What is the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a one-way drainage system that transports tissue fluid, cells and larger molecules and debris from tissue spaces (interstitium) back to the cardiovascular system. This fluid (lymph) travels to lymph nodes, where it is filtered and "cleaned" of harmful pathogens and waste. This filtered fluid is then returned to the cardiovascular system and the process starts over again. The lymphatic system is an integral part of our immune system and functions to protect us. Poorly functioning lymphatic systems are associated with inflammation, chronic illnesses (autoimmunes) and edema (swelling).

Though different, each of the four basic techniques have the following common characteristics:

  1. Gentle, primarily circular stretching of the skin: A gentle pressure is applied, since the lymph vessels being worked on are less than 1 millimeter in diameter. 

  2. There is a pressure and resting phase to all these techniques: The pressure phase directs the fluid into the required drainage pathways, followed by a pressure free or resting phase in which a vacuum caused by the passive distention of the tissue leads to the refilling of the lymph vessels from the periphery.

  3. Application of the techniques are at a rate of one per second: with 5–7 repetitions in the area. 

 

Meet your Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, Nicole Patterson, CMT, MLD-C

Massage for the Lymphatic System: Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (MLD)

The most thorough approach to moving lymphatic fluid is the use of manual lymphatic drainage. While most massage techniques are known to stimulate lymph movement, the direct and specific movements of MLD have been developed to increase the removal of interstitial fluid from body tissues and accelerate the movement of lymph within the lymph vascular system.

“The Cleveland Clinic describes the lymphatic system this way: “The lymphatic system collects the excess fluid, now called lymph, from tissues in your body and moves it along until it’s ultimately returned to the bloodstream.””

Functions of Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes filter harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, toxins and dead cells. Lymph fluid flows into a lymph node, enabling the immune fighting cells to recognize and destroy harmful pathogens.

What to Expect: 

MLD incorporates four basic hand techniques that can be used alone or in combination, depending upon the area of the body being worked. With these techniques your MLD therapist will use relaxed hands, molding them around the tissue being worked, and lightly stretch the skin in a circular motion, typically no “gliding” of the skin will occur and oil is rarely used. The most appropriate and beneficial pressure will vary depending on the area being worked but expect light pressure.

Indications for Manual Lymph Drainage:

  • Post-op and post traumatic recovery

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome alleviation

  • Fibromyalgia relief

  • Migraine management

  • Pain relief

  • Tissue swelling (edema) and tenderness

  • Lipedema

  • End of cycle illness

  • Strengthening of immune system for those suffering from chronic illness and allergies

  • Calming the nervous system

More information on Lymphatic Drainage can be found here

Because MLD techniques directly move fluid from the interstitial space and return it back to the systems of the body that are responsible for fluid management, notably the cardiovascular and urinary systems, there are some serious contraindications to this technique.