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Lymph Drainage Therapy
The first detailed study of the lymphatic system was performed in the early 1930s by Danish physical therapist Emil Vodder. Vodder identified the lymphatic system as consisting of the lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, the tonsils, the spleen, and the thymus. He discovered that the plasma-like fluid flowing throughout the lymphatic system removes bacteria, infections and toxins from the body and that the healthy flow of the lymphatic fluid is vital to proper immune function. Vodder discovered that in a healthy condition, connective lymph tissue nourishes and carries vital substances to every cell of the body and carries away harmful waste from the cells. When the circulation of the lymph fluid is blocked, the cells are adversely affected in the follwing two ways: the cells do not receive part of the nutrients they need to function properly and the waste produced by the cells is not removed causing an accumulation of toxins in the cells, further affecting the proper function of the cells.
Because the lymphatic system does not have a pump (like the heart) to keep the lymphatic fluid circulating, Vodder developed a system of gentle manipulations to stimulate lymph flow. The results of applying the techniques were so encouraging that Vodder developed a systematic approach to treat the entire body and called it Manual Lymph Drainage.
What is Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT)?
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy was developed by Dr. Bruno Chikly. Dr. Chikly further developed the traditional lymph drainage techniques developed by Vodder by adding methods that allow therapists to detect the rhythm, direction and quality of the lymphatic flow. Dr. Chikly named his method Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT). Lymph Drainage Therapy is a systematic approach to stimulating the function of the lymphatic system. The method consists of using gentle pressure in precise points along the lymphatic system to stimulate the “pumping” of the lymphatic flow. Similarly to how the CPR technique uses pressure on a precise point to stimulate the heart to function, LDT uses very gentle pressure on precise points to stimulate the lymphatic flow.
What conditions can LDT help?
Lymph Drainage Therapy is effective as treatment for the following conditions:
- Reduction of swelling from injury or post surgical trauma
- Regeneration of tissues damaged from burns, scarring and aging effects.
- Relief of chronic inflammation including acne and eczema
- Relief of chronic pain
- Deep relaxation to help with insomnia, depression, loss of vitality, loss of memory
- Reduction of cellulite and adiposis (fatty) tissues
- Detoxification of the body
- Immune system stimulation for preventative and therapeutic effects.
How is LDT performed?
Lymph Drainage Therapy consists of assessing the condition of the Lymphatic system by palpation (use of hands). The assessment includes identifying the strength and direction of the lymphatic flow and areas of stagnation. A treatment plan is then formulated to define the number of estimated sessions required for the treatment.