Image credit: April Heath LMT
It was a learning opportunity that I couldn’t refuse. AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) offered CEUs in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and I knew the course would be rigorous.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, slow, deliberate massage to improve the flow of lymph. Lymph is manufactured in the spleen, thymus, and tonsils. There are hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body and they filter lymph, which is a clear fluid made up of:
- Interstitial fluid: Extra fluid that drains from cells and tissues and isn’t reabsorbed into capillaries
- White blood cells: Especially lymphocytes, which attack bacteria in the blood and body tissues
- Chyle: Fluid from the intestines that contains proteins and fats
- Other cells: Such as damaged cells and cancer cells
- Other substances: Such as plasma proteins, minerals, nutrients, and germs
Why Does Lymph Need Help Moving Throughout the Body?
While blood has the heart to pump it so it can resist gravity and move upwards through veins from the limbs, the lymph vessels do not have a pump. Circulating lymph throughout the body requires active movement, especially of the legs.
Lymph flow can be prevented by blockages in the lymphatic system, which can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Damaged lymph nodes or vessels
- Scar tissue from damaged lymph nodes or vessels can block the lymphatic system. This can happen when lymph nodes are removed to treat cancer or other conditions.
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- The most common cause of lymphatic obstruction is enlarged or removed lymph nodes.
- Fatty tissue: Fatty tissue can block lymph nodes and prevent the lymphatic system from working properly.
- Cancer: Cancer that grows near lymph nodes or lymph vessels can block lymph flow.
- Other causes: Other causes of lymphatic obstruction include infections, injury, radiation therapy, surgery, and tumors.
After surgery, inflammation can cause swelling, which impedes lymphatic flow back to the lymph nodes. Enter a massage therapist or nurse who’s certified in MLD. MLD helps reduce painful swelling post surgery so the healing process can continue.
June 29 and June 30 are for PRACTICE CLINICS.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practice Clinics
Saturday & Sunday June 29th and 30th
50 minutes $60
75 minutes $120
If you’re interested in getting a Clinics price before I launch the service on my menu, schedule here.
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