Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Gentle Effective Treatment for Fluid Removal, Detoxification, Pre & Post Surgery, Lymphoedema and More.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
The name lymphatic drainage massage comes from a technique called lymphatic drainage. To use the word ‘massage’ in conjunction with 'lymphatic drainage' can be confusing because the two generally affect separate body systems. Therefore, they are quite distinct from one another. Conventional massage targets mainly the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. Lymphatic drainage targets the lymphatic system with the flow-on effect of supporting the venous, nervous and immune systems. Delicate collector vessels comprise 80% of the lymphatic system and live in the top 3 – 5 mm of our skin. MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage is very gentle for this reason. Conventional massage will work against lymph drainage due to the collapsing effect on these tiny superficial lymph vessels, as well as the increase in lymphatic load. BOOK NOW
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage ?
Manual lymphatic drainage (or MLD) is a gentle yet powerful treatment designed to increase lymph flow through the body, helping to remove excess fluid, flush toxins, speed healing and boost the body’s natural defences. MLD also balances the nervous system, taking it out of 'fight or flight' (sympathetic nervous system) and into 'rest and digest' (parasympathetic nervous system).
The lymphatic system vacuums away excess fluid, pathogens and cellular debris, whilst transporting immune cells around the body, which seek out and destroy harmful organisms. When your tissue is properly cleansed of “undesirables” then your cells receive oxygen and nutrients at the fastest rate possible. A “cleaner” body is a healthier one. BOOK NOW
How does Manual Lymphatic Drainage work ?
When the lymphatic system isn’t working properly, or is under too much ‘load’, undesirable substances tend to build up, creating a breeding ground for disease. That’s where manual lymphatic drainage can help. By way of what we call the ‘stretch receptor reflex’, the pump rate of the lymph vessels is increased by up to four times the normal speed. This technique is designed to be different from conventional massage in that it won’t increase blood pressure or leak unwanted fluid into the tissue, which would only worsen many conditions and put more strain on the lymphatic system. That’s why MLD is so gentle. BOOK NOW
Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage really help me get a Good Night’s Sleep ?
In addition to increasing your body’s ‘flush rate’ of excess fluid, toxins and wastes, MLD soothes the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and encourage a good night’s sleep. This is achieved through what we call the sympatholytic effect, where the body responds in kind to the slow rhythmical movement of the treatment. In fact, it’s common for people to fall asleep whilst receiving MLD, as the calming effect can be almost immediate. BOOK NOW
Manual Lymphatic Drainage for the Management of Pain
Consistent with the Gate Control Theory of Pain, MLD is also known for its pain-quelling effects, with the capacity to interrupt pain signals to the brain from the site of an injury, making it a valuable treatment for chronic pain sufferers. Lymphatic taping is known to quell pain the entire time that the tape is on the skin. BOOK NOW
Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage help with My Condition ?
Our ability to maintain a healthy body relies heavily on an effectively functioning lymphatic system. Therefore, a vast array of conditions can be significantly improved using MLD.
Here is a list of reasons to get Manual Lymphatic Drainage:
- cellulite
- acne
- scarring & scar prevention
- keloid scars
- acute burns
- laser treatment
- skin trauma
- rosacea
- dark circles under the eyes
- stretch marks
- before and after plastic surgery
- liposuction (pre and post surgery)
- ankle sprain
- whiplash & other trauma
- venous ulcers
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diverticulitis
- fibromyalgia, chronic pain and pain management
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Sudeck’s Atrophy or Post Traumatic Osteoporosis)
- boost immunity
- autoimmune conditions
- improve sleep quality
- headaches
- head trauma
- eye trauma
- post eye surgery
- ear trauma
- glue ear
- chronic sinusitis
- tinnitus
- snoring
- post stroke
- chronic inflammation including tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, gamer’s thumb, frozen shoulder
- arthritis
- bursitis
- joint surgery
- hip replacement
- adhesions after surgery
- rheumatoid Arthritis
- lupus
- scleroderma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- respiratory issues, including bronchial asthma, pleurisy, emphysema and smoking recovery
- autoimmune conditions
- deep vein thrombosis (must have your doctor’s permission)
- post cancer treatment (must have your doctor’s permission)
- multiple Sclerosis
- Down’s Syndrome
- pregnancy symptoms, including mastitis, sore and tight hips and lower back, post natal depression sore and swollen legs and ankles
- Burn-out Syndrome
- stress
- following major surgery or severe illness in the elderly
- for those on a fasting diet
- recurrent infections in children
- palliative therapy
- lymphoedema – primary and secondary
- lipoedema
- lipolymphoedema
- phlebedema
*Always check with your doctor if you are unsure about whether manual lymphatic drainage is right for you.
We can NOT treat you if you currently suffer from any of the following:
- Untreated malignant disease, including tumour recurrence or metastases
- Untreated means that treatment has either not concluded or has not yet begun.
- Acute inflammation with infection
- Acute allergy
- Acute DVT (untreated deep vein thrombosis)
- Swelling of an unknown origin