Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) also known as lymph massage or lymph balancing, is a type of bodywork. MLD applies a light touch to stretch the skin, pushing lymph towards lymph nodes and the heart. Lymph is part of our circulatory system. 

When our body swells, from excess heat or injury, that is our lymph system reaching its max capacity and building edema otherwise known as swelling. For some people, due to damage in the lymph structures, their max capacity is less than someone with a healthy lymph system and will be chronically swollen with fluid build up. 

Lymph plays a role in cleaning up cell waste. Our lymph nodes help filter this waste, helping to support our immune system. This is why MLD can be helpful with congestion releif as well as clearing congestion after illness.

There are many reasons to try an MLD session. MLD calms the nervous system, bringing the client into a parasympathetic  state, and can be helpful for individuals experiencing insomnia or anxiety. 

It also has a natural pain relieving effect making it beneficial for individuals experiencing nerve pain or nephropathy. As well can be good after injuries such as a wrenched back.

MLD when applied after 48 hrs of an injury helps the injury heal with less fibrous tissue and stiffness. Examples of injuries that MLD can help are a sprained ankle or broken nose.

MLD can also help with migraines and whiplash.

MLD can help relieve tired muscles after extreme use, similar to using compression after muscle exertion.

If you have a medical condition such as Lemphodemia, MLD can be used to help manage your condition along with your Doctor’s guidance and a Complete Decongestive Therapist (CDT).