manual lymph lymphatic drainage MLD

Lymphatic Massage: Your body, the self-healing machine.

A therapeutic massage therapist specializing in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can improve your body’s power to filter, flush, and recover faster. 

Our immune systems have been a HOT topic over the last few months. How can we avoid – or at least give ourselves a fighting chance against illness? 

While many of us try to avoid chemicals in our foods and homes. But, how many of us take the time to think about our body’s innate ability to fight for us? 

Rather than relying on supplements and the once a year miracle detox in a box, let’s talk about the miracle you already possess- your lymphatic system. 

Just below your skin, a network of vessels and lymph nodes are moving lymphatic fluids through your body collecting and processing excess fluid and particulate matter from the tissues. After processing, this fluid is returned to our bloodstream via the lymphatic system. This keeps a stable fluid balance in our bodies. In addition to serving as a drainage network, this system helps protect the body against infection by producing white blood cells called lymphocytes.  These help rid the body of disease-causing micro-organisms.

Want to know more? Get nerdy here.

Just like any of our body’s systems, stress, trauma, injury, hormones, and illness can disrupt normal function. But sometimes it’s simply our own fault. 

So how can massage therapy improve lymphatic health? 

It’s important to choose a therapist who is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)  to effectively and safely guide lymph back into the circulatory system. Lymph can only move in one direction-upward. Your massage therapist works gently, rhythmically and with consistent pressure to increase the volume of lymph being moved through the system. Working with intention and opening the lymphatic pathways, stagnant congestion is moved away from the tissues for Better flow and better function. 

While many conditions can improve with MLD, even a healthy lymphatic system can use a tune up!

This type of massage is excellent for general maintenance whether you’re worried about flu season…or a pandemic. 

Common conditions treated with MLD:

Edema

Lymphedema

Inflammation and Fibromyalgia

Post-Op (especially for cancer treatments requiring the removal of lymph nodes)

Acute Injuries and orthopedic trauma (whiplash, strains and sprains)

Contraindications: 

Congestive heart and renal failure

Blood Clot or DVT symptoms

Current infection 

Any acute edema without knowing the source and/or without a doctor’s clearance. 

In St. Petersburg, FL? Call for a consultation. 

All ready know MLD is right for you?