Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massage is a great way to address specific concerns, or just improve your overall health. Several talented massage therapists at The Retreat are specially trained to perform Lymphatic Drainage Massage, and we are happy to offer it to our clients. This type of massage is designed to help lymph nodes function properly and drain excess fluid from the tissues. It can be helpful for people who are suffering from conditions such as lymphedema, post surgical swelling, sinusitis, recurrent ear infections and a variety of skin conditions.

What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that helps to circulate lymph fluid around the body. This fluid helps to remove toxins and waste products from the tissues, and also plays a role in immunity. When something disrupts your lymphatic system’s process, lymph can collect in areas casing swelling (Lymphedema) and other conditions. To ease these conditions, it is essential to get the lymphatic fluid moving again.

MLD Massage

MLD is designed to gently promote the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. It involves gentle, rhythmic movements to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes. It is a two-step process:

• Clearing: This step releases lymphatic fluid in your tissues.
• Reabsorption: This step moves your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes.

Because the lymph vessels we need to work on are located near the surface of the skin, we can stimulate and manipulate the lymphatic system with very gentle and light movements. This gentle technique has a powerful effect on the body by easing swelling in tissues, ridding the body of toxins, and boosting the immune system. MLD is commonly used to treat conditions like lymphedema, post surgery swelling and a variety of skin conditions. MLD is relaxing, soothing, calming, but it’s NOT going to work out your knots. This technique is designed to stimulate tiny vessels just below the skin, so don’t expect the manipulation of muscle associated with therapeutic massage.

Benefits of MLD Massage

There are many potential benefits of lymphatic drainage massage, including:

• Reduced swelling and inflammation
• Relief from conditions like sinusitis, and lymphedema
• Boosted immune system
• Relaxation and stress relief
• Reduced pain
• Reduced toxins and waste products in the body
• Improved immunity
• Improved skin tone

Is MLD Massage right for me?

Because there are so many benefits, MLD Massage can be beneficial for just about anyone. However, there are some exceptions. If you would like to find out more, please contact us at 919-381-5342 and one of our certified MLD providers is happy to discuss MLD Massage and how it can be a part of your wellness journey.