Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Health & Wellness

You have likely heard about lymph drainage, or lymphatic “massage” and perhaps are left with more questions than answers. The lymph system is not one that is taught in great depth in most anatomy and physiology courses, so many of us never even realized it exists! In fact, it is a very important part of our body’s functioning.

The Wonder of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system spans the entire body and runs mostly parallel to our blood circulatory system. They work in tandem to keep things running smoothly and detoxify the body. In a healthy lymph system, it is constantly working behind the scenes, and is a major part of the process to collect waste materials from the body and reabsorb them into the bloodstream to be processed and filtered. Some of our white blood cells, which help us fight infection and disease, are also produced and stored within lymph nodes and other lymph tissues. All to say, a healthy lymphatic system is key in optimal body function and overall health and wellness.

What is manual lymph drainage (MLD)?

Also called “Vodder Technique”, named after one of the method’s original creators, MLD is a manual therapy used to assist the body in mobilizing backed up or pooled fluid. In the 1920’s, it was specifically created to treat patients with a condition called lymphedema, and is still one of the four components of lymphedema treatment. Despite the name, manual lymph drainage does not involve needles, tubes or anything of that nature! It is a very gentle, hands-on technique that encourages the internal drainage system to mobilize.

Lymph drainage for overall health

Here is the exciting part! It has been found that MLD can be used to improve a variety of other conditions as well, and

has many benefits for even the healthiest among us. Below are some of the ways I am particularly passionate about implementing MLD:

Autoimmune disorders, chronic lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus, vasculitis, just to name a few
MLD can dramatically decrease chronic symptoms of these conditions and reduce frequency of flare-ups

Sinus and headache issues (Chronic or acute)
There are specialized techniques for the head, face and neck that help move congested fluids and decrease swelling and pressure. MLD on the head and face is also profoundly relaxing.
I will often incorporate warm and/or cool therapies and essential oils as tolerated to enhance the benefits

Anxiety/Hypertension/General Relaxation
MLD is slow and rhythmic, inducing a parasympathetic (relaxation) response
Can be combined with other relaxation methods

Overall well-being
Stimulate a sluggish lymph system
Done regularly can boost immunity
Can be done on the full body, or specific to areas of concern
I love to teach clients how to do MLD and other lymphatic or relaxation methods
at home to maximize benefits. It can help to see techniques like these in action.

Here is a link to a short video featuring manual lymph drainage of the face and neck: Facial lymph drainage

Get Started or Learn More

If you would like to know more about the lymph system or applications of manual lymph drainage, please reach out! Contact Jami Kohlmann at jami@tworoadswellnessclinic.com. Jami Kohlmann is a licensed massage therapist and certified lymphedema therapist. She works out of our Champaign office at 3115 Village Office Place. Call 217-531-4101 to schedule.

About Two Roads Wellness Clinic

At Two Roads Wellness Clinic, we want to help you find the path that makes a difference in your life. We’re an integrative health clinic offering a vast array of services including, mental health treatments such as EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), expressive arts therapy, family therapy, medication management, primary care, integrative nutritional support including genetic nutritional counseling, life coaching, massage therapy, physical therapy, infrared sauna services, community education and outreach, and more.

The Two Roads Wellness Clinic team of therapists, medical and nutrition staff, massage therapists, life coaches, physical therapists, and emotional support animals are ready to help you find an integrated approach to your wellness. To schedule an appointment, visit our contact page, to get started at one of our convenient locations in Champaign, Danville, or Mahomet.