Manual Lymphatic Drainage - MLD
Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle treatment created to enhance the natural movement of lymph fluid through the body's filtering system. This treatment focuses on the skin and lymph vessels with light rhythmic stretching and slow hand movements. It was developed by Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid in 1936.
For the most part, manual lymphatic drainage will help you feel energized, calm your nervous system, ease pain, enhance your immune system, and balance the fluid in your body.
Some specific indications for MLD are:
Allergies
Long Covid or post Covid
Cystic Breasts
Eczema
Fibromyalgia
Cellulite/Lipedema
Neuropathy
Weight loss
Lyme Disease
Alopecia
-
Please check with your Dr to confirm it is safe to receive Manual Lymphatic Drainage starting in the 2nd Trimester
Pre-Delivery
Maintain optimum immune system function
Edema prevention
Possible stretch mark prevention
Constipation relief
Post-Delivery
Maintain optimum immune system function
Body fluids are reduced, less heaviness in the legs and body (there is an increase of 50% in fluid volume during pregnancy)
Reduce weight
Helps reduce C-Section pouch and may help soften and desensitize scar tissue (with Dr's approval, after scar has healed—about 6 weeks)
Increase in milk production
Stress and anxiety reduction, helping with sleep deprivation and overall mental and emotional well-being
Pre-Delivery Schedule
Start in 2nd Trimester with Dr's approval:
1st session: 15 min
2nd session: 30 min
3rd session and thereafter: 45–50 min
-
This treatment helps to gently stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid of the face and neck. In addition, the recently discovered glymphatic system in the brain which uses the cerebrospinal fluid to flush out toxins, may also be enhanced with this treatment.
Indications for Face, Head, and Neck MLD
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Bell's Palsy
Ear Aches
Sinusitis
Burns
Glaucoma
Alzheimer's
Rosacea
Acne
Eczema
Aging/Wrinkle reduction
Allergies
Long or post Covid
Fibromyalgia
Lyme Disease
Alopecia
Face Lift – Preoperative (to prepare the face for the procedure, better results), and Postoperative (3 to 5 days after surgery – check with your doctor – for reduced swelling, bruising, pain and scar prevention)
Extra Precautions for MLD
Please check with your doctor before receiving MLD if you suffer from any of these issues:
Edema following carcinoma/cancer treatment
Thyroid dysfunction
Chronic inflammation
Bronchial asthma
Hypotension or use of blood thinners (caution)
Edema caused by cardiac decompensation
Diabetes
Contraindications
for MLD
Fever
Cancer
Acute inflammation (caused by bacteria, viruses, or foreign bodies)
DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis
Recent suture/incision sites
Heart, kidney, or liver failure
Infection
Skin irritation/rashes
Open wounds
Flu
Covid
Contraindications for Pregnancy MLD
High risk pregnancy – preterm labor and placental issues like preeclampsia
Deep vein thrombosis
Placenta previa
Blood clotting disorders
Active infections or fevers
Diabetes
High blood pressure