Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

WHAT IS Manual Lymph Drainage?

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a treatment which is intended to improve the functioning of the lymphatic system. This is mainly carried out through gentle, rhythmical movements of the skin which encourage the contraction of the lymphatic vessels. As a result a larger quantity of the metabolic waste products and excess fluid are being taken from the body's tissues and enter the lymphatic system. The fluid is now known as lymph and passes through a series of lymph nodes where it is cleansed of dead cells, bacteria and other waste products. The clean lymph is then put back into the blood stream.

A well functioning lymphatic system plays a large role in the healthy body tissue and plays an important part in the body's immune responses.

Where necessary, your therapist will work alongside your medical practitioner and other healthcare professionals.

The Benefits.

MLD can be applied to many conditions and is excellent as a preventative measure to enhance wellbeing.

• Clears the skin
   

• Can be intensely relaxing
   

• Improves fluid congestion such as tired puffy eyes and fluid retention due to pre-menstrual syndrome
   

• Encourages the healing of wounds and burns and can improve the appearance and texture of old scars
   

• Medically it is a key element in the treatment of venous oedema. It has successfully been used to assist in the treatment and healing of leg ulcers.
   

• It is applied in the treatment of both secondary and primary lymphoedema. It can be used both before and after surgery to help healing.

Background

MLD as a therapy was improved in the 1930's by a Danish therapist called Dr Emil Vodder. Since Vodder's initial work, modern research carried out by distinguished leaders in the field of lymphology, has shown us how this technique so effectively influences both the lymphatic and nervous systems.

In the UK MLD is more widely and continually accepted as an important factor in the treatment and maintenance of lymphoedema, it is also acquiring recognition for the treatment of some skin conditions.

MLDuk members who hold a Combined Decongestive Therapy are qualified to treat pathologies such a lymphoedema (primary and secondary) and venous insufficiency. CDT unites MLD, multi-layered compression bandaging, skin care, exercises and advice or provision of compression hosiery.

MLDuk is the professional association for manual lymph drainage practitioners in the UK and was established in 1995. All members are highly qualified and to ensure high standards of practice, members are required to undertake mandatory continuing professional development

Website: www.mlduk.org.uk

Article courtesy of Denise Hall