Studies are beginning to demonstrate how proper lymph
flow is essential if your body is to remain disease-free.
Additionally, obstructed or poor lymphatic drainage has
been linked to two of the most common forms of cancer
(breast and prostrate) and plays a pivotal role in the
metastasis of various forms of cancer throughout the
body.
When most people refer to lymphatic massage they use
the term "manual lymphatic drainage(MLD), which was
coined by Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid, when they
first presented their research to a 1936 medical symposium
held in Paris. The Vodders had achieved very profound
effects using very specific low-pressure movements.
When the skin is lightly stretched, lymph vessels in
the skin first open and then are stimulated to contract and
move lymoh fluid along. Rather than a straight stretch,
however, Dr Vodder felt the effect was even more
pronounced when a slight circular or spiral component
was added to the motion.
Based on his research, one would apply a light pressure
to the skin in the proper direction using a circular motion.
After making five to seven expanding spirals that move
gradually toward the node, relax any pressure you've
applied with your fingers--but don't remove your fingers
from the surface of your skin. Keeping the fingers in
contact with the skin allows the lymphatic valves to
close and the lymph to be sucked further down the
lymphatic channels. You will develop a rhythm and
proper speed to the massage as you gain experience.
From the illustrations, you can see the direction that
the lymph needs to move. It's important that you follow
the proper direction since forcing lymph in the wrong
direction can damage the small lymph vessel valves.
It's always best to refer to the drawings since the lymph
channels don't flow straight toward the thoracic duct.
In draining the different quadrants of the breast, for
example, you need to massage in different directions.
Where you begin your massaging action is also
extremely important. With most massage techniques,
the general goal is to increase blood flow to the heart
by starting at the furthest points and massaging toward
the heart. IN LYMPHATIC MASSAGE, HOWEVER, ALWAYS
BEGIN YOUR MASSAGE NEAREST THE NODE THAT YOU'RE
DRAINING TO(CHECK THE ACCOMPANYING CHARTS
RELATING TO THE BODY PART YOU'RE WORKING ON.
Start about four inches(one hand-width) away from
the node and begin to push the lymph toward the node.
When you reach the node, slide your fingers lightly back
about eight inches(two hand-widths) and massage to
your original starting point. Continue the process to
the end of the line--always pushing the lymph fluid
in the direction of the node.
This procedure clears the lymph in front of the node
so more fluid can move to the node. It also creates
suction that pulls more fluid down the path.
