To activate fluid circulation: Lymph, indirect stimulation of blood capillaries, veins, interstitial liquids, cerebrospinal and synovial fluid, ect.

Applications: helps to "reroute" stagnant fluid (edema, primary and secondary lymphedema) in skin, mucosa, viscera, joints, cranial sutures, periosteum, ect.

 

  To drain: a) Toxins: as part of treatment to promote tissuse regeneration, or where patient has had fracture or surgery;

b)  Macromolecules (proteins): MLD helps eliminate protein-rich fluid from the extracellular tissue, helping reabsorptions of inflammation and edema.

 

  To stimulate the immune system:  Increased lymph flow carries more antigens to the lymph nodes, increasing antibody/antigen contact. This can help the immune system for preventative action and also MLD techniques have been found to help with chronic or subacute inflammatory processes such as bronchitis, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and auto-immune diseases.

 

  To stimulate the parasympathetic system:  Stimulation of the lymphatics tends to increase parasympathetic and diminish sympathetic tone, the "fight or flight" response. This can be helpful in dealing with stress, depression or sleeping disorders.

 

 To reduce pain:  MLD alleviates tissue fluid stagnation and may be effective in dealing with some kinds of chronic pain.

 

 To reduce muscle spasm (voluntary and involuntary):  Muscle spasms, constipation, ect.

 

Treatment length varies from 1 to 2 hours. Some treatments need a doctors approval and recommendation.

 

Manual Lymph Drainage has been used in clinics and hospitals throughout Europe for many years and is gaining recognition in the USA for its many effective application in healthcare.