Manual lymphatic drainage

Benefits of MLD

Relieves fluid congestion caused by water retention, poor circulation or pregnancy
Is an effective component of the treatment and control of lymphoedema (may occur after cancer treatment)
Strengthens the immune system
Speeds up healing after surgery
Speeds up the healing of wounds and burns, improving the appearance of scars
Promotes healing and reduces pain of fractures, sprains and rheumatism
Is deeply relaxing
Assists feelings of health and vitality

Lymphoedema – Is the swelling of a limb or limbs caused by blockage or damage to the lymphatic system. This can lead to infection, fatigue, fluid retention and swelling.
Patients have found Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage to be especially helpful following surgeries such as those for breast cancer, where lymph nodes may have been removed. MLD improves efficiency of the lymphatic system and increases the body’s ability to combat lymphoedema.

What is MLD?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a delicate, light massage applied to the skin that stimulates the lymphatic system. It increases the body’s ability to fight infection by eliminating waste and toxins, improving metabolism and boosting the immune system.
The lymphatic system is a drainage system that removes excess fluid from the body and returns it to the circulatory system. The system consists of lymphatic vessels which extend all over the body, collecting liquid called ‘lymph’. The lymph, which is a transparent, colourless liquid containing infection fighting lymphocytes, travels along the vessels to lymphatic nodes and ducts. They filter the bacteria and excess fluid in to the bloodstream for removal from the body.
If the lymphatic system becomes blocked, lymph fluid builds up and stagnates. This causes the system to become toxic which increases the susceptibility of viral or contagious diseases.
By stimulating the lymphatic system with Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage the efficiency of the system is improved, which helps to improve overall health and wellbeing.

What to expect

If you are new to Manual Lymphatic Drainage you may be unsure of what to expect.

The first session will be an hour long consultation session with treatment. This will include a full medical history, identifying recent operations, illness and injury. This will enable Sara to target the treatment to meet your individual needs.

You will be required to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing to ensure you can relax. Clients receive the treatment fully clothed and no oils or lotions are used.
During the treatment light pressure is applied to the tissues in the direction of the lymph nodes, lightly stretching the walls of the lymph vessels and encouraging lymph drainage.

A consultation with treatment (1 hour) is required for the first session with subsequent treatments being either 30 minutes or 1 hour.

“I could feel fluid draining through the layers of tissue like water draining through pebbles. It was so relaxing!” – Patient after first MLD treatment