Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system is responsible for removing excess waste fluid from the tissues of the body.

Lymph nodes are located thoughout the body to filter the lymph and destroy harmful micro-organisms, toxic substances, tumour cells and other waste products, helping the bodys immune system.

Occasionally the system is compromised when, for example, nodes become blocked or are removed during surgery. If left untreated it can lead to water retension resulting in a swelling of tissues surrounding limbs. Water retention or oedema usually occurs in the ankles and calves,due to gravity, resulting in tight skin. If left intreated, scar-like fibrotic tissue can form.

Manual lymphatic drainage involves very specialised massage techniqes using very light sweeping techniques over superficial layer of the clients skin, with compressions over some of the main regions of lymph nodes, to promote lymph flow and help clear any blockages.

Massage time can be upto an hour, depending on several factors such as the size of the limbs and the severity of the case.