What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is part of two bodily systems, the circulatory system and the immune system, therefore it has several important functions. It consists of lymph fluid, vessels that transport lymph, and organs such as the spleen, thymus and lymph nodes. It consists of a multitude of vessels that transport fluid throughout the body, and finish draining into the thoracic duct or the right lymphatic duct, then return to the heart.

There are more lymphatic vessels than blood vessels, and more lymph fluid than blood in the body, so it is an important system! What does it do? The lymphatic system maintains the bodies fluid volume, absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system, eliminates toxic by-products of organs such as the liver, colon, kidneys, lungs and skin, and transports immune competent cells around the body.

What is lymphatic drainage massage used to treat?

Most definitely fluid retention, swollen knees/ankles, sinusitis (which is what MLD was used to originally treat!), headaches, sore dry eyes, lymphoedema, pain relief/anti-inflammatory, carpal tunnel syndrome, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Skin conditions like eczema and acne, Pre and post wisdom tooth removal, fibromyalgia, bruising, oedema during pregnancy, sporting injuries, Tennis elbow, Golfers elbow, and arthritis. We specialise in post operative manual lympahtic drainage, and treat cosmetic

Are there contraindications to manual lymphatic drainage massage?

You will need clearance from your GP if you have any of the following:

· Acute inflammation caused by bacteria, virus, poision or allergen. This is because MLD will move these substances into the lymph drainage channels before the body has had a chance to eliminate them through phagocytosis.

· Malignant tumours

· Thrombosis and phlebitis, as a lymphatic drainage could lead to free floating tumours

· Localised skin changes

· Sclerosis in a specific area, especially near the cervical artery

· Heart valve insufficiency or asthma due to heart problems, this is because MLD will put more pressure on the heart due to the increase in circulating fluid

What does a lymphatic drainage massage involve?

In lymphatic massage we have to both activate the lymph nodes, and then pushing the fluid towards the activated lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are everywhere! We can find them in all the creases in our bodies… In our armpits, behind our knees, in our groin, the bend in our elbows, and other places such as around the breast, our neck, chin, and deep in our abdomen.

How many lymphatic drainage treatments will I need?

Please note to have the best effect, we recommend 3 treatments as close together as possible. With 2 times a week providing the best results. Please understand that lymphatic drainage is not a one-off treatment. However if you are seeking lymphatic drainage massage for post surgical care, you can have MLD every day if required. Lymphatic drainage aids recovery and healing.

Is lymphatic drainage good for abdominal bloating?

Yes! We offer a lymphatic drainage + abdominal lymphatic drainage treatment. This is suitable for IBS, bloating and constipation.

Is lymphatic drainage painful?

Not at all! It is a very gentle treatment, most people fall to sleep! However, we do work deeper in the abdomen and this area can feel tense and tight, apart from that, it is a calming gentle treatment working only on the fluid just beneath the skin, and not on the deeper muscles.

What is manual lymphatic drainage?

Manual lymphatic drainage massage is a very gentle, light, and rhythmic technique that encourages the circulation of lymph fluid.

As lymph drainage is working with fluid imagine if your hands are gliding over water, all you need is a very gentle touch to create a ripple.

There are a number of contraindications to MLD, please see the FAQs in the next column before booking

Where did lymphatic drainage massage come from - how did lymphatic drainage massage develop?

“Working in the south of France in the 1930s with patients who had chronic sinusitis and diffuse acne, Dr Vodder had the insight to “drain” the stagnant areas associated with these conditions toward the neck. He later realized that he was working with lymphatic pathways, which led him to develop manual techniques that departed from the heavy-pressure techniques of Swedish massage. Dr Vodder presented his technique, called manual lymph drainage (MLD)”

How will I feel after a lymphatic drainage massage? Are there any side effects?

We always say you will feel better, worse or nothing! A big key to feeling good and getting the best results is drinking water before and after your lymphatic massage.

Some people feel nothing during and/or after a treatment, or they may feel the effects the next day or two.

Good effects:

The body may feel clean, light, pure

· The mind clear, sharp, expanded

· Rejuvenated -feel younger

· Improved memory

· Improved acuity of senses -taste, smell, distance and colour vision

· May feel like life is more fluid and harmonious

· Emotional: you may want to cry, sigh, yawn during the session

· Some joints may ‘adjust’ themselves, as part of a general release of tension

· Energy level might increase due to cleansing and deletion of ‘trapped’ proteins and toxins

· Sleep: may feel a pleasant tiredness and sleep more. Or may feel so energised that they will stay awake till late, and not be tired in the morning

I’ve read that you can feel worse after a lymphatic drainage treatment?

Yes, that is true! Our lymphatic system is our waste disposal system, and we are making that flow much much faster than it naturally does! in fact naturally 1.5- 2 litres of lymph slowly circulates in the body, after lymphatic drainage this can increase to 10-20 litres per day!

Not-so-pleasant effects:

· Nausea, sluggish, muscle aches, pain, fatigue (if these do not last they usually indicate the release of toxins)

· Urinary reactions: may urinate more often and/or in greater quantity. May be very concentrated at the beginning, but will become clearer. There may also be a strong odour.

· Some joints may ‘adjust’ themselves, as part of a general release of tension

· Energy level might increase due to cleansing and deletion of ‘trapped’ proteins and toxins.

How much does lymphatic drainage massage cost in Melbourne?

Our pricing:

Initial 60 mins: $130

Return 60 mins: $120

If you are covered for remedial massage with your private health insurance, you can claim for lymphatic drainage.