Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for Detoxification
What does the Lymphatic System do?
Aids the immune system in destroying pathogens and filtering waste, to clear the fluid to return to the circulatory system.
Removes excess fluid, waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, cancer cells and toxins.
Delivers nutrients, oxygen, and hormones from the blood to the cells that make up the tissues of the body.
How does the Lymphatic System work?
Blood flow compared to Lymphatic flow. The bloodstream is pumped by the heart. It flows through the body and is cleansed by being filtered through the kidneys. The lymphatic system does not have a pump to aid in its flow, instead this system is designed so that lymph only flows upward through the body traveling from the extremities (feet and hands) and upward through the body toward the neck. As it travels through the body, lymph passes through lymph nodes where it is filtered. At the base of the neck, the lymph enters the subclavian veins and once again becomes plasma in the bloodstream.
Right subclavian lymph drainage area.
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Left subclavian lymph drainage area.
Lymphatic Nodes
There are between 600-700 lymph nodes present in the average human body. It is the role of these nodes to filter the lymph before it can be returned to the circulatory system.
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In another section of the node, lymphocytes, which are specialized white blood cells, kill pathogens that might be present. Lymph nodes can also trap cancer cells and slow the growth of cancer until they are overwhelmed by it.
Why is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for Detoxification helpful?
Since the Lymphatic system doesn't have a pump, like the heart in the cardiovascular system, it assists the lymph nodes move the fluid and toxins through the body. Additionally, our environment is filled with toxins in the water, air and food we eat which can clog the lymph nodes causing fluid to build up in the body. When performing MLD we first pump the lymph nodes in order to help unclog any existing blockages.
What can I expect from this MLD Detox technique?
The technique begins with the application of Castor Oil applied to the client's abdomen, which is then covered with a flannel towel and then finally a hot water bottle. The placement of the oil and bottle is over the main lymphatic node located just above the spine which begins the cleansing of this crucial structure *Cisterna Chyli". The therapist will then perform lymphatic drainage on the top of the feet, followed by the neck, face and scalp. The next step is to dry brush the arms and legs followed by lymph massage to the extremities. Foot reflexology is performed before removing the hot water bottle and turning to apply the technique to the back of legs and the back.