Indications include:
- Skin Conditions (Acne, Rosacea, Facial Erythrosis, Telangiectasia, Facial Edema, Hematomas, Chronic Eczema, Scars, Keloids, Stretch Marks, Burns)
- Allergies, Chronic Rhinitis or Sinusitis
- Mastodynia (breast pain)
- Arteriosclerosis, Diabetic Ulcers
- Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma, Hematomas, Cerebral Concussion
- Plastic or Cosmetic Surgeries, Dental Surgeries
- Cellulite
- Tendonitis, Tenosynovitis, Epicondylitis, Bursitis
- Migraines, Phantom Pain
- Neurological Conditions (Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Bell’s Palsy)
- Meniere’s Disease, Tinnitus & Acute Hearing Loss
- Digestive Disorders (Constipation, Crohn’s Disease*, Diverticulosis*)
- Rheumatism
*According to Vodder’s Compendium, MLD can be administered as supportive stimulation for Crohn’s disease. However, deep abdominal techniques should not be performed. Foldi’s Textbook considers abdominal MLD a contraindication in Crohn’s disease & Diverticulosis. Celiac disease would likely be included. Deep breathing is okay.
Benefits of manual lymph drainage:
(Ref: Textbook of Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage)
- Relaxation – MLD produces a calming effect on the Sympathetic Nervous System triggering the attraction reflex.
- Pain Reduction – Nociceptors send signals to the brain for the duration of a pain stimulus. Nerve fibers have a collateral pathway to an inhibitory cell which is connected to the “switch-cell” of the pain pathway. When MLD is performed correctly, touch receptors transform this impulse into an inhibition & interrupt the transmission of pain. Note: The inhibitory effect of MLD is not likely to work on very strong pain.
- Tissue Decongestion – MLD removes the lymphatic load consisting of protein, fat,cellular debris & water as well as foreign matter (viruses & bacteria) & inorganic substances (coal, glass, dust, dyes) from soft connective tissue.
- Immunity – MLD speeds up lymph flow, thereby increasing transportation of pathogenic substances to lymph nodes where they are deactivated.
