What is it exactly?
As implied by its name, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) works in conjunction with the lymphatic system. This is a system of vessels that removes proteins, excess fluid, viruses, and bacteria. This type of massage aids in the waste removal at a cellular level and helps bring nutrients and oxygen to the cells. You can imagine why this treatment is so valuable for someone who has just had an operation! Between the anesthesia, swelling, bruising, and tightness, this massage will encourage the lymph to move 8-10 times faster than it would on its own.
Is it painful?
In short, the answer is no. When people hear the word “massage”, they often think of deep tissue work. For clients who have just had plastic surgery, the last thing they imagine that they want to have is a massage on their swollen, sensitive and often bruised bodies. However, MLD is pain-free, offers tremendous healing benefits, and believe it or not, it is actually quite relaxing.
How it promotes healing
Since the majority of the lymph system sits right below the skin, the pressure used in this special massage technique is extremely light. By using this light pressure in a rhythmic, circular motion, the therapist can stimulate the lymphatic system to work more efficiently and help it move the fluids back to the heart. As a result, swelling is reduced, toxins are released, and the body has an opportunity to heal more quickly.