Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of massage which encourages lymph circulation. The lymph system depends on peristalsis and the movement of skeletal muscles to squeeze fluid through lymph ducts and vessels. Today, MLD is still used as a way to improve the work of the lymphatic system. The massage is applied gently in the direction of lymph flow in order to unblock any obstructed lymph vessels, and allow lymph flow to transport waste from the body freely.

Manual lymphatic drainage was introduced by Drs. Emil & Estrid Vodder in the 1930s for the treatment of chronic sinusitis. While working on the French Riviera treating patients with chronic colds, they noticed these patients had swollen lymph nodes. The Vodders began to study the lymph system in 1932, and developed careful hand movements to cause lymph movement. In 1936 after four years of research they introduced this technique in France. It is now recognized as a primary tool in lymphedema management. Lymphedema is the swelling of a part of the body due to excess lymph and often occurs after the surgical removal of lymph nodes.
MLD is performed by a certified MLD massage therapist, who applies a light form of circular massage to their client’s skin. MLD techniques must be applied to bare skin, and massage oils or lotions are not used to facilitate to the movement of lymph. MLD massage is applied in gentle strokes towards the heart. This technique will lightly stretch the walls of the lymph vessels and encourage lymph drainage.

The lymphatic system is composed of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, diaphragm, liver, spleen, and intestines. Part of the body’s defense system, the lymph nodes filter microorganisms and other foreign substances. These nodes keep particulate matter, such as bacteria, from entering the bloodstream until it can be broken down into material the body can handle.

Benefits include clearing areas of congestion such as swollen limbs and puffy eyes, promotion of scar tissue and post-operative healing, improving chronic conditions such as sinusitis, and deep relaxation.

Strengthening Your Immune System

With H1N1 flu in the news every day, we should all understand what our immune system is, why it is important, and how to take care of it.

Our immune system is made up of the skin, thymus, lymph nodes and glands, liver, spleen kidneys and intestines. Each of these play an important role in either preventing infections and bacteria entering the body, fighting the invaders when they get in, and disposing of the destroyed bacteria.

Things that compromise the immune system include drug, alcohol and tobacco use, pollution, food chemicals (like additives, preservatives and pesticides), stress, and physical inactivity.

When the immune system is working well, we are exposed to disease and bacteria, and never know it. Our immune system should stop the invaders outside our body, or kill the disease with white blood cells and send the destroyed bacteria out of the body. If the immune system is not working well, or is overwhelmed, the bacteria will get the upper hand, and you will find yourself feeling ill. Occasionally, the immune system will become so fatigued that it will begin to attack itself. This is what are referred to as an autoimmune disease.

Here are some ways to strengthen and repair your immune system .

•Diet

Free radicals are one of the most destructive forces to the immune system. Free radicals damage healthy cells by causing cell mutations which can lead to serious illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. However, certain substances present in food can destroy free radicals. These substances are called antioxidants. One of the strongest antioxidants is vitamin C, which boosts the immune system to aggressively react to cancer cells. Good sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits and broccoli. Other important antioxidants are vitamin E and carotenoids. Good food sources of Vitamin E are whole grain foods and vegetable oils. The best sources for carotenoids are the red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. The immune system also gains strength from minerals. Important minerals to the immune system include zinc, which increases the number of lymphocytes to fight cancers; iron, which fights infection; selenium, which helps to increase the number of antibodies and encourages growth of immune cells; and vitamin D, which plays an important role in the prevention of respiratory infections such as the cold and flu. In a study published this year by vitamin D expert Dr. John Cannell, it was shown that lower vitamin D blood levels during the winter can account for the increase of the flu virus. Increased levels of vitamin D can help prevent traditional flu infections by strengthening your immune system. According to the National Institute of Health, sunlight is important to the production of Vitamin D, so aim for 10-30 minutes twice a week. During the winter months, November through February, remember to supplement your diet and eat plenty of fish oils and Vitamin D-fortified foods.

•Rest and Exercise

Ensure adequate rest and exercise. Seven to eight hours sleep is ideal. Moderate exercise also improves the lymphatic function which helps improve the immune system. Spend some time walking in clean fresh air every week. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise daily is recommended.

•Stress Reduction

Cope with stress with massage therapy, meditation, prayer, yoga or Tai Chi. If depressed, consider seeing a therapist or a doctor. Look for the positive in life. Most importantly, surround yourself with healthy, happy relationships. All of these things will help improve your immune system.

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical (anatomical), functional (physiological), and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. In laymen's terms, this is the kneading and stripping of the muscles with a purpose and goals. Licensed massage therapists are people trained to work with disorders of the human body using massage techniques, that have been licensed by their state or local jurisdiction in massage therapy. Here in Ohio, licensed massage therapists are licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board.

A licensed massage therapist, also known as a LMT, is trained in techniques which loosen tight, achy muscles. This helps the body to return to a state of balance and maintain a healthy homeostasis. These techniques can:

• Reduce muscle tension
• Increase circulation of blood and lymph
• Increase joint flexibility
• Improve the immune system by helping eliminate toxins
• Soothe the nervous system and reduce stress

Massage is done on a professional massage table or chair. Table massages are 30 – 90 minutes in length and take place in an private office or home set up for therapeutic relaxation.

Chair massages are typically done onsite at an office location, health fair, or marketing event. They can be 5-20 minutes in length and occur with the client fully clothed.