What is the difference between Vodder and Brazilian MLD?
The main difference between the two methods lies in their approach and purpose i.e. Clinical and Cosmetic as described above.
What happens in manual lymphatic drainage?
The therapist uses their hands to gently move the skin and stimulate lymphatic flow with techniques that can include rhythmic cupping stroking and soft circular movements. All the methods are gentle, so treatment is relaxing pleasant and pain free.
What is the lymphatic system functions;
· Drains
· Filters blood
· Filters the lymph
· Remove toxins
· Fights infection
· Absorbs fat
How does manual lymphatic drainage work?
Just beneath the surface of our skin is a network of tiny lymphatic vessels draining fluid lymph into deeper channels throughout the whole body from the top of the head to the tips of our toes. Unlike the circulation of blood there is no organ (heart) to force the fluid along vessels. Instead, lymph is dependent on the muscular contraction to squeeze fluid on its way.
However, when the system is damaged or not correctly formed this fluid becomes trapped in the tissues creating a traffic jam of protein rich lymph fluid sometimes it becomes so congestive that the swollen area feels hard and tender and skin may become pink. These blockages can sometimes be dispersed with Lymphatic Drainage.
Hand movements over the skin gently stretch the skin surface in a specific direction and this encourages lymph fluid to be pushed along tiny lymphatic channels away from the swelling and towards a different set of lymph nodes. In this way fluid is taken up by vessels and nodes that are working well without causing swelling elsewhere.
In effect Lymphatic Drainage creates a bypass around the damaged or ineffective vessels.
The body contains about 50% more lymphatic fluid than blood and most chronic disease problems occur at the junctions of lymph vessels and Primary release of accumulated lymph occurs in;
Women – axillary nodes
Men – inguinal nodes
Things that will slow the lymphatic system,
· Fighting off an infection bacterial or viral
· Primary and secondary lymphoedema
· Surgery
· Traumatic event
· Pregnancy
· Lifestyle
Sedentary vs active lifestyle
· The lymphatic system relies on muscle movement for lymph flow so the less muscle movement the slower the system.
· Sitting for long periods of time causes muscle stiffness and impedes the thoracic duct
· Standing one place for long periods of time will cause fluid to pool in the lower extremities.
The Main Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage
Improved immune system;
The immune system relies on the lymphatic system. In fact, if the flow of lymphatic materials slows the immune system weakens. Lymph drainage can improve the function and increase the production of antibodies that fight off infections as well as reduce systemic inflammation.
Relaxation
Lymphatic drainage is especially relaxing because it's slow, methodical rhythm, pressure and repetitive motion allows for the brain to relax and illicit the parasympathetic nervous system to slow heart rate and calm the system, increase glandular activity, reduce pain and promote general vitality and well-being.
Decongestive effect
Any swelling of the body except for cardiac or renal oedema can be treated with Lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is a ‘one-way street’ to transport cellular waste from tissue and dispose back into the circulatory.
Healing after Surgery – speeds up recovery;
Speeds up surgery recovery - Manual lymph drainage can help with healing after surgery this technique assists in regeneration of cellular tissues to reduce scarring, swelling and prevent formation of fibrosis post op, detoxification of the body.
Other benefits;
· Stimulates the lymphatic system to remove toxins.
· Helps to regenerate cells by bringing nutrients and oxygen to them.
· Helps with hormonal imbalance.
· Calms and relaxes the central nervous system.
· Clears blocked energy channels.
· Relaxes eye muscle fatigue due to strain, poor vision, bad lighting and glasses.
· Clears upper and lower sinus cavities to improve breathing.
· Helps with Constipation
· Decreases excess fluid retention and inflammation
· Accelerates cellular metabolism for collagen and elastin synthesis, rehydrates the skin.
· Reduces the appearance of Cellulite.
· Reduces puffiness.
· Contours the body – (Brazilian Lymphatic)
Some conditions that have been proven to benefit from Lymphatic Drainage;
· Lymphedema
· Lipoedema
· Post surgery swelling
· Lyme disease
· Chronic sinusitis
· Stroke
· Head injury/ concussions
· Parkinson's disease
· Alzheimer's disease.
· Burns
· Fractures
· Sweating during pregnancy
· Bursitis and tendonitis
· Lupus
· Gout in sub-acute or chronic phase
· Spondylosis
· PTSD
· Cystic Fibrosis
· Acne / Rosacea
