All about Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique designed to stimulate the flow and drainage of lymphatic fluid. Unlike deep tissue massage, MLD stimulates the lymph nodes and works on the superficial lymph vessels just beneath the skin, encouraging detoxification, reducing water retention and supporting your immune system.

Before Manual Lymphatic Drainage - this model is naturally lean, however the treatment is suitable and beneficial for all body types

After just one Manual Lymphatic Drainage session with Cheryl - visual reduction in bloating, fluid retention and enhanced abdominal definition

Why it works - it's science!

We can think of the lymphatic system as the body's internal clean-up crew. It's made up of a vast network of vessels and nodes that transports lymph (fluid filled with white blood cells, waste products, toxins and excess water) out of your tissues and back in to your blood stream where it can be processed and excreted.

The walls of lymphatic capillaries are more porous than vascular capillaries, meaning that larger molecules such as hormones and lipids can enter the lymphatic system and be drained back in the the blood stream to be processed and excreted. This is important, as when lymph is stagnant, excess hormones such as oestrogen, cortisol and inflammatory markers can build up and recirculate. In the case of excess oestrogen this can contribute to cyclical symptoms such as acne, PMS, heavy periods, bloating, tenderness and fatigue, whilst with inflammatory markers such as cytokines, you may see re-occurring infections, exacerbated auto-immune issues and slowed recovery.

Unlike the cardiovascular system which is pumped by our hearts, the lymphatic system has no central pump. It relies on body movement, muscle contractions, diaphragmatic breathing and manual stimulation to keep things flowing - and that's where Manual Lymphatic Drainage comes in. We work with a thorough understanding of your lymphatic system to move stagnant and excess lymph along. You can see visible results in just one session, and through a course of treatments can achieve long term benefits.

How Manual Lymphatic Drainage can benefit you

Aside from the striking visual contrast and aesthetics, MLD has some serious health benefits:

• Reducing water retention

• Easing uncomfortable bloating

• Kick starting sluggish digestion

• Supporting the bodys natural detox pathways

• Boosting circulation

• Increasing nutrient delivery to cells

• Improving immune function

• Reducing inflammation

• Supporting natural hormone balance

What to expect during a treatment

We will start with a brief consultation to better understand your relevant health history and goals for the treatment. You will then be left in private to get changed and comfortable on the couch. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is different to other massage techniques in a couple of key ways:

Technique:

The technique used in MLD is purposely gentle and rhythmic. We are not trying to reach deep tissue, rather the lymphatic vessels which sit much closer to the skins surface. As a scientific and results driven treatment, it is essential that I apply the correct pressure - this means no requests for a firmer massage during this treatment.

Location of lymph nodes:

Some of the lymph nodes I will be stimulating throughout the treatment sit in areas which are commonly considered intimate; such as the under arm, side adjoining breast tissue, lower pelvic area, bikini line and inner thigh. Modesty and professionalism will be maintained throughout; but it is important that you are aware of this ahead of treatment. Due to this fact, I will not be working on males at this time.

Once your treatment is complete, you will be able to see an immediate visual result. You are also likely to feel lighter, less bloated and may have increased urination for 48 hours following treatment as your body flushes out all of those excess fluids.

If you have any questions or would like to find out whether this treatment is right for you, feel free to get in touch!

Have a great week,

Cheryl

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