LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

The lymphatic system runs throughout the body.  The lymphatic capillaries run along the veins, but are not visible to the naked eye.  Its main mission is to contribute in the absorption of the excess fluid (edema) that forms in the tissues.  The liquid that is inside the lymphatic drainage is called the lymph.

The manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a technique that through soft and repetitive maneuvers, always in a superficial and pleasant manner; achieves the acceleration or even the activation of superficial lymphatic drainage.  Its application accelerates the absorption of edema.  It is a method that its main purpose is to drain subcutaneous liquids to the ganglia.

As its name indicates, it is done with the hands of the physical therapist, not through devices or machines.  Although some of these devices might accelerate the lymphatic circulation, their use must be a complement not a substitute of the MLD.

It is not an aggressive technique, the strong maneuvers from the massage techniques are not part of the manual lymphatic drainage.

Their benefits are:

• Helps the circulation of the venous blood
• Helps in the elimination of cellulite plaques
• Helps resolve edemas (bloating) and is very effective in the post chirurgical treatment.