Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD)
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a parallel network linked to the body’s cardiovascular system. It is made up of capillaries, pre-collectors, collectors, trunks, ducts, lymph nodes and other lymph organs. Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system does not have a heart, but rather relies sympathetically on the cardiac rhythm or blood flow, to circulate around the body.
The functions of the lymphatic system are:
To return protein and fluids to the vascular system after it has escaped, restoring homeostasis and fluid balance
To transport digestive lipids and fat soluble nutrients around the body
To filter toxins, bacteria and cellular debris from the body; the lymphatic system is the transport for and is responsible for some aspects of our innate immunity and also our adaptive immunity
To collect macromolecules and waste materials from the interstitial fluid (the fluid that floats between cells)
When an imbalance, disorder, disease or injury/trauma occurs in the body, the lymphatic system is often the first to become dysfunctional. This can result in a build up of fluid around areas in the body, creating pain, skin trauma, inflammation and poor healing. Understanding the biology of the lymphatic system and the mechanism of movement the lymph travels by, allows the clinician an opportunity to assist in the return of functionality and homeostasis and fluid balance.
