Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage aims to gently and rhythmically move the lymph through the body, especially swollen areas of the body, relieving pressure and enhancing the functioning of the immune system. As both a preventative and remedial technique, MLD can be used for a wide range of purposes including clearing the sinuses and acting as a natural alternative for allergy relief, relieving arthritis symptoms, aiding the recovery process after surgery, promoting clearer skin, strengthening resistance to illness as well as speeding the recovery of illness, and easing the side effects of PMS and menstruation. It helps with hormone transport and balancing. As women our hormones are constantly changing. MLD can help reduce the side effects of hormone imbalances.
This therapy doesn't require undressing, but clothing free from restrictive bands such as belts or bra straps is needed. Anything that leaves a mark or indent when removed is enough to block lymphatic flow. You can feel free to undress as with a traditional massage, but that choice is yours.
Unless you decide to combine MLD with another therapy, or are seeing me post surgery, your first MLD appointment will be just 15 minutes long as it will only consist of what is called the core sequence. The reason for this is to see how sensitive your body is to this work. Since we are increasing the circulation of lymph through your filtering organs we don't want to tax them with too much at once. At each appointment we will discuss any side effects you may have encountered, and incorporate more of the body at the appropriate rate for you until we can incorporate the entire body.