• The Importance of Lymph Drainage for Good Health
• How Lymph Drainage Therapy is Performed
• History of Lymph Drainage Therapy
• Benefits of Lymph Drainage Therapy

The Importance of Lymph Drainage for Good Health

The lymphatic system is a silent system within us that is constantly working to keep us healthy. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to maintain a healthy immune system and a balance in body fluids. The system is so extensive that many do not realize that minor aches and pains, low energy, or susceptibility to colds and flu and other illnesses may be due to a sluggish lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system defends the body against infection and disease, filters out toxins and foreign substances, recovers crucial substances that have escaped from the blood, and assists in regeneration of tissue. The system is very complex and consists primarily of lymph vessels and lymph nodes working together to accomplish these tasks. Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the pumping of the heart to circulate blood flow, lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular units (lymphangions) contracting throughout the body to propel the lymph fluid. These contractions enable the lymph vessels to transport numerous substances (i.e. proteins, toxins, hormones, fats, dead cells, immune cells) to the lymph nodes for filtering and processing. The action of these muscular units can be hindered or stopped, however, due to fatigue, surgery (anesthesia and medication residues), injury, infection, heavy metals, stress, lack of physical activity, cold temperatures, emotional shock, infections, age, environmental hormones, substantial swelling, chemicals and pollutants, and food or chemical additives.

When lymphatic drainage becomes sluggish, fluids, proteins, waste materials, and toxins build up around the cells and create a “swamp-like” condition. Basic cellular function is significantly compromised. Wastes are not efficiently removed from the tissue spaces and nutrients cannot be readily absorbed into the cells. Lymphatic congestion can result in many physical illnesses, as well as hasten the aging process.

How Lymph Drainage Therapy is Performed

Lymph low has the capability of changing direction as a result of tissue congestion, injury, surgery, radiation, etc. Lymphatic drainage therapy is a very gentle, hands-on technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and assist in redirecting and enhancing lymphatic flow. Using this technique, trained therapists are able to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth, and quality of the lymph flow in the body. Specific hand positions and movements are utilized, and the pressure applied is generally around five grams, or the equivalent weight of a nickel.

Trained therapists use their hands to perform Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM) to assess overall lymphatic circulation and determine the best alternative pathways for relieving body-fluid congestion. By following the body’s specific lymphatic flow, more holistic and positive outcomes are achieved.

History of Lymph Drainage Therapy

The origins of lymph drainage can be traced to two traditions in particular: the published research of Frederic Millard, a Canadian osteopathic physician (1922), and of Emil Vodder, a Danish massage practitioner and Doctor of Philosophy (1932). Over the years, methods based on the discoveries of

these two pioneers have been refined and expanded. Today, lymphatic drainage techniques are employed as a standard scientific practice throughout Europe and continue to gain recognition in the United States.

Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is an original hands-on method of lymphatic drainage developed by Bruno Chikly MD, of France. Created out of his award winning research on the lymphatic system, LDT takes traditional lymph drainage techniques and adds a new level of precision. Using exacting anatomical science and distinctive manual processes, LDT enables highly trained practitioners to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth, and quality of the lymphatic flow. This technique is helpful in identifying restrictions in flow as well as alternate lymphatic pathways that have been established by the body.

Benefits of Lymph Drainage Therapy

Due to the nature of the lymphatic system and its role in the body, LDT can prove beneficial in the correction of numerous conditions, and is a useful tool in preventative health maintenance. This is why you will find a wide range of practitioners using LDT. Among them are medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, dentists, nurses, physical therapists, massage therapists, body workers, and estheticians. In essence, Lymph Drainage Therapy works to activate the body’s fluid circulation, stimulate the functioning of the immune system and the parasympathetic nervous system. It is shown that when these actions are accomplished, the results may be:

• Reduction in edemas (swelling) and lymphedemas of many origins

• Detoxification of the body tissues

• Support of preventative health maintenance

• Regeneration of tissue, including burns, scars (pre and post surgical), stretch marks, and wrinkles (especially on the face)

• Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

• Relief of chronic and sub-acute inflammation, i.e. sinusitis, otitis, bronchitis, acne, and allergies

• Improvement in venous condition of the legs

• Decrease in breast congestion and pain

• Relief of discomfort from fibrocystic breasts

• Support of post-mastectomy health

• Relief of chronic pain

• Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, tension, stress, loss of vitality, and loss of memory

• Anti-spastic actions to relieve conditions such as muscle tension and some forms of constipation

• Alleviation of adipose and cellulite tissue

All persons seeking LDT will be interviewed by Barbara prior to their appointment in order to ensure that the therapy is appropriate for their situation.

It may not always be necessary to obtain Physician prescription and approval prior to therapy.

Please feel free to contact Barbara for further information.