Welcome to Palms 23 Therapeutic Massage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialist massage treatment. It works directly on the lymphatic system, redirecting the natural drainage pathways of the excess fluid. Manual lymphatic drainage stimulates the blood vessels that keep the blood moving in the right direction toward the heart. Toxins are removed making lymphatic drainage especially effective in tissue regeneration like scars, stretchmarks, and wrinkles. It helps stimulate the immune system (preventive), to help with bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, arthritis acne and eczema, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, auto-immune disease, to stimulate the parasympathetic system for help with stress, depression, insomnia, to reduce pain (analgesic), to reduce muscle spasm, after trauma (whiplash), pre surgical, to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing post-surgical (after 3 days), to help with headache, tinnitus, vertigo and improved digestion and elimination.

Manual lymphatic drainage increases lymphatic circulation and helps detoxify the body. It drains sluggish lymph nodes. We have about 600 – 800 nodes in our body. The purpose of lymphatic drainage is to cleanse and regenerate tissues and organs, and to promote balance of chemistry. It stimulates the movement of the lymph and encourages the formation of lymphocytes that produce antibodies, increasing the body’s resistance to infection. If the tissue has been damaged, MLD helps to stimulate the lymphatic system to remove waste more rapidly around these inflamed tissues sending it back to lymphatic system for removal and cleansing.  The lymphatic system consists of lymph, lymph nodes, and lymph vessels.

MLD is a type of gentle massage technique, the hand is light and rhythmic for superficial draining which works lightly over the skin, equals to very light pressure, sometimes as small as weight of a nickel, or feather light, just enough pressure to stretch the skin. The MLD strokes are intended to stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing.  This gentle yet powerful therapy has a positive effect on the body in many ways. It helps with the relief of over 60 different ailments. MLD is never painful or should not feel discomfort. Compared to traditional massage, the pressure applied with manual lymphatic drainage is much slower in intensity to reach lymph vessels, which lie deeper inside the body. You may feel sensation on the table as lymph fluids starts to move (tingling, coolness in finger and toe, digestive noises). Creams, oil or ointments will not be applied to the skin. Abdominal breathing is important component for the sufficient return of lymphatic fluid back to the bloodstream. It promotes wellbeing, peristalsis (contraction and relaxation of muscles) and return of venous blood back to the heart.

Contraindications:

If you any of these conditions or problems, please consult with your physician.

1. Fever acute infection, early onset inflammatory diseases.

2. Circulatory system problems, especially thrombosis, any risk of embolism or phlebitis.

3. Heart diseases, acute angina pectoris or coronary thrombosis (heart attack).

4. Active bleeding, internal or external.

5. Active malignant cancers, undiagnosed lumps, or tumors.

6. High risk pregnancy.

How to Prepare:

Please keep in mind that you are about to stimulate your body’s most powerful system of detoxification. The lymphatic system is responsible for handling and neutralizing toxins and waste crated from food, pollution and our own body’s daily cellular activities. It is also responsible for housing and transporting immune cells. Possible measuring and photo will be taken of the affected body parts to ensure effectiveness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy. 

1. Eat light and healthy for a few days before and after the lymphatic drainage session. Arrive with an empty stomach or eat light snack prior to your session. Drainage will be performed in the deep abdomen and organs.

2. Drink plenty of water and limit fatty intake will help your body heal itself. Dehydration will severely impair your ability to detoxify and rebuild and may make you feel ill.

3. Do not drink alcohol or consume recreational drugs the night before or immediately after your session. Your liver will be responsible for detoxifying much of the lymphatic system collects.

4. Do not apply lotion to your skin prior to your session. Dry skin contact is more effective for stimulating the stretch response needed by your lymph vessels.

5. Wear loose clothing, such as yoga pants or sweat pants, v- neck shirt or tank top, no buckles, no tight pants and no underwire bra, wear cotton material.

6. Immediately after you session, allow to move around or use the restroom. Your lymph collects toxins and places them into the blood stream for removal. 10 to 15 mins of gentle movement and breathing is recommended. Do some aerobics or gentle yoga or walk around to assist your body in the removal of toxins. Rest, your lymph system will continue for 24-36 hours after treatment.

What happen after Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

You may feel light, relaxed, energized, clear headed, warm, sleepy, may feel nauseous or thirsty.  You may urinate more and the urine may look or smell different.

Self-Care:

The best way to maintain wellness is to drink plenty of water, eat healthy, hydrotherapy, rebounding, dry brush, exercise, and walking.

Sessions:

Client must make a commitment to this therapy as suggested to get the best results.

Periods of treatment will depend on each individual. The usual requirement is an intensive period of 3 times a week or more sessions for 2 weeks.  The number of treatments varies depending on type of MLD you have and what you need and the amount of swelling you have. Because of this a 30 minute Lymph Drainage Session is recommended to begin so that your body does not attempt to cleanse more quickly than its capable of at this time. If you are integrating Lymph Drainage into your 60 minutes massage session, your therapist will start with 10-15 minutes Lymph to see how you respond before increasing the ration of Lymph Drainage therapy. The frequency of treatment is then reduced until only an occasional appointment is required to maintain health state. Communication is important between client and therapist to better manage any changes and progress of this therapy.

Scheduling Appointments: Please be on time for your appointment.

Appointment cancelled less than 24 hours in advanced will be charged 50% off the appointment fee. Appointments for Manual Lymphatic Drainage are 60 – 90 minutes in length.

****There are so many benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and if you never had one a treatment before. Now is definitely the time to get one. ***