Manual Lymph Drainage

What is the Lymphatic System?

The Lymphatic system is made up of vessels and lymphatic tissue, including lymph nodes is found in most parts of the body, except the brain, nails, hair and joint cavities. It is a very important system and one that has had little attention paid to it until recently. The importance of a well-functioning lymph vessel system in maintaining health, removing wastes and pathogens, as well as fluid balance is of utmost importance.

The lymph vessel system carries excess water, proteins and wastes from the connective tissue back to the blood stream. During the transportation process the lymph is cleaned, filtered and concentrated. Many immune reactions occur in the lymph nodes. If the pathways become congested, blocked, damaged or severed, then fluids can build up in the connective tissue leading to edema and fibrosis. Eventually cell pathology may begin. If there is damage in the connective tissue (e.g. burns, chronic inflammation, ulceration, hematoma), then the lymph vessel system must transport the damaged cells, inflammatory products and toxins away from the area. The quicker this can happen, the faster recovery will be.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an accumulation of protein rich fluid in the interstitium of the skin caused by an insufficiency in the lymph vessel system.

This condition occurs when there his impairment to normal lymphatic flow. It can be caused by a deficiency of lymph vessels or nodes during fetal development and this type is called Primary Lymphedema. It can also be the result of an external cause such as the removal of lymph nodes, radiation, obstruction, trauma or injury to the lymph vessels. It is then known as Secondary Lymphedema.  For secondary lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, it is estimated that between 6 and 49% of women will develop this condition. (Armer J. et. al. 2005).

When should you use Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)?

MLD can be used for a variety of conditions, including: