Manual Lymph Drainage®

Massage therapists are well known for their manipulation of deep tissues and muscles. They are relied upon to bring relief to numerous patients suffering from skeleton-muscular disorders and afflictions. They are usually trained in many different techniques which are aimed at complimenting chiropractor and other non-traditional medical professionals in the course of their work. Additionally, they are trained to bring stress relief through massage at spas and resorts all across the nation and indeed the world. But they can also alleviate the overgrown burden on the lymphatic system through specialized Manual Lymph Drainage techniques. Manual lymph drainage has three tiers, each corresponding to specialized techniques and result in different outcomes depending upon the patient’s needs.

First, Light Sweeping Movements in the Manual Lymph Drainage technique use the warmth and gentle pressure of the massage therapist’s. This technique encourages the lymph nodes to drain into the lymphatic capillaries located immediately under the skin. The result is a lessened pressure on the affected lymph nodes and a reduction in the auto-immune response to this swelling. Such heightened immune system response is a drain on the body’s resources and can even damage soft tissues, particularly around joints, if left untreated for long periods of time.

Second, Stronger Manual Lymph Drainage Stroking is deeper pressure applied to the lymphatic nodes of the patient’s body. This encourages a deeper drain into the lymphatic vessels located much deeper in the soft tissues of the body. The lymph nodes are usually blocked by clogs that can not be treated normally by the body’s immune system. By administering the deepened pressure of the Strong Manual Lymph Drainage Stroking, the lymph’s accumulated fluid can be released to deal with infection and relieve pain and swelling as well as relax the immune system’s automatic response.

Finally, specialized, stronger Manual Lymph Drainage techniques are applied to fibrous or fibrotic tissues in order to break them up and allow the body’s natural healing process to take over.

The massage techniques used in Manual Lymph Drainage® systems are pleasant and last anywhere from 30 minutes to a full hour, depending upon the diagnosis of the massage therapist and the needs of the patient. The technique has been used successfully in Europe since at least the 1930’s and is considered extremely beneficial in assisting with other lymphedema treatments and promoting general health. In fact, a recent report suggests that women with breast cancer and the accompanying lymphedema experienced a dramatic positive effect when Manual Lymph Drainage® techniques were applied as part of their treatment. Manual Lymph Drainage® can be dangerous in certain situations, however.

Acute infections such as cellulitis or any infection which is accompanied by fever should never be treated with Manual Lymph Drainage® techniques; the result would be a massive infection of the blood stream and might overwhelm the body’s defenses causing blood poisoning. Manual Lymph Drainage® techniques are usually practiced by the massage therapist under the direction and supervision of a physician or some other medical health professional.

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