Friday 22 July 2016

MLD Massage for localized fluid retention and tissue swelling



Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) an article on by Paula Agate


Some of the things an MLD treatment can help:  

- Useful in pain control 


- The keystone in the treatment of Lymphoedema

- One of the safest massages offered to pregnant women – from head to toe, pregnant
  women need not suffer with swelling anywhere. 


- Strong effect on the immune system 

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle massage which is intended to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart. This is a therapy where the practitioner moves the skin in the direction of lymph flow by using a range of gentle and specialized pumping techniques.



Benefits of MLD: The immune system is regulated with the help of the lymphatic system playing a vital role.  The human body will become toxic if the Lymphatic System, LS, is compromised in any way, causing lymphatic fluids to build up and will cause the whole system to become toxic with stagnating fluid.

Toxins and metabolic waste from the body are eliminated by MLD and blockages are cleared.  Metabolic efficiency is increased, and the transport of nutrients to cells is assisted with MLD.  It also helps to relieve tension and stress as it has a calming effect on the Central Nervous System (CNS).



In today’s environment where stress, pollution and difficult immune systems, which may make some more susceptible to viral infections and contagious disease, MLD can only be of benefit.



MLD can also be used as a beauty treatment for the face, helping to rejuvenate collagen fibres, thereby slowing the ageing process and reduces puffiness, all improving the appearance of the skin.



MLD can benefit stress, tension/anxiety, general fluid retention, toxic build up, recurring infections, constipation, to name but a few...



Treatment: The treatment is a very gentle one, with gentle ‘stationary circular’ movements, gently moving the skin, directing the lymph towards the correct nodes, not touching muscle tissue, it is a very superficial action. 



I have treated clients with MLD for varying conditions, from depression, general odema (swelling) to a regular long haul flyer who feels ‘balanced’ after treatment with the upset of time zones.  I also combine MLD with a deep tissue treatment to be practiced at the end of treatment for more relaxing benefits.



I primarily trained to be a Soft Tissue Sports and Remedial Massage Therapist, but studied MLD for a friend who contracted cellulitis and as a result of this, her lymphatic system does not perform as it should.  So I trained initially to treat her and have found many other benefits from the treatment.



I am currently studying Trigger Point Therapy to add to my tools as a Soft Tissue Therapist.



Paula Agate

Soft Tissue Therapist

Sports & Remedial Massage



Read more about Paula here

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