The lymphatic system is a network of ducts and vessels throughout the body.  These ducts carry lymph fluid that has leaked from blood vessels as well as waste products formed in our body’s tissues, and bacteria that enters through our skin, into the tissues and puts it back into the bloodstream via lymph nodes.

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The lymph nodes are small bean-like structures that filter materials found traveling through the lymphatic fluid and act like a storage unit.  These lymph nodes contain lymphocytes (white blood cells) as well as filter substances and help the body fight infection and disease.  You have hundreds of lymph nodes in your body.

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The fluid that flows through your lymph vessels to the lymph nodes is called lymph.  This lymphatic fluid carries toxins and wastes to keep your body ‘clear of debris’.  The lymphatic fluid is pumped through your body by muscle movement, breathing, hydration and a healthy diet.

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Often movement and exercise are not enough to move lymph through your body.  When the lymphatic system does not drain fluids properly, your tissue swells, appears puffy and is often uncomfortable.  This causes you to become ill, fatigued, experience sleeplessness, swollen lymph nodes and swelling of the extremities.  If left unattended, this swelling an become lymphoedema.

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When this happens, MLD or Manual Lymphatic Drainage is used to encourage natural drainage of the lymph system.  This is done using a specific sequence of movements to get your lymph nodes to drain and the lymph to flow again. 

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MLD uses a skin-stretching, light technique to restore movement in the lymph system and ensure all your lymph node are draining properly.  It is very gentle and beneficial for long-term health.  Most people feel energetic after receiving MLD.  The goal of MLD is to increase lymph flow, which is different than massage which is focused on muscles.