What is manual lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymph Drainage is a type of medical massage that gently assists the lymphatic system in maintaining the body’s fluid balance, blood circulation, and immune mechanisms. The system’s network of vessels and nodes contains lymph, a mixture of water, proteins, immune system components, waste products, and other remnants of cell metabolism. Lymph nodes, which filter out the debris, are found throughout the body, with especially large groups of them in the neck, armpits, and groin. These major collections of lymph nodes ensure that the lymph passes through as many nodes as possible before it returns to 

the circulatory system.

During a lymph drainage massage, a specially-trained provider uses a series of gliding, compressing, stretching, and cupping motions over the client’s body. The light rhythmic movements, applied without massage oil, stimulate the lymphatic system without compressing the vessels – allowing lymph to move easily through the tissues and lymph nodes. MLD follows a specific sequence over the body so lymph isn’t trapped anywhere, making sure every area is treated with care.

The history of lymphatic drainage massage

MLD originated in the 1930s when the Danish husband and wife team of Emil and Estrid Vodder developed the strokes and sequence of what they called Lymphology. It caught on quickly in France and became a recommended treatment in the medical community for lymphedema resulting from chemotherapy and radiation for cancer. There are numerous studies and articles documenting its effectiveness.

As MLD became more well-known, offshoots and modifications of the original Vodder technique were developed, providing clients with more options. In the 1970s, German professors Michael and Etelka Foeldi built a clinic to treat patients and educate therapists. At his Arizona school for Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT), French physician Bruno Chikly expanded the techniques to address more than the lymphatic system.

Why get a lymphatic drainage massage?

Today, men and women incorporate lymphatic drainage massage into their skincare and wellness routines given its detoxification and esthetic benefits. Lymph Drainage proponents say the massage technique is effective for pain relief, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions (such as acne and rosacea), cellulite, allergies, headaches, and a long list of other issues. It’s also being used following cosmetic surgery to reduce swelling and flush byproducts of anesthesia out of the body. Lymph Drainage has become a popular spa treatment for skin care, managing season allergies, detoxification, jet lag, general stress reduction, and even facial rejuvenation. A scientific review published in 2015 also revealed the effectiveness of lymphatic drainage massage in decreasing pain and depression associated with fibromyalgia.