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 LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
Lymphatic drainage (LD) is a form of manual massage that promotes a healthy lymphatic system.  Its specific focus is on the lymph nodes and specific areas of the body, as well as maximized function of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels and ducts that move fluid throughout the body, removing toxins from healthy cells and carrying germ-fighting materials to cells under attack by viruses. The lymphatic system does not have its own pumping mechanism and generally relies upon body movement such as walking for its circulation. Lymphatic drainage attempts to assist the body in attaining a freely flowing lymphatic system.

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS LYMPH DRAINAGE MAY HELP

- Lymphedema or localized fluid retention in a specific area of the body
- Clearing areas of edema such as swollen ankles, puffy eyes, tender breasts and swollen legs
- Promotion of scar tissue healing, torn ligaments and sprains
- Post-operative healing
- Swelling relief following plastic surgery
- Edema resulting from pregnancy
- Treatment of conditions arising from venous insufficiency
- Improving chronic conditions such as sinusitis, arthritis, acne and other skin conditions
- Deep relaxation

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF LYMPH DRAINAGE
1622 -- Italian physician Gaspard Asselli noted the “milky veins” of a dog in the early 1600s.  This observation is the first documented discovery of lymphatic vessels.

1650-51 -- John Pecquet from Dieppe, France, described the lymphatic duct, the largest lymphatic vessel of the body, now called "Pecquet's Cistern".
Olauf Rudbeck advanced the knowledge of the lymphatic system by viewing as a specific system within the body that is similar to blood circulation.  He is considered the first scientist to discover the system and perceive it as complete. Around the beginning of the 20^th century surgeon Alexander of Winiwarter of Belgium became the first physician to establish a proven system of draining lymphedema using significant pressure.

1922 -- Canadian osteopathic physician F. P. Millard announced a new practice of diagnosing disease through the palpation of lymphatic glands.  In "Applied Anatomy of the Lymphatics," he used the term "lymphatic drainage," and suggested different lymphatic drainage techniques to affect the lymphatic flow.

1932-1936  -- Emil Vodder PhD., a Danish massage therapist, had the intuition and insight to drain the lymph of one of his clients suffering from chronic sinusitis and diffuse acne. Vodder was the first to develop a precise manual technique for lymph drainage.  Because he was not an M.D. or a physical therapist, Vodder had a difficult time authenticating his new technique. His work was not widely used because other practitioners believed that toxins and bacteria could drain from the lymphatic system to other areas in the in the body and be harmful.

1967 -- German physician Johannes Asdonk scientifically tested the LD technique in his clinic on 20,000 patients and established its medical effects, its indications and its contraindications. Today the technique is commonly used in European hospitals, is prescribed by M.D.s and is reimbursed by national insurance.

--Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is now recognized as an original hands-on method of lymphatic drainage developed by Bruno Chikly, MD, of France. Created out of his award-winning research on the lymphatic system, LDT takes traditional lymph drainage techniques and adds a level of precision consistent with recent scientific discoveries.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
The lymphatic system is the system of the body that helps remove waste and detoxify itself.  It can help to keeps the body “clean” and prevent ailments and disease.  When the lymphatic system becomes blocked or sluggish, it increases the chance of chronic illness and disease. The inability of the lymph system to dispense with these toxins can have wide-ranging effects on the body.  Drainage of the lymphatic system is regarded as a way to reduce and eliminate blockages, which supports the health of many systems of the body, including the respiratory, muscular, and circulatory systems. 

Lymphatic drainage can also reduce the body’s stores of metabolic by-products such as water and bacteria.  It can also help remove toxins such as the residue of long-term use medications, anesthesia in post surgery recovery, and harmful or poisonous substances that have entered the body through exposure or ingestion.
Scientific evidence existed that regular lymphatic drainage assists and improves the immune system’s functioning.  LD is very effective in countering the body’s natural inflammatory response following soft tissue trauma.  These include sprains, fractures, orthopedic surgeries and replacements, and orthodontic surgery. Generally, lower swells will result in lower levels of pain and fewer bruises.  If received in a timely manner, lymphatic drainage can dramatically shorten the route to recovery.

While lymphatic drainage preventative in nature and is considered safe, physical symptoms such as swollen glands can indicate a problem with the lymphatic system and should be evaluated by a health provider before manual therapy is applied. Clients with chronic high blood pressure, heart problems, cellulitis or other infection should get permission from their primary care provider before beginning lymphatic drainage.

How is it done?
WHAT A LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE SESSION IS LIKE
Lymphatic drainage massage uses very light pressure of the fingers and hands, usually no greater than the weight of a nickel or a dime.  The skin is moved only slightly, unlike the long flowing strokes of regular massages.  Lymph drainage is gentle, rhythmical, and soothes the nervous system.  Massage strokes are subtle, precise, repetitious, and are done using a lower tempo.  Self-massage techniques may be taught for at-home use between sessions.

A session of lymphatic drainage massage is generally very restful.  After taking a health history and discussing areas of concern, the client lies comfortably on a massage table under a sheet while the therapist very lightly massages the skin, working one area thoroughly before moving to another area. Sessions may take two hours if all major bodily areas are treated.  Shorter sessions, between thirty to sixty minutes, may be done to focus on one particular area of the body.  Some therapists may have training in compressive bandaging techniques as well.

The process of lymph drainage relocates bodily fluids from tissues to kidneys, often causing increased urination a few hours after a treatment.  The therapist may recommend drinking several glasses of water after treatment to recoup water removed from the system.

Who does it?
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE PRACTITIONERS
Lymphatic drainage practitioners generally work as physical therapists, massage therapists, nurses, chiropractors, and osteopaths.  Training is available from a number of institutions, and typically involves about 24–130 hours of coursework.