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Lymph Drainage Therapy

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Introduction to Lymph Drainage Therapy

Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) developed by French physician Bruno Chikly, is an original hands-on method that supports the proper movement of lymph through the body.

These techniques are among the most scientifically documented, gentle and efficient hands-on therapeutic tools practiced today. They are widely utilized in hospitals and clinics across Europe.

Overview of Lymph Drainage Therapy

From the Upledger Institute website

"The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body's ability to operate at peak performance. This system drains fluids, detoxifies and regenerates tissues, filters out toxins and foreign substances and helps us maintain a healthy immune system. If lymph circulation stagnates however, toxins accumulate and compromise cellular functioning, which opens the way to physical ailments.

Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is an original hands-on method of lymph drainage developed by French physician Bruno Chikly. It offers a highly efficient approach to working with the lymphatic and other fluid systems. While its concepts are based on traditional procedures, LDT is the first modality to teach practitioners how to manually attune the specific rhythm, pressure, quality and direction of the lymph flow by using a combination of precise anatomical science and distinct manual techniques.

With training, practitioners can learn to perform a lymphatic "mapping" of the superficial and deep lymphatic pathways. Using their hands, they can to assess the specific directions of lymph flow and areas of congestion and fibrosis-before, during and after treatment-by using a procedure called Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM). MLM allows the practitioner to manually determine the most efficient alternative pathways in the presence of fluid stagnation. As an advanced practitioner, training is given to interact with the fluids at different levels, from the most superficial cutaneous circulation to that of the mucosa, muscles, tendons, periosteum and viscera.

Techniques are performed with hands and fingers simulating gentle, wave-like movements. They are neither tiring nor straining but light-touch and easy to use. These subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems. It is shown that when these actions are accomplished, the results can be:

-Reduction in edemas (swelling) and lymphedemas of various origins.

-Detoxification of the body.

-Relief of numerous chronic and subacute inflammations, including sinusitis, bronchitis and otitis.

-Relief of chronic pain.

-Regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds, stretch marks and wrinkles.

-Stimulation of the immune system.

-Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Antispastic actions to relieve conditions such as muscle hypertonus and some forms of constipation.

-Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of
memory.

-Anti-aging effects.

-Alleviation of adiposis and cellulite tissue."

Overview of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) : The Chikly Health Institute (CHI): by jannajennelle | video info

3 ratings | 1,045 views

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Lymph YouTube vids

How the Body Works : The Formation of Lymph: by dizzo95 | video info

29 ratings | 85,461 views

curated content from YouTube

Lymph Drainage Therapy Links

What is Lymphatic Drainage?: From WiseGEEK:

"Lymphatic drainage is a holistic approach to promoting a healthy lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels and ducts that move fluid throughout the body and is responsible for moving toxins away from healthy cells and carrying germ-fighting materials to cells when they are under attack by viruses. Though fluid moves through the lymphatic system, it does not have its own pumping mechanism. Lymphatic drainage is a type of therapy that is intended to help the body produce a free-flowing lymphatic system."
Lymph Drainage Therapy: An Effective Complement to Breast Care: By Bruno Chikly, M.D.

"Legal and ethical issues often provide a controversial backdrop to the subject of breast massage. Further fueling the debate is the question of who exactly is qualified to perform this technique. While there may be many schools of thought, the fact remains there is an appropriate and practical manual technique -- Lymph Drainage Therapy -- that can be used by trained therapists for specific conditions and indications relating to breast care."
Lymph Drainage Theapy: By Bruno Chikly, M.D.

"LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE was initially developed in Europe in 1932 by Dr. E . Vodder. By the late 60's it established the credibility necessary to be taken seriously by the medical profession. Dr. Johannes Askonk, a prominent German physician, then successfully tested 20,000 patients in hospitals in order to verify its credibility, measure its efficiency and find its indications and counter-indications."
The Importance of Lymph Drainage For Good Health: "The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body's ability to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune system (Asdonk, 1970, Adair and Guyton, 1982). It is a complex system comprised primarily of lymph vessels and nodes working in corporation to accomplish these tasks."
"Lymph: The Body's Subtle Circulation",: By Susan Bruno, PT

"When we think of the circulatory system we first think of the heart. We can readily feel our hearts beating just by placing a hand on the left side of the chest. We can also see blood in our veins. The heart pumps blood out to the body at high pressure through the arteries, then the veins bring blood back to the heart and lungs for re-oxygenation. This cycle repeats itself as the heart beats 60-80 times per minute to move some 8,400 liters of blood per day! It's an impressive and noticeable system (especially after running up a flight of stairs!). But there is a second slower and lesser known pathway back to the heart from the body that is provided by the lymphatic system."
Lymphatic Drainage: A Massage to Detox and Tend to Swollen Areas: By Cassandra Goduti

"There are many massage techniques; one that is frequently used and recommended is lymphatic drainage. Bruno Chikly, MD, of France created this technique. Lymphatic drainage is an exact science which is done manually using manual lymphatic mapping. This is something that someone can perform on themselves is done correctly. One thing that does help improve lymphatic drainage is exercise. "

Lymphedema Links

How Do I Know If I Have Lymphedema?: "Lymphedema can develop at any time in any part of the body. Most cases of lymphedema develop in the limbs - arms, legs, but it can also develop in the chest, abdomen, neck, genitalia -to name a few areas."
Precautionary Measures for Lymphedema: "In lymphedema remember that the few remaining lymphatic vessels are very fragile and will not tolerate any heavy massage pressure, e.g., deep tissue massage, Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Rolfing, Hellerwork, etc...."
Edema and Lymphedema: "Clinically, lymphedema is classified as primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema is due to congenital malformations in the lymphatic system such as defective valves or vessels. Secondary or acquired lymphedema, a more common condition, is due to problems with the lymphatic system that occur after birth. Some of the common causes are surgery involving removal of lymph nodes and vessels (e.g., cancer surgery); radiation therapy; spread of cancer to lymph vessels and nodes; scarring of lymph vessels and nodes following infections; and trauma. In developing countries, a common cause of secondary lymphedema is a type of parasitic infestation known as filariasis.."

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Joie Nov 10, 2011 @ 2:17 am | delete

I truly appreciate this lens and am bookmarking it. As a lymphedema patient, I was glad to see the quotation: "In lymphedema remember that the few remaining lymphatic vessels are very fragile and will not tolerate any heavy massage pressure, e.g., deep tissue massage, Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Rolfing, Hellerwork, etc...." Not all massage therapists understand this. Thank you so much for providing this information.

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Sep 10, 2010 @ 9:12 pm | delete

Wow!
I like your lens, very useful and inspiring. thank you.
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Davethegreat Dec 2, 2009 @ 4:38 pm | delete

Thanks for this. I'm writing about related area to the lymph system and I will suggest this to my readers..

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AppalachianCountry May 26, 2009 @ 8:48 am | delete

Nice lens. We had never heard of this. Thank-you for the great info.

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dannystaple Dec 15, 2008 @ 11:41 am | delete

I really need to read more about this - I know far too little about the lymphatic system. GCSE and A-level biology spent a lot of time on digestive and basic circulation - but the lymphatic system is basically left out, as was much on the function of liver. Perhaps things have moved on in 15 years, but when I studied it - it was not mentioned at all.