Manual Lymphatic Drainage (or MLD) is a unique massage technique which was developed
by Dr. Emil Vodder, a Danish physical therapist, during the 1930s. Originally he found
the light pumping movements were extremely successful in clearing chronic catarrah and
improving sinus conditions.
After intense study into the lymphatic system he devised and perfected treatments for the whole body and called the technique Manual Lymph Drainage. He identified the importance of the lymphatic system and concluded that MLD could therefore be helpful to any condition. Dr. Vodder’s work is continued and developed by his close associate Professor Hildegard Wittlinger at the Dr. Vodder School in Austria and by other medical professionals throughout Europe.
Modern research has helped us understand why his method works so effectively on, not only the lymphatic system, but also the nervous system. MLD is now a popular treatment in health spas and has, for some years, been an important component in the treatment and maintenance of lymphoedema.
MLD is a specialised massage with precise, light, rhythmical hand movements which gently stretch the skin in a circular motion along the lymphatic pathways. This pumping movement stimulates the contractions of the lymphatic vessels and promotes the take up of fluid from the tissues into the lymphatic system. The fluid is carried to lymph nodes where it is filtered and cleansed of dead cells, bacteria and other waste products and then finally returned back into the blood stream.
A healthy lymphatic system is essential for our immunity since it contributes to healthy body tissue and carries white blood cells which help fight infection.