Most people are familiar with the blood and circulatory system – we pick up on basic aspects of this anatomy the first time we skin a knee or get a bruise. But, many people are mystified when it comes to the lymphatic system. We rarely see evidence of it working, except maybe a swollen lump in the neck during an illness. Outside of that, it’s largely out of sight and out of mind. What does the lymphatic system do, exactly? And how can Lymphatic Manual Drainage (LMD) be helpful for certain conditions?
What Is The Lymphatic System?
If anatomy isn’t your strong suit, that’s ok. In the plainest of terms, the lymphatic system essentially functions as the body’s sewer system. While that doesn’t sound appealing, it’s actually critical to healthy body function. Technically it’s a part of the immune system and consists of a network of vessels, nodes, and ducts that manage excess fluid in the body. The lymphatic system’s primary roles are:
- Maintain fluid balance, removing excess fluid that leaks out of vessels
- Absorption of fat from the intestines
- Defending the body with the production of white blood cells (lymphocytes) and then antibodies
That’s a pretty fancy sewer system! Unfortunately, many people only understand these critical body processes when something goes wrong. Because the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart, it relies on your daily movement to keep things flowing. When things aren’t draining properly, that’s when issues can arise.
Lymphatic System Issues That Could Necessitate LMD (Lymphatic Manual Drainage)
Daily movement and good nutrition play a role in keeping the lymph flowing, but there are several things that can disrupt proper function:
- Injury
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Congenital disorders
- Other medical conditions
Once the lymph network is clogged, fluid starts to build up (called edema). This causes pain, limited movement, and can ultimately lead to worse conditions if not properly managed. Fortunately, we can use manual techniques to move fluid out of swollen areas. This procedure is called LMD, or Lymphatic Manual Drainage. It involves feather-light pressure on the lymph nodes and vessels to “pump” the excess fluid away from the affected area. Special certification is required to become proficient in this type of therapy, which includes 4 types of strokes:
- Stationary circles
- Scoop technique
- Pump technique
- Rotary technique
With these techniques, we are able to assist the lymph system with moving fluid and reducing stagnation. It is both preventative in nature (for example, in preparation for surgery) and indicated for post-surgical applications. In addition to reducing swelling and improving blood flow, MLD also has a relaxing effect on the body.
If you’d like to learn more about MLD and if it might something you’d benefit from, contact us. We are happy to discuss this procedure with you and the benefits it offers.