LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Manual Lymphatic Drainage - Vodder Method

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a scientifically studied therapeutic massage technique created by Dr. Emil Vodder to increase the efficiency of the lymphatic system and for the treatment of edema in general. 

Tired legs, pregnancy edema, lymphatic edema, post-traumatic edema, secondary lymphoedema of the arm due to breast cancer, recovery after cosmetic surgery, fibromyalgia, are some of the main indications of this therapy.

Difference between manual lymphatic drainage and massage?  

Massage means “moving and kneading the tissue”, drainage means “draining retained lymph”.

Manual lymphatic drainage mobilizes organic substances, toxins, water, mineral salts, fats, etc., which must be eliminated from the body as soon as possible and for this the body uses all available elimination routes.

DLM is a manual massage technique that consists of manually performing those movements that the lymphatic system cannot do by itself.

It uses movements adapted to the body, very agile and diverse, with a very rigorous pressure, about 30-40 Torr in the direction of the lymphatic vessels with an intermittent, repeated and slow rhythm.

Regular practice of DLM reduces stress and helps release muscle tension.
Manual movements are very smooth and always painless for the patient.
The duration of a session varies from case to case, but never less than one hour.
Specific manipulations are aimed at favoring the passage of lymph towards the superficial regional ganglia.
These specific movements act from the space that goes from the deep layers of the skin to the muscular plane and all the elements that are contained in that area.

Main indications of the DLM:

One of the main applications of therapeutic manual lymphatic drainage is in the field of oncology for the treatment of lymphoedema (arm lymphedema, after breast surgery or mastectomy) and pre and post surgical treatments.

It is also used in aesthetics to eliminate cellulite and varicose veins that torment us so much, as well as to give greater muscle tone. It is a technique especially indicated for problems with fluid retention, more frequent in the legs, arms, abdomen and hips and for tired and painful legs.

In addition, by stimulating the immune system, it cleanses the body of toxins and prevents aging.
It has a relaxing and calming effect on the nervous system, stress, insomnia, migraines, vertigo and headaches. 

Other indications: 

Pregnancy edema (prevention of stretch marks, tired legs and edema)
Post operative to improve scars, liposuctions.
Chronic diseases of the respiratory tract (rhinitis, sinusitis)
Edema of traumatic origin (hematomas, dislocations).
Arthritis, arthrosis, tendinitis, and soft tissue inflammation.

Some additional recommendations:

Drink about 2 liters of water a day.
Avoid foods with a lot of fat. Trying to have a diet rich in vegetables and fiber helps to regulate your body.
Follow a diet followed by a nutritionist if necessary.
Avoid standing or sitting in the same place for a long time. If this is not possible, wear compression stockings.
Avoid crossing your legs as it disfavors the body's automatic lymphatic drainage and facilitates
varicose vein formation.
Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight.
If you have had a mastectomy, avoid wearing rings, bracelets, bras that are too tight and anything else that could obstruct return circulation. Wear a compression sleeve when exercising or traveling by plane.
Walk an hour a day, and exercise.
Depending on the case, perform 10-15 DLM sessions twice a year and perform maintenance once or twice a month.
Sleep with the bed a little higher in case of leg edema.

Try a DLM session and feel its beneficial effects.