluid, new lymphocytes are also introduced to the area. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that assist with healing the body by removing pathogens & boosting the immune system. Improved fluid flow to scars can also assist with the removal of scar tissue that builds up over time. This can improve the appearance of raised, red scars.
Detoxifying - With MLD, you improve the flow of the lymphatic system which allows the body to detox at an increased rate. By moving the fluid out of the capillaries to the nearby lymph nodes, it can be neutralized & filtered before it returns to your blood stream.
Improvement in appearance of skin - MLD can improve the health of the skin. It can aid in gaining a clearer complexion, reducing redness & puffiness around the eyes and improving the appearance of fine lines. It also increases the production of collagen & elastin.
What C&Co.® treatments include MLD?
ALL
C&Co.® treatments include MLD massage! We know the importance of this vital type of massage for our clients and wanted to incorporate it into each treatment. From our Facials & Back Treatments to our Massage & Foot Soaks, you will receive the benefit of this relaxing technique. Our associates & therapists are skilled at providing a relaxing experience from start to finish.
Is MLD right for you?
Contraindications: decompensated cardiac insufficiency; cardiac edema; congestive heart failure; acute inflammation caused by pathogens such as bacteria, fungi or viruses; acute renal failure; cellulitis. Talk to a doctor if any of these are present.
MLD is great for these specific ailments: lymphedema, lipedema, Phlebo-lymphostatic edema, Postoperative edema, Posttraumatic edema, Chronic venous insufficiency, Palliative care, chronic joint and musculo-skeletal injuries, hematoma, depression, scar & wound healing, various soft-tissue rheumatic disorders (such as tendinitis, tendoperiostitis, tendovaginitis, bursitis, periarthritis, periarthrosis, carpal tunnel syndrome), acne & rosacea, mastodynia (cellulite) & scleroderma, postpartum milk-stasis (can vastly improve milk production).