lymph drainage therapy
Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is an innovative and unique hands-on method of lymphatic drainage that was developed by
French medical doctor and osteopathic physician Bruno Chikly. It was created out of Dr. Chikly's award-winning research on the
lymphatic system.
One very specialized LDT technique acquired by trained practitioners is Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM). Learning this so-
called "listening" skill enables the LDT practitioner to palpate the tissues and detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth, and
quality of the lymphatic fluid flow anywhere in the body. MLM is an important tool that is used in both the evaluation and
treatment processes, especially when addressing edemas and lymphedemas.
As part of the LDT treatment process, the skilled therapists use their hands to assess and enhance the overall lymphatic circulation.
They can identify specific areas in the body that have restrictions and impaired fluid flow within the lymphatic system, and then
determine the most appropriate pathways for draining the stagnant fluids (lymph, interstitial, synovial, etc). Some of the more
skilled therapists develop an increased sensitivity that enable them to perceive and respond accordingly to the subtle changes taking
place in the tissues as they are being treated.
LDT is performed by gently and precisely palpating the lymphatic fluid flow within its surrounding connective tissues and then
distinctively stretching the tissues in accordance with the rhythmic cycle of the fluid flow, towards the most appropriate pathways
for optimal drainage. LDT works through the body's lymphatic and fascial systems to improve lymphatic circulation, and either
directly or indirectly, activates other physiological systems, including the immune system and the parasympathetic nervous system
(relaxation).
LDT can be applied to a myriad of tissues: skin, muscles, tendons, membranes, organs, nerves, dura mater (the tough outer
membrane that covers and protects the brain & spinal cord). LDT also includes other advanced techniques such as Lympho-Fascial
Release (LFR), which simultaneously releases lesions in the fascia and drains the fluids. LFR is especially beneficial when
addressing fibrosis (scar tissue). Another advanced technique is LDT Articulation Fluid Release (LAFR). This technique focuses on
the synovial fluids to help release the joints of the body.
LDT techniques are gentle and relaxing, and are very effective in promoting pain relief, stress reduction, tissue regeneration, tissue
oxygenation, detoxification, and good overall health & well-being.
BENEFITS
There are many disorders that can be helped through the application of LDT. The following is a partial list of conditions that can
respond favorably as a result of LDT treatments:
Circulatory
Circulatory Fluid Stagnation (lymph, interstitial, synovial, arterial/venous blood, cerebrospinal)
Edema
Lymphedema
High Blood Pressure
Musculo-Skeletal
Muscle Spasms/Cramps
Muscle Strains/Tears
Tendonitis/Bursitis
Ligament Sprains/Tears
Bone Fractures
Joint Mobility Impairment
Digestive
Chronic Gastritis (prolonged inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach)
Chronic Colitis (prolonged inflammation of the colon)
Diverticulitis (inflammation of a diverticulum in the wall of the colon)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (spastic colon)
Chronic Constipation
Chronic Hepatitis (prolonged inflammation of the liver)
Chronic Cholecystitis (prolonged inflammation of the gall bladder)
Chronic Pancreatitis (prolonged inflammation of the pancreas)
Respiratory
Chronic Bronchitis
Bronchial Asthma
Hay Fever
Neurological
Headaches/Migraines
Vertigo (a sensation of a spinning or rotational motion)
Strokes
Facial Paralysis
Bell's Palsy (weakness or paralysis in the muscles of the face)
Facial Neuralgia (facial nerve pain)
Ear, Nose & Throat
Hearing Loss
Chronic Otitis (prolonged inflammation of the ears)
Chronic Rhinitis (prolonged inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane)
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic Laryngitis
Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic Tonsillitis
Surgical
Pre-Surgery (LDT prepares the tissues for trauma; it drains the tissues and opens up the lymphatic pathways to help prevent post-
surgical edema)
Post-Surgery (LDT expedites the healing process; it assists in the prevention of edema and in the reduction or prevention of scar
tissue; it can have a pain-relieving effect and help to prevent infections)
Lymphadenectomy (the removal of lymph nodes during a surgical procedure)
Miscellaneous
Pain (LDT inhibits the action of nociceptors, the mechanisms involved in receiving and transmitting painful or injurious stimuli)
Immune System Deficiency (LDT increases lymph flow, which in turn carries more antigens to the lymph nodes, and thus increases
antigen/antibody contact; this process enhances the functioning of the immune system)
Parasympathetic Nervous System Deficiency (stimulation of the lymphatics enhances parasympathetic nervous system functioning,
thereby promoting relaxation; at the same time, the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system is diminished, thereby
decreasing excitation or the “fight or flight” response)
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) (typically associated with Graves' Disease)
Other Eye Disorders
Various Skin Disorders
Various Dental Problems
Arthritis
Certain Auto-Immune Diseases
Gout
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Stress
Sleeping Disorders
Toxicity Issues
Menstrual Problems