Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is a network of closed vessels similar to arteries and veins and acts as a key waste disposal and cleansing system in the body. It is a part of the blood system and works in unison with the veins to return to the heart the fluid delivered by the arteries throughout the body.
Fluid is filtered through the artery walls to nourish the cells, which absorb the clean, nutrient-rich fluid and expel fluid containing waste products. If waste products are not removed, they decompose, generating bacteria and other harmful organisms.
Where does the body get rid of the waste? The vessels of the lymphatic system carry the fluid containing the waste products to the body’s purification centres, which are the lymph nodes. These are bean-size sacs that break down the waste and destroy germs and harmful organisms collected throughout the body. The waste is then eliminated through the digestive system, the urinary tract, the skin and the lungs.
We can think of the lymph system as the filtering system of an aquarium, the cells being the fish, and the water being the fluid between the cells. Every day food is added to the water to keep the fish healthy. If the pump of the filtering system breaks down, the water becomes increasingly murky and waste particles suspended in the water are visible. Within a few days, the fish may look sickly and die while bacteria harmful to the fish proliferate. Unless the filtering system is repaired, the aquarium can never be restored to its clean, colourful, pristine condition.
The same occurs in the body. If the lymph system does not work properly waste and toxins accumulate, spawning disease-producing organisms that contaminate the cells and, eventually, the entire body. For a healthy body, it is vital for the lymphatic system to be fully functional.
How do you know your lymphatic system is not working properly?
Feeling sluggish, not having energy over a period of time, and susceptibility to common colds and the flu are signs of a weak lymphatic function. Another sign of the lymphatic circulation not operating optimally is the appearance of depressions left by the elastic band on the skin when removing socks and undergarments. Generally, an under-performing lymphatic function is not a cause for distress. There are, however, methods to restoring the lymphatic system back to an optimal state. You can try Lymphatic Drainage Massage with Caroline.
What is Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT)?
Although the lymphatic system was first identified in the latter part of the 17th century, only within the last century have the benefits of gently manipulating the lymphatic system been recognised. In the 1930s Emil Vodder, a Danish massage therapist, considered massaging the lymph system to aid the removal of toxins from the body. Motivated by the marked benefits he observed in stimulating the flow of the lymphatic fluid, Vodder developed a series of light manipulations and a gentle, rhythmic massage to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid.
The results were so encouraging he created a systematic approach for providing treatment to the entire body. And that’s what we call Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT). In recent years, Dr. Bruno Chikly further developed Vodder’s techniques. Dr. Chikly is a graduate of the medical school of Saint Antoine Hospital in France. He was awarded the Medal of the Medical Faculty of Paris VI in recognition of the depth of his work in his doctoral thesis and the lymphatic drainage technique he developed.
How is LDT performed?
Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) consists of an extremely gentle and relaxing rhythmic massage.
Using the techniques developed by Vodder and Chikly, specialised therapists can detect through palpation the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of lymphatic flow and restore the optimal performance of the lymphatic system.
What conditions can LDT help?
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Swelling from injury or post-surgical trauma
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Regeneration of tissues damaged by burns, scarring and aging
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Chronic inflammation, including acne and eczema
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Chronic pain
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Cellulite and adipose (fatty) tissues
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Detoxification of the body: fasting and dieting
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Withdrawal from substance dependency (including tobacco)
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Stimulation and strengthening of the immune system
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Skin complexion, wrinkles
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Stress and fatigue
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Chronic fatigue syndrome
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Stretch marks during and following pregnancy
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Varicose Veins
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Menopause: hot flashes, irritability
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Chronic constipation
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Headache and migraine
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Muscle conditioning before and after a sporting event (to help remove lactic acid from muscle tissues)
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Post-surgery recovery (reduction and prevention of scars)
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Oral surgery