Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) also called Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
The average amount of lymphatic fluid that moves thought the body can range from 1.5 to 4 quarts of fluid during the course of a day. During a LDT session, movement can increase up to 20 quarts. By moving stagnant fluid, cellular debris, waste, and pathogens are cleared from the tissues, replaced with fresh, new lymph fluid. Cells and tissues are renewed and strengthened, while lymph fluid is cleansed as it moves through the lymph nodes. The immune system is boosted. Pain, swelling, and inflammation are reduced.
The Lymphatic System is comprised of capillaries, vessels, nodes, and special organs that transport a fluid called lymph from the tissues as it returns to the bloodstream. Lymph fluid is compromised of 90% water and 10% solutes such as protein, cellular waste, lipids, hormones, dissolved gases, and pathogens. Unlike the circulatory system that is a closed circuit with a pump, the lymphatic system is open ended with no pump. Through the contractions of our musculoskeletal movement and respiration, lymph flow is courage to move towards the heart where it terminates at the subclavian vein reentering the bloodstream. Lymphatic fluid is then reused, recycled through the body again, or is eliminated from the body through the urine, bowels, sweat, or skin. When lymphatic fluid becomes stagnant, disease can set up in the body causing pain and inflammation.
Lymphatic Drainage Development
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) was developed in France in the early 1930’s by Dr. Emil Vodder. He created a unique range of movements which has grown to be the most well-known manual technique to assist lymph flow and aid in the drainage of tissues. The skin is stretched and torqued in a specific manner, based on physiological principles that have proven to encourage lymph flow.
Further developing techniques and knowledge, the method of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT)/Osteopathic Lymphatic Technique was developed by Bruno Chikly, MD, DO (France) of the Chikly Health Institute. The LDT method enables trained practitioners to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymphatic flow.
How LDT Is Performed
LDT is an advanced therapy in which the therapist works at skin level using a very light touch, working in a circular and rhythmic manor with precise hand movements, pressure and sequences to encourage lymphatic flow, removing congestion and stagnation from the body. While the exact amount of pressure applied depends on the area and pathology involved, it averages an extremely light five grams, or the weight of a nickel. Using this gentle pressure, trained therapist are able to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth, and quality of the lymph flow. The movements follow the body’s natural lymphatic pathways and watersheds. The lymphatic fluid is returned to the bloodstream and eliminated from the body through urine and bowel.
Applications For LDT
- To stimulate the immune system assisting to combat recurrent allergies and infections (tonsillitis, sinus, common cold, ect)
- Reduce edema (swelling)
- Regeneration of tissue due to injury (sprain, burns, tendonitis, scarring, whiplash, ect)
- Post surgery and dental procedure support. Reduces pain and edema, supports tissue regeneration, boosts immune system
- Detoxification
- Chronic and acute pain reduction
- Reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Auto-immune disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis. Reduce crisis time and increase remission periods
- Premenstrual, menopausal, or hormone related pain, tension, and fluid retention