Lymph Massage (Manual Lymph Drainage) as a major aid to health maintenance
Manual Lymph Drainage has been used for many years by the nursing profession and Lymph Massage practitioners for post Chemotherapy and Lymphoedema and other Lymph conditions very successfully. As a massage it can contribute as a major aid to Health Maintenance.

The main function of M.L.D is to encourage the return of plasma, life giving nutrients and blood protein to the systemic circulation, The Lymphatic system consists of a series of vessels and glands throughout the body that transports waste products, plasma, proteins, fats and leukocytes. The glands or nodes filter and break down bacteria and harmful substances and the vessels return "lymph" to the blood.

Lymph is a transparent fluid that flows through its own system of vessels. This fluid is filtered and passed through the lymph nodes situated all over the body. A network of fibers in the nodes traps the harmful substances, and lymphocytes, macrophages and antibodies attempt to destroy and detoxify them.

The main function of the nodes apart from the filtration of lymph and phagocytosis of toxins and bacteria etc. by macrophages, is the antibody production of B lymphocytes, and to aid the increase of varied activities by T lymphocytes, lymphocyte mitosis (division of cells) and to help increase the concentration of lymph by re-absorption of some fluid. The nodes direct the lymph into appropriate drainage pathways, and store foreign particles out of harms way, that cannot be phagocytosed.

Most white blood cells "live" in lymphatic tissue and go foraging in blood vessels and tissues when necessary. The lymph system acts as a quick transport system for many white blood cells, its walls allow cells to move in and out easily, and aids balance in the bodies fluid and electrolyte levels.

M.L.D is a series of very light precise movements applied to the whole surface, or part of the body to stimulate the movement of lymph circulation. This slow massage sends soothing messages to the central nervous system, returning proteins to the circulation when they have leaked out, flushing the tissues with fresh blood and lymph fluid.

The treatment is helpful in reducing the perception of pain by inhibiting the nerve muscles. The rhythmical strokes encourage activity of the parasympathetic system which will often help the body to regain overall homeostasis.

Areas of the body no longer able to function due to node removal can successfully be retrained to accept a new pathway with consistent M.L.D over a period of months. This can be achieved by encouraging the lymph fluid away from the missing node, with the reflex action of the motoricity of M.L.D emulating the natural motoricity of the lymphangions, i.e. their ability to contract spontaneously at an even rhythm. This occurs naturally, with the body's continual movement.

Tension interferes with production, distribution and function of lymph, and the toxic build up is partially created by this tension. It is believed that the electrical impulses triggered by light pressure massage stimulates the subtle energy flow which can bring that remarkable return to vitality of the patient even whilst receiving the treatment. This in turn may be the springboard needed to help the client tap into their own resources for the natural healing processes to occur.

Geraldine Sherborne ITEC Lymph Massage Practitioner

Lymph Massage
Lymph Massage is a series of very light precise gentle movements applied to the whole, or specific parts of the body to stimulate the movement of a clear fluid called Lymph around its own channels of the body. Called Lymph circulation, it forms a major part of the Immune System.

This treatment is extremely effective for de-toxifying after colds, post viral attack, wrong dietary habits, poor circulation and the stresses of modern living, as a perfect spring clean.

Used as aftercare for post chemotherapy oedema of the body extremities, it is very effective to help the Lymph find new pathways away from these parts of the body so affected.

Lymph Massage can help:
• Swollen arms, legs ankles hands and feet
• Sinusitis
• Constipation
• Cellulite
• Varicose veins
• Migraines
• Wrinkles
• Stretch-marks (after dieting)
• All Circulatory problems
• Fluid retention
• P.M.T.
• Puffy eyes
• Bruising
• Inflamed tendons.

Geraldine Sherborne ITEC (International Therapy Examination Council) BTAA MCOH BRA MANM