What is MLD?

Devised by Danish physician Emil Vodder in the 1930's, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a pleasant, rhythmic, feather-light massage technique specifically designed to stimulate the lymphatic system.

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is the body's "other" circulatory system. Its branching network of vessels contain lymph, a thin, milky fluid. The lymphatic system removes excess fluid, metabolic wastes, and toxins from our tissues. Lymph is routed through clusters of lymph nodes, which filter and destroy foreign substances, and eventually emptied into the bloodstream.

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the human immune system. In addition to removing wastes and toxins from our tissues, it helps fight infection by mobilizing lymphocytes, the T- and B- cells which recognize and fight disease.

Who Needs MLD?

Practically anyone can benefit from lymphatic drainage. Injury, illness, infections, allergies, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise are just a few of the factors which can cause the lymphatic system to become sluggish.

MLD can help stimulate the immune system and alleviate symptoms associated with a wide variety of conditions, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sinusitis, bronchitis, migraines, and constipation. The pain and inflammation of recent traumatic injuries respond particularly well to MLD. In the medical community, MLD is most widely known for its success in treating lymphedema, an extreme form of edema which results from a breakdown in the lymphatic system.