Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Is it right for you?

Introduction

You may have seen the intense videos on Instagram and TikTok of a fist aggressively pushing into the armpit and calling it Brazilian lymphatic drainage, but real Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is nothing like that. There are multiple “styles” of MLD: the Foldi method, the Leduc method, the Casley Smith method, the Chikley method, and, what I practice, the Vodder method. The Vodder method was developed by massage therapists Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid Vodder in Cannes, France in the 1930s. At the time, working with the lymphatic system was considered taboo, but Dr. Vodder noticed that most of his patients were English, recovering from colds/ sickness, and had swollen lymph nodes in their neck. Dr. Vodder treated the lymph nodes intuitively and successfully, thus giving birth to the Vodder method of MLD.  This technique uses gentle, rhythmic, and circular movements to stimulate the lymphatic system. It is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for reducing swelling, detoxifying the body, and supporting immune function. The Vodder method is particularly beneficial for lymphedema management and post-surgical recovery.

Who can benefit from MLD?

MLD can be performed on anyone for general wellness, but most healthy individuals do not necessarily need this treatment. If you live an active lifestyle with activities like yoga, walking, stretching, deep breathing, walking, running, etc., then your lymphatic system is most likely working on its own. 

MLD can benefit a broad range of conditions including, but not limited to, individuals with:

• Swelling and fluid retention

• A feeling of heaviness or tightness in tissues

• Sprains

• Whiplash

• Hematomas

• Post-surgical edema after Orthopedic Surgery

• Recovery and Edema Control after Cosmetic Surgery

• Primary Lymphedema 

• Secondary lymphedema from Filariasis, surgery/radiation for cancer, trauma, infection, cancer, obesity induced, and chronic venous insufficiency

• General relaxation and nervous system calming

Photo of lymphedema from wikimedia commons

What are the effects of MLD?

1. Improved fluid uptake: Gentle stretching on the anchoring filaments of the lymph capillaries helps them absorb more fluid from the surrounding tissues and bring it into the lymphatic system.

2. Increased lymph flow: Gentle stretching of the lymph vessels stimulates them to contract more frequently. These contractions help push lymph fluid through the vessels. As more fluid enters the lymphatic system, the pressure inside the vessels increases, which can further stimulate contractions and help move lymph fluid along.

3. Soothing effect: decrease in sympathetic function and increase in parasympathetic response

4. Analgesic effect: Stimulus provided for gate control ( a theory that nerves can be stimulated in a way to close the “gates” normally allowed for pain signals to reach the brain.)

5. Redirection of fluid around blocked areas: Redirection of lymph around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels which eventually drain into the venous system.

The Lymphatic System

Image from wikimedia commons

The lymphatic system is comprised of:

• Lymph vessels- transportation of lymph

• Lymph nodes- filtering stations of lymph fluid and storage of white blood cells (WBC)

• The spleen- disposal of red blood cells (RBC) and storage for plasma

• The thymus gland- early immunological function and hormone production

• Tonsils- immunological function

• Bone marrow- produces lymphocytes, RBC, WBC, and platelets

• Lymphocytes- are WBC that are body uses to fight infection, bacteria, and foreign matter

• Peyer’s patches - Lymphoid tissue found in the lowest part of the intestinal tract. Important for immune surveillance of the intestinal lumen. 

How does MLD work?

Circular stretching of the skin affects the epifascial (situated above or on fascia) lymph vessels. Stretching the wall of the lymphangion increases lymphangiomotion (the natural rhythmic motion of the lymphatic system), and subsequent increased tissue pressure enhances lymph formation. Essentially, the skin is being stretched in the direction of the desired drainage channel and creating a pump. The lymphatic system is full of one-way valves where lymph is transported by the muscle contractions of the lymphangions. The technique is light so anchoring filaments and lymphangions do not get damaged. 

Conclusion

MLD done correctly can help with a variety of different conditions. If you have any further questions about what it is or if it can help you, please reach out to me directly or ask your doctor.