Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) is a gentle and soothing, hands-on technique that focuses on the lymph nodes , vessels and organs of the immune system to stimulate and improve the natural flow of lymph and interstitial fluid throughout the body. In so doing, it activates and cleanses the body’s fluid systems to rejuvenate and establish resistance to stress, infection and disease. It is a highly specialized technique, which requires a keen understanding of lymphatic drainage patterns and techniques for the drainage of fascia, muscles, organs, periosteum, bones, etc. Using rhythmic hand movements in specific locations, therapist can assess and enhance the entire lymphatic and immune systems.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: History
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) was developed in the 1990’s by Bruno Chikly, MD, DO. While studying the early 1930s work of Drs Emil and Estrid Vodder, pioneers of “lymphology” and Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), Dr. Chikly detected a specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality to lymphatic flow that was consistent with more recent scientific discoveries. Intrigued, he began to develop the first manual lymphatic techniques that would attune him to those findings. To his delight, he found that he could assess and enhance overall circulation as well as determine the best alternate pathways for draining stagnant body fluid (lymph, interstitial, synovial fluid, etc…) He also found that he was able to create significantly higher success rate with his patients than existed before. He has subsequently created a curriculum to teach thousands of therapists worldwide how to apply what is termed manual lymphatic mapping (MLM) to lymph and interstitial fluid pathways in all of the body’s tissues from skin to organ and even to the brain. Therapists are taught how to identify precise areas of fluid stagnation or fibrosis, to find the most appropriate pathways for drainage and direct the flow to the optimal location for elimination.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: Benefits
Lymphatic Drainage therapy is effective for a number of physical concerns:
- Reduction of Edema and Lymphedema
- Reduction in acute inflammatory processes such as post surgical and post trauma injuries, migraine headaches, and swellings of other origins
- Detoxification
- Regeneration of tissue (including burns, wounds and wrinkles)
- Anti-aging effects
- Relief of chronic inflammations (including sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, arthritis and even allergic rhinitis)
- Relief of chronic pain
- Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: Why It Works
The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system which helps the body fight disease and infection. Within this system lays an intricate network of vessels, nodes and organs all designed to move lymphatic and interstitial fluid which both nourishes and detoxifies the body. If the lymphatic system is compromised be it from genetic issues, being overworked or impaired because of surgical intervention, illness, stress or even a poor diet, it can become slow and stagnant making recovery a slow process and good health becomes a challenge.
To combat these issues, therapists use rhythmic and specific, wave-like hand movements in a variety of locations which will activate the body’s fluid circulation and increase it as much as 10 times. This activity further stimulates the functioning of the body’s entire immune system and parasympathetic nervous system increasing production of white blood cells, reducing a variety of inflammatory processes and restoring function.
The more efficiently your lymphatic system is working, the faster your body will be rid of waste, toxins, excess water and other cellular debris it doesn’t need. Lymphatic Drainage therapy assists in the rapid movement of the fluid and toxins to the nodes and organs which act to purify all these excesses and flush them out of the body via elimination.
Both during and after receiving LDT, the immune system should function more efficiently. Clients are able to see and feel a reduction in swelling, pain is reduced or resolved and damaged tissues heal faster. Many clients report feeling extremely relaxed after receiving treatment and express an improved sense of wellbeing.