Lymphatic System
Your lymphatic system, part of your immune system, has many functions. They include protecting your body from illness-causing invaders, maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing digestive tract fats and removing cellular waste. Blockages, diseases or infections can affect your lymphatic system’s function.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels.
How are lymphatic drainage massages done?
A lymphatic drainage massage is a two-step process:
Clearing: This step releases lymphatic fluid in your tissues.
Reabsorption: This step moves your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes.
What are some conditions that can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massages are often used to relieve lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Other conditions that benefit from lymphatic drainage massages are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is ongoing arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
- Fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain.
- Chronic venous insufficiency: This happens when your leg veins aren’t working effectively, making it hard for your blood to return to your heart from your legs.
- Lipedema: This happens when excess fat accumulates in your lower body, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.
Lymphedema is swelling in various areas of your body that happens when something affects your lymphatic system. When your lymphatic system doesn’t work well, your body accumulates fluid and may begin to swell.
From Maria: “I am certified to to manual lymphatic drainage massage, I can take clients who have lymphadema as I can move stagnant lymphatic fluid & reroute it towards healthy lymph nodes.“
Our Therapist Maria Bustamante is Certified in the Vodder Method
This is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that has a powerful effect on the body. Research in Australia, Europe and North America has proven its efficacy as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with other therapies.
Developed in France in 1932 by Emil and Estrid Vodder MLD has grown to be the most well known manual technique to assist lymph flow and aid in drainage of tissues.
The skin is stretched and torqued in a specific manner, based on scientific, physiological principles that have proven to encourage lymph flow, greatly enhance recovery, and facilitate drainage.