Montreal Osteopathy Clinic

What is Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic drainage, or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a specific type of gentle massage that promotes the natural drainage of lymph from the body’s tissues.

Dr. Vodder’s manual lymphatic drainage method uses rhythmic circular and spiral-shaped movements to promotelymphatic circulation. This movement produces increased lymph mobility by stimulating the receptors of the lymphatic vessels. This improves absorption into these lymphatic vessels, thus increasing the flow of lymph and draining the congested tissue caused by poor circulation.

Functions of the lymphatic system

1. To drain excess interstitial fluid (fluid between cells), proteins (molecules too large for blood capillaries) and electrolytes that left the blood flow. Every day, 2 to 4 litres of lymph flow to the heart to enter the bloodstream. This keeps blood volume constant, maintains blood pressure and keeps a balance of electrolytes in the blood.

2. To transport dietary lipids (fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and lipids) absorbed in the intestine into the blood flow.

3. To protect the organism against unwanted intruders with immune responses: lymph nodes are interspersed insidethe lymphatic vessels (500 to 700 lymph nodes throughout the body). Lymph travels through these lymph nodes and is purified of foreign substances and pathogens.

The effects of lymphatic drainage

• Prevention of redness and alleviation of pain.
• Increased lymphatic flow up to 30 times per minute.
• Stimulated blood circulation without an increase in local blood pressure.
• Higher rate and amplitude of vessel contractions, enabling greater lymph volume.
• Circulation of tissues’ fluids.
• Reduced stretching of tissues by draining excess interstitial fluid (fluid between cells).
• Draining of tissue proteins through the bloodstream.
• Prevention of edema through draining proteins, drawing more fluid into the lymphatic system and improving lymphatic system efficiency.
• Softening of fibrotic tissue.
• Inhibition of transmission of pain. Lymphatic drainage stimulates receptors located in the smooth muscles around the lymphatic vessels that inhibit the perception of pain by interrupting the transmission of pain signals from nociceptors.
• Alleviation of the sympathetic nervous system (sympatholytic effect): the application of slow, rhythmic movements at the rate of 20-30/minute reduces the sympathetic tone of the skin, allowing the parasympathetic nervous system (calming effect) to predominate.