What Is Lymphatic Drainage? Keep Flowing and Glowing…
Lymphatic drainage is hot news, endorsed by celebrities and seen all over our social media feeds. But what on earth is it? Let’s explain.
What is Lymph?
Lymph is a clear fluid that transports excess fluid, waste products, bacteria, proteins, fats and white blood cells around the body. It is, essentially, a drainage system for the body. It can deliver things that are needed to the cells and tissues (proteins/fat-soluble vitamins/immune cells) and get rid of things the body doesn’t need anymore like waste products left over from metabolism, bacteria and damaged cells. Basically, it’s very important!
1) Freezing (Painful) Stage – This is the worst part for many as it tends to be the most uncomfortable. It is often described as a constant, deep pain that is worst at night. In this stage, the shoulder capsule is becoming inflamed and thickened, hence the pain and beginnings of loss of movement.
Where Does Lymph Go?
Lymph vessels carry lymphatic fluid back to the circulatory system to be excreted out. This occurs just under your collarbones, where the lymphatic ducts meet the subclavian veins. From here, it enters the blood stream and can then be filtered out by the bowel, liver and kidneys.
Interesting fact: The body doesn’t drain lymph evenly
Something unusual happened when we were developing which means the right and left side of the lymphatic system have very different workloads.
The Right Side
The right lymphatic duct is smaller and drains lymph from the upper right part of the body including:
o Right side of the head and neck
o Right chest
o Right arm
The Left Side
The left lymphatic duct – known as the thoracic duct - is larger and has significantly more work to do. It collects lymph from:
o Both legs
o The abdomen
o The left side of the head and neck
o Left chest
o Left arm
Because the drainage routes are unbalanced, blockages can affect one side of the body more than the other and can be why some people notice swelling in just one particular limb. Having an awareness of this asymmetry can help you tune in to your body’s signals and address it when something feels off, for example blood tests and lymphatic massage.
What is Lymphatic Drainage?
Unlike the circulatory system which has its own pump (the heart), the lymphatic system has none. Instead, it relies on movements of the body through muscle contraction and breathing, as well as valves within the vessels that prevent the fluid going back on itself.
There are a few different methods of lymphatic drainage and here we will discuss the main two techniques; Dr Vodder and Brazilian.
Dr Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
· This technique was developed in the 1930s by Dr Emin Vodder with a medical origin.
· It is primarily used to treat lymphoedema, post-surgical swelling, venous insufficiency, scar reduction, pain relief and for relaxation.
· It involves very gentle, skin-stretching, pumping stroke with alternating pressure cycles.
· No oils are used – there must be some grip on the skin to allow for light movement of the superficial lymph vessels under the skin.
· Therapists must have certified training and regularly update their certificates.
· It is not recommended for cases of acute inflammation or thrombosis.
Brazilian Technique
· Founded in Brazil as a result of the cosmetic surgery boom
· Popular for its immediate aesthetic benefits such as cellulite-reduction, body contouring and de-bloating.
· The technique is much faster and firmer than Vodder technique
· Often combined with myofascial release and sometimes tools
· Aims to provide immediate visual impact
· Is considered safe for most healthy individuals but not recommended for those with lymphoedema
· Training is less standardised with shorter courses more common
· Certification can vary so it’s worth checking out a practitioner’s background and credentials.
What lymphatic drainage is best for you?
· Choose Dr. Vodder MLD for medical or long-term therapeutic needs such as oedema, lymphoedema, post-op recovery—or if you want a clinically-backed, therapeutic, gentle technique.
· Opt for Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage if your goal is cosmetic such as smoother contours, cellulite improvement, body sculpting, and you have no lymphatic concerns.
In Summary…
Both systems improve the lymphatic system’s efficacy but with very different goals and end results. Brazilian is great for those seeking fast cosmetic results, whilst Vodder technique is considered the gold-standard for therapeutic lymphatic care. Always choose a certified therapist who is trained in the specific field, especially if there are associated medical issues.
Find Out More!
Are you based near Ealing or Uxbridge and want to explore whether manual lymphatic drainage is for you? Our massage therapist, Marialine Cifre, is a certified Dr Vodder MLD therapist and also offers sports massage, deep-tissue massage and cupping therapy. She works across both clinics. Ready to book or find out more? Contact Kate, our lovely receptionist on 01895 200050 or email kate@bridgetohealth.co.uk.
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