What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a very gentle massage technique that reduces oedema (localized swelling) which can be located in any part of the body (commonly in the legs: feet, calves, knees, thighs). It also has a detoxifying effect on the body. There are a multitude of techniques for practising Manual Lymphatic Drainage. One of the leading specialists in this field is Prof. Olivier Leduc, teacher at the Haute Ecole Bruxelle-Brabant in Belgium. The techniques used come from his teaching.

What Techniques are used for Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

These are so-called “tampon-buvard” movements applied with light pressure and very gentle strokes that apply with the whole hand. The manoeuvres are done by following the direction of the lymphatic circulation. DLM is performed on the whole body and always begins with the drainage of the lymph nodes, then continues to the area to be treated and ends again with the nodes. The purpose of these manoeuvres is to reactivate good lymphatic circulation and therefore to absorb the excess lymph which has accumulated in certain areas (thus forming an edema)

What is the goal of Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

The Manual Lymphatic Drainage has a preventive purpose: accompanied by a circulatory massage, it is very useful in people who have heavy legs or who have, what is commonly called, “water retention” (sign of a deficit of venous and lymphatic return). This defect over the long term can lead to varicose veins, spider veins, cellulite … It is also very useful for already established lympheodema, especially in breast cancer.

What is the role of the lymph?

Lymph is a white plasma fluid similar to blood but lacking red blood cells. It contains white blood cells which are used to defend the body against pathogens. It has a nutritional role by transporting fat but also filtering waste by transporting elements not used by cells.

Who is Manual Lymphatic Drainage useful for?

Post-surgery:

Aesthetics: After aesthetic surgery, especially after a liposuction, the Manual Lymphatic Drainage is very effective in reducing the following discomfort:

• Pain
• Oedema
• Numbness

Cancer: In particular breast cancer, after radiotherapy or surgery lymph-oedema may appear.

Pregnant women

During pregnancy, hormonal and physiological changes can cause circulation and water retention problems. Manual Lymphatic Drainage prevents stretch marks but also relieves painful oedemas.

Different types of oedema

Lymphatic oedema: As explain above. Venous oedema: Often associated with the sensations of heavy legs which bulge during the day. In this case the Manual Lymphatic Drainage will be accompanied by circulatory massages. Treatment of the cause of the problem is strongly recommended in parallel with massages. Cardiac oedema: /! \ Please note Manual Lymphatic Drainage is not recommended for cardiac oedema.

Cellulite

The Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be used in prevention of cellulite but also during its treatment once installed, in this case. For cellulite, addition of Palper Rouler will be necessary to obtain optimal result. We offer home visit because we think it is more convenient for mummies and allow you to rest at the end of the session. But we also consult in our practice located in North london between Kentish town and Camden town.