Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) serves to enhance the circulation of lymphatic fluid, consequently stimulating both the blood and immune systems. The lymphatic system acts as a vital transport system, conveying lymph fluid containing waste, toxins, and undesirable substances from the body through the venous system. Analogous to the body’s sewage system, the lymphatic system plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health.
Visualize your lymphatic system as a network where watershed areas act as the runoff from a mountain, and nodes function as rivers and lakes, collecting the fluid before directing it to the venous system, akin to the sea. By alleviating blockages in the nodes, fluids can seamlessly traverse the body.
In Europe, MLD is readily available in hospitals, with doctors frequently recommending it for both pre and post-surgery care.
For optimal pre-surgery results, we advise 2-5 sessions, with the final one scheduled 24-48 hours before the surgery. This proactive approach aids in draining toxins, stimulating the immune and nervous systems, and reducing the body’s susceptibility to infections post-surgery. Surgeons often find it advantageous to operate on clean, well-drained tissues, contributing to a smoother procedure. Drawing from personal experience, having MLD the day before my hip surgery significantly impacted my recovery, even earning approval from my surgeon.
Post-surgery, where lymphatic vessels are disrupted, MLD becomes crucial in redirecting the flow of lymph fluid until natural pathways regenerate. This gentle yet effective technique helps alleviate swelling, clear bruising, and minimize scar tissue, expediting the recovery process. I personally observed a reduction in swelling around my scar, facilitated by MLD’s ability to redirect fluid flow, resulting in minimal postoperative pain.
We recommend two sessions per week for the initial 2-3 weeks, followed by weekly sessions until the body achieves optimal drainage.
MLD proves beneficial for addressing swelling in various areas, including fluid retention, pre/post-menstrual symptoms, sprains, and strains.
