I am in the process of learning a new technique called Manual Lymph Drainage. I took this 40 hr. class in September and I am working towards my certification.
Dr. Emil and Estrid Vodder developed this techniques in France in the 1930′s treating chronic respiratory problems. They were able to drain congestion with their very specific systematic sequence of ‘pumping’, ‘circling’ and flat manipulations on the skin with a light touch equaling the weight of only a nickel.
The Lymph vessels work along the same flow of the venous system. The lymph vessel system is responsible for transporting excess water, protein and waste from connective tissue back to the blood stream. The pathways of the lymph system can become blocked, congested, damaged or severed and thereby causing fluids to build up in the connective tissue (edema) and cause problems (swelling and infections).
Lymph vessels must move damaged cells, inflammatory products and toxins away from the area. The faster this happens the quicker the recovery. MLD’s pumping and stretching moves the lymph faster. MLD is done on dry skin, working from neck to feet. Skin manipulations are rhythmic creating an involuntary relaxation effect. Treatment time can be from 30 to 90 minutes.
Benefits: Pain Reduction for sore muscles, sports injuries, sprained ankles, relieves colds, infections, skin conditions (eczema, acne), varicose veins, post mastectomy lymphedema, migranes, scar tissue, post operative, plastic surgery and arthritis, among many others.
Contraindications: Acute infections with fever, Congestive heart failure, Untreated Malignancy (cancer) LymphangioSarcoma (LAS) which are very aggressive, Thrombosis (blood clots)
There are other applications with precautions that have to be considered.