Lymphatic Facilitation, also called Lymph Massage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massage is a massage technique used to promote the flow of lymph. Increased lymph flow removes harmful substances from the tissues and increases immune function. Lymph is the fluid that circulates throughout the body to assist the blood in distributing nutrients and collecting waste among all the body’s cells. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to heal from injury and to ward off disease.
There are many health problems that may result from congested and stagnant lymph drainage. Here is a partial list of conditions that improve when lymph flow is increased:
- Arthritis
- Post-breast-cancer lymphedema
- Cellulite
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression
- Stress
- HIV
- Sinus problems
- Sluggishness
- Frequent colds and flu
- Respiratory congestion
- Vertigo
- Edema
- Toxin accumulation
- Migraine headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Kidney problems
- Lupus
- Lymphedema
- Neck and shoulder stiffness
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Polyps
- Skin disorders
- Wrinkles
Some of the benefits of manual lymphatic drainage massage:
- Promotes the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, strains, and sprains
- Reduces pain
- Promotes healing of wounds and burns
- Improves the appearance of old scars
- Minimizes and reduces stretch marks
- Stimulates the immune system
- Improves the metabolism for healthy weight loss
