A lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymph drainage or MLD, is a gentle form of massage therapy that aims to drain unwanted fluid from the body in order to promote the healthy function of the immune (lymphatic) system. This can be used as a pleasant and health promoting therapy for anyone, but is commonly used to treat ‘lymphedema’ – the blockage of lymph nodes in the arms and legs. While anything with the word ‘drainage’ in it may sound unpleasant and gory, lymphatic drainage massage is neither of these things and consists of simple circular strokes towards the heart.

Lymphatic drainage massage was first used in Europe in the 1930s by founder Emil Vodder as a way to detoxify or rid the body of waste. While this usage has remained largely the same it is today, understanding of the lymph system has grown and MLD massage therapists, or ‘Vodders’, can now receive certification to demonstrate their expertise.

Lymph is an ‘interstitial fluid that is found between cells all around the human body and enters and exits the ‘lymph vessels’ via filtration of the pores in capillary cell walls. Swollen lymph nodes has been observed to be an indication of various illnesses and conditions, and so the aim of lymphatic drainage massage is to gently massage the lymphs so as to carefully force the fluid back into a nearby subclavian vein where it returns to the blood stream. This then allows the lymph to transport waste from the body freely as it is intended, and decreases mild discomfort.

To achieve this aim the therapist will use light circular motions against the client’s skin without using any massage oil or lotion which can interfere with the treatment. These circular motions will all be directed towards the heart to encourage the return of the lymph to the circulatory system. During the lymphatic drainage massage, the therapist will use four different techniques to achieve this. The first of these are stationary circles, where the therapist continuously circles one area using the fingertips in spirals while applying mild pressure. This technique is commonly used on the face and neck area.

The pump technique meanwhile involves the therapist pushing their hands onto the back of the patient and moving the fingers and thumbs in slight oval movements towards the heart. This method is used most often on the torso. The rotary technique sees circular motions performed with the palms where the wrists are used increase or lessen pressure. Finally, ‘scoop strokes’ are movements where the massage therapist uses their hands with palms facing upward and fingers outstretched. Here a twisting motion is used to almost ‘wring out’ the client’s lymph nodes. After the lymphatic drainage massage is complete the client should be left feeling refreshed and relaxed and with less swelling in their lymph nodes.

Mack LeMouse

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