Manual lymphatic drainage

Manipulative and body-based methods
Acupressure Body work Chiropractic Manipulative therapy Massage therapy Manual lymphatic drainage Naprapathy Postural Integration (PI) Structural Integration Shiatsu Tui na Yoga Massage
NCCAM classifications
Alternative Medical Systems Mind-Body Intervention Biologically Based Therapy Biologically Based Massage Heights Manipulative Methods Energy Therapy
See also
Alternative medicine Glossary of alternative medicine

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle massage which is intended by proponents to encourage the natural circulation of the lymph through the body. The lymph system depends on intrinsic contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymph vessels (peristalsis) and the movement of skeletal muscles to propel lymph through the vessels to lymph nodes and then beyond the lymph nodes to the lymph ducts which return lymph to the cardiovascular system. Manual lymph drainage uses a specific amount of pressure (less than 9 ounces per square inch) and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate lymph flow.

History

Manual Lymphatic Drainage was pioneered by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930s for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and other immune disorders. While working on the French Riviera treating patients with chronic colds, Dr Emil Vodder and his wife Dr. Estrid Vodder noticed these patients had swollen lymph nodes. In the 1930s, it was considered taboo to tamper with the lymphatic system due to the medical profession's poor understanding of this system. The Vodders were not deterred by this, and in 1932 began to study the lymph system, and developed careful hand movements to cause lymph movement. In 1936, after four years of research, they introduced this technique in Paris France.

Recognition

It is now recognized as a primary tool in lymphedema management. Therapists can today receive certification through special classes conducted by various organizations specializing in MLD. Scientific studies show mixed results regarding the efficacy of the method in treating lymphedema and further studies are needed. In several unique studies on animals, MLDT (Manual lymphatic drainage treatment) has been shown to increase lymph uptake and thoracic duct flow, but the same evidence has not yet been shown for human subjects.