Karen Urwin LMT, MLD, MMP

Benefits: Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) has many health benefits. It stimulates the circulation of lymph and blood and moves tissue fluid from the tissue into the lymph vessels. Lymph vessels carry lymph and its contents through the lymph nodes, where the fluid is purified. Eventually, purified lymph fluid is returned to the bloodstream. In this process, toxins such as microorganisms, microscopic particles, metabolic waste, and chemicals are removed from the tissues. They are returned to the blood circulation, preventing protein buildup in the tissues, which leads to chronic inflammation. Increased lymph flow helps to distribute immune cells throughout the body, speeding the healing of inflammation,

And reducing infection and adhesions (scar tissue). Because MLD is relaxing, nurturing, and supportive, it helps decrease stress, depression, insomnia, and fatigue. Removing edema and relaxing soft tissues, including muscles, reduces pain. Deep abdominal massage reduces constipation and abdominal pain, helps to restore intestinal peristalsis, relaxes adhesions in the abdomen, improves the motility of the abdominal organs, and improves breathing. All of these help to stimulate the deep circulation of the lymph. 

Edema: Manual lymph drainage is very effective in reducing edema. However, it is essential to know the cause of edema before proceeding. Edema can be a simple problem due to inactivity, hormonal changes, diet, or scar tissue. Scar tissue can result from injuries, surgeries, radiation, or infections. Edema is sometimes a side effect of medical treatment, such as steroids. Edema can be a symptom of more severe conditions aggravated by massage. Anyone with chronic edema who does not know the cause should consult a physician to rule out serious health problems before receiving MLD. MLD may be used before and after surgery, including cosmetic surgery, to speed healing and reduce edema. Before surgery, MLD helps to remove stagnant fluid from tissue and increase blood flow, which brings nutrients to the tissues. MLD is also profoundly relaxing, so it can lessen the client’s stress and anxiety. After surgery, MLD can help to remove inflammation, speed healing, and reduce scar tissue. Due to the risk of infection and blood clots, MLD should never be performed immediately after surgery without the approval and direction of the client’s physician. 

Regeneration of lymph nodes:

Begins after 24 hours.

Maximum regeneration was attained on day 14.

Local lymphedema may occur in the wound after scarring has taken place.

Pre-surgery: One to three MLD sessions are recommended. 

Benefits:

Prepares the tissue for surgery.

Detoxifies tissues.

Stimulates the immune system; accelerates the production of lymphocytes.

Induces a state of relaxation; promotes parasympathetic response.

Post-surgery: As soon as 24 hours after surgery. 

Benefits:

Alleviates post-surgical edema.

Helps stimulate lymphatic “reroutes”; Manual Lymphatic Mapping.

Reduces pain.

Alleviates spasms (promotes the parasympathetic response).

Stimulates fluid circulation and promotes urination.

It stimulates the immune system and helps prevent post-surgical infections.

It improves skin regeneration and wound healing and minimizes the scarring process.

It helps to prevent the formation of adhesions, scars, and hypertrophic or keloid scars.

Soft Tissue Injury: In the case of soft tissue injury, MLD speeds healing and reduces swelling. For minor injuries that are healing, massage is safe. During the acute phase of the injury, MLD can be performed to reduce swelling around the injured area, reducing scarring and removing metabolic waste. MLD helps to speed healing, reduce inflammation and pain, and reduces scarring. 

Fatigue, Mild Depression, and Chronic Soft Tissue Pain: Symptoms like fatigue, mild depression, and chronic soft tissue pain call for the gentleness of manual lymphatic drainage. MLD stimulates the immune system and can energize the body’s qi/chi or vital organs.

Sluggish Immune System: Frequent colds and allergies are indications for MLD. Healthy adults should be able to resist most mild illnesses to which they are exposed, and the immune system may be sluggish. In that case, MLD will stimulate the circulation of white blood cells through the lymph system and patently improve the condition.

Relieving Stress and Tension: Stress triggers the sympathetic nervous system, the well-known fight or flight state, arousing the body’s defenses. Chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol are secreted into the bloodstream, causing tense muscles.

Adhesions/Scar Tissue: Scar tissue obstructs lymph flow. Lymph vessels damaged by injury or surgery are scarred, and lymph flow is hindered. New lymph vessels may not grow through the scar tissue in an organized way to connect to lymph circulation on the other side of the scar. The obstruction of lymph flow leads to fluid accumulation in the tissue around the spot. MLD reduces edema and also softens and minimizes scars, improving circulation. One of the effects of MLD is to move tissue fluid around the obstruction, toward areas with less tissue fluid, and from there to unobstructed lymph vessels. Massaging as soon as allowable after an injury or surgery helps to develop in a more organized way so that they are smaller, smoother, and more flexible than scar tissue that hasn’t had the benefit of massage. 

Enhancing the Skin: Unhealthy skin caused by poor circulation improves with MLD. MLD removes waste and toxins from the skin cells and stimulates blood circulation, bringing nutrients to the skin. This is particularly useful in esthetics. MLD helps such conditions as acne, rosacea, and eczema. Avoid doing MLD during the acute phase of any skin condition. MLD benefits the red, thickened, coarse skin that results from chronic edema, which is common in the lower extremities of clients with lymphedema. However, MLD is not recommended in any infected or inflamed areas (red, hot, swollen, and painful), as this could spread infectious microorganisms beyond the infected area into tissue that has not been infected. MLD should be delayed until the condition has been treated and is improving.