Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a massage technique that was developed in the 1930s by a Danish massage therapist who was working in the French Riviera when he noticed that many of his patients had swollen lymph nodes. He began to experiment with different massage techniques and eventually developed a gentle, rhythmic massage that he called “lymph drainage.”
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and lymph nodes that help to rid the body of waste, toxins, and excess fluid. MLD can help to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain, and can be beneficial for people with lymphedema, chronic swelling, or recovering from surgery.
Today, manual lymphatic drainage is used by a variety of healthcare professionals, including massage therapists, physical therapists, and lymphedema specialists. It is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for lymphedema, as well as for other conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sports injuries.
Throughout the massage, the person receiving the massage should feel relaxed and comfortable and should communicate with the therapist if they experience any pain or discomfort. After the massage, it’s important to drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins or waste products that were released during the massage.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) has a number of potential benefits for the body,
including:
Overall, MLD is a gentle and relaxing massage technique that can help to improve lymphatic flow and reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.
