Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle massage which is intended by proponents to encourage the natural circulation of the lymph through the body. The lymph system depends on intrinsic contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymph vessels (peristalsis) and the movement of skeletal muscles to propel lymph through the vessels to lymph nodes, and then beyond the lymph nodes to the lymph ducts which return lymph to the cardiovascular system. Manual lymph drainage uses a specific amount of pressure (less than 9 ounces per square inch) and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate lymph flow.

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage was pioneered by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930s for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and other immune disorders. While working on the French Riviera treating patients with chronic colds, Dr Emil Vodder and his wife Dr. Estrid Vodder noticed these patients had swollen lymph nodes. In the 1930s, it was considered taboo to tamper with the lymphatic system due to the medical profession's poor understanding of this system. The Vodders were not deterred by this, and in 1932 began to study the lymph system, and developed careful hand movements to cause lymph movement. In 1936 after four years of research they introduced this technique in Paris, France.

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MLD can benefit conditions such as:

• Lymphodema
• Aching limbs
• Oedema
• Stress
• Tiredness
• Sprains
• Arthritis
• Cellulite - regular treatments can maintain improvement
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) & fibromyalgia
• After Liposuction Abdominoplasty Cosmetic Surgery
• Sports injuries
• Regeneration of tissue including burns, wounds, scars
• Assisting with weight loss
• Headaches & Migraine
• Alleviation of Adiposis and Cellulite tissue
• Relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality along with poor memory
• Immune system support
• Lymphoedema of various origins (Primary & Secondary)