Supporting Your Lymph Flow & Immune System

Please click on a therapy for further information:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage – Vodder Method
Lymphatic System
Lymphoedema

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE – VODDER METHOD

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an advanced therapy technique developed during the 1930’s by Danish therapists Dr Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid Vodder.  It was designed specifically to improve the functioning of the lymphatic system, and on-going worldwide lymphology research today still continues to demonstrate its proven worth in influencing congestion of the lymphatic system, positive therapeutic benefits on the nervous system and its far reaching impact on other systems of the body.

MLD despite its name is actually a non-invasive, gentle, soothing and relaxing type of specialised massage therapy.  Lymph drainage within the body is a natural process, but sometimes it may require a little help to make it more efficient, resulting in better health and general well being.  When used as part of an intensive treatment programme, MLD maximises the potential of your lymphatic system, through the use of specific, light, rhythmic pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of your lymph flow.  This in turn encourages the contraction of the lymphatic vessels, clearing pathways to allow areas of build up and excess fluid to drain away from the connective tissues.  By stimulating the lymphatic vessels allows for greater removal of metabolic waste products/toxins, excess fluid from the body’s tissues, and also has an effect in the transport of substances vital to the defence of your body’s systems.  Promoting an improved environment for healthy tissue growth; speedier healing and recovery after - illness, injury or surgery; plus it’s a great tonic for restoring your energy and strength.  If your body is overly stressed it may leave you a bit more susceptible to physical illness.  A well functioning lymphatic system contributes to healthy body tissue and plays an important part in your body’s immune responses.

MLD can form a vital component in the treatment and on-going management of Lymphoedema (both Primary and Secondary) related conditions.  Becoming part of a regime of treatment options known as Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), utilising a combination of different techniques to support you in the reduction and long term management if you have lymphoedema.  CDT generally comprises of one or several of the following – MLD, multi-layer bandaging, skin care, moderate exercise, Simple Lymphatic Drainage, and the use of compression garments to maintain your condition once good results have been achieved.

In addition to this MLD can also offer many other beneficial therapeutic applications due to its far reaching effects, sitting comfortably in both the medical and complementary therapy world.  Due to MLD’s light and gentle approach it encourages deep profound calm and relaxation, which allows your body’s own natural healing process to take place.  To gain the maximum benefit from your MLD sessions it is advisable that you have an intense course of treatment initially, to give your lymphatic system a boost and to maintain the momentum gained, to achieve the best results.  Thereafter, further treatments if required, can be spaced apart depending on your needs. 

Your first visit will include an in-depth initial consultation where you will be asked questions about your general health and medical history.  Where necessary, and before treatment can commence, this may include working in conjunction with your General Practitioner or Consultant to ensure that MLD or CDT is the best therapy to meet your current needs at this time.

Benefits and support to you...

• Provides essential treatment in the management and maintenance of Lymphoedema (Primary and Secondary) related conditions, including advice, guidance plus on-going monitoring
• Reduces fluid congestion from swollen ankles to puffy eyes
• Aids variety of other chronic health related conditions – sinusitis, arthritis, scleroderma
• Assists conditions arising from venous insufficiency
• Excellent as a preventative measure to enhance your general health and well being
• Benefits skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne
• Improves and naturally clears the skin, leading to better skin tone, great as a facial therapy
• MLD has a tonic effect on intestinal peristalsis, which in turn will aid digestive related problems
• Indirectly also affects the immune system by bringing pathogens quicker to the lymph nodes where they can be neutralised
• Light, gentle, calming and profoundly relaxing to provide emotional and or physical stress relief
• Contributes to healthy body tissue + body’s immune responses
• Encourages the body’s healing process and can improve the appearance of burns, wounds + scar tissue
• Minimises or reduces the appearance of stretch marks, puffy ankles and swollen legs during pregnancy
• Alleviates swelling which may occur as a result of breast cancer surgery and treatment – secondary lymphoedema
• Reduces fluid retention at the time of PMS
• Beneficial pre and post cosmetic surgery to support a faster healing process, reducing swelling, inflammation and bruising
• Encourages the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains
• MLD can help to reduce swelling and inflammation that can sometimes lead to discomfort or pain
• Can be an aid to the body during a cleansing/detox programme
• Recommended by fertility expert Zita West if preparing and supporting your body for IVF related treatment.  Supporting the vascular system to aid transport of hormones and nutrients to cells

Starting your journey, expect...

A therapy that consists of gentle, pumping, circular, and palm movements to encourage and improve the flow of lymph fluid within the lymphatic system.  Touch that is light enough to encourage relaxation and allow you to gain the best from your treatment.

Your first visit to Simply Holistic Therapies will include an initial consultation of 15-30 minutes, where you will be asked questions about your general health and well being.  Depending on your current health, this may include having to liaise with your health care professional to ensure this is the right therapy for you, and that you gain the optimum benefit from an agreed treatment plan.

The number and frequency of your sessions will be governed by your health condition.  No oils or powders are used which makes this therapy safe for you if you have sensitive skin.

Therapy sessions can be booked for 60 minutes or 90 minutes.

Pauline completed her final training and qualified in MLD and CDT at the well renowned Dr Vodder Schule and clinic Austria, tutored by Professor Hildegard Wittlinger, and is required to attend reviews every 2 years to maintain her qualification and practice of MLD & CDT.

To request an appointment or further information please complete an enquiry form by clicking here

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LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

The lymphatic system is a vital element within the body, and an addition to the blood circulatory system that governs our immune system, general health and well being.  The blood circulatory system supplies every part of the body with water and proteins via the blood vessels/capillaries.  You have fluid constantly passing through your body’s tissues from the blood capillaries.  Once taken up by the lymphatic vessels it is referred to as ‘lymph’, which is transported in a single direction towards areas containing lymph nodes - little cleaning stations where waste products are removed, before the clean lymph fluid is returned to the bloodstream.  On returning to the bloodstream it is eventually eliminated as urine from the body in the usual way.  The lymphatic system supports your vascular system in the movement of essential hormones and nutrients to the cells, in addition to the removal of waste products.

The lymphatic system is made up of an intricate network of drainage pathways and lymph nodes around the body, and is an important way for extra fluid and waste products to be cleared away from cells and body tissues.  It essentially drains fluid, filters lymph, filters the blood, and fights infection.  The lymph system forms a significant part of your immune system, helping your body to fight infection, and is responsible for cleansing your tissues and maintaining a natural balance of fluids in your body.

The transportation of lymph is dependent on muscle movement (moderate exercise) and the contraction of the vessels themselves to push the fluid along.   The gentleness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, along with deep breathing can also help to encourage the movement of lymph more effectively, thereby having massive health benefits.

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LYMPHOEDEMA

Lymphoedema is the term generally used to describe a visible swelling that can develop anywhere in the body, but it is most commonly seen in the extremities (arms and legs) due to a problem with the lymphatic drainage system.  The lymph system because of damaged or blocked drainage channels gets to a point where it is no longer able to drain the build up of fluid and waste products contained within the tissues of the body.  There are many reasons that can lead to different stages of lymphoedema occurring, some of which are due to known congenital factors; external causes that can be easily identified; or in some cases the trigger or cause remains unknown.

Lymphoedema can result in many changes taking place mainly in the skin and underlying tissues. The term ‘chronic oedema’ is used when the condition has been present for some months or even years.  If left untreated, there is the potential for it to worsen over time.  The key terms used to describe lymphoedema include:

Primary Lymphoedema - this may be present at birth, puberty or at any time during mid-life as a result of an under developed lymphatic system; or the cause could remain unknown.

Secondary lymphoedema - refers to a known cause:

• the result of cancer itself impacting on the lymphatic system
• following the treatment for cancer – surgery and radiotherapy
• because of accident, injury or trauma resulting in damage to the lymph vessels affecting drainage
• venous insufficiency
• recurring infections
• other general surgeries involving lymph node removal.

Swellings can occur anywhere within the body for a variety of reasons, so if you suspect that you could have lymphoedema it is important to see your General Practitioner or Consultant to get it checked to obtain a formal diagnosis and where feasible identify the underlying cause.  Your health care professional may also be able to discuss with you the potential range of referral options for treatment and the long term management of your condition.   If lymphoedema is left untreated, there is a risk that it may worsen over time.  There are positive ways that you can control and manage your symptoms, which in the long term will give you a better quality of life, inner confidence leading towards a psychological acceptance of your condition over time.

To request an appointment or further information please complete an enquiry form by clicking here

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