Lymph Drainage Therapy
Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is a hands-on method of lymphatic drainage developed by Dr. Bruno Chikly, MD, DO.
Dr. Chikly's work in traditional medicine, osteopathy and lymphology impacted his creation of LDT. In 1994, he earned the prestigious "Medal of the Medical Faculty of Paris VI" for his in-depth research on the lymphatic system and lymph drainage technique.
LDT takes traditional lymph drainage techniques and adds a new level of precision in keeping with the latest scientific discoveries and exact anatomical science. This technique is designed to attain and sustain proper functioning of the human fluid system. The LDT process involves the use of gentle manual maneuvers to aid in the recirculation of body fluids. While the exact amount of pressure applied depends on the area and pathology involved, it usually equates to very little pressure. By using this technique, trained therapists are able to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth & quality of the lymph flow anywhere in the body.
Why is Lymph Drainage Important for Wellness?
The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to drain stagnant fluids, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances and to maintain a healthy immune system. It is a complex system comprised primarily of lymph vessels and nodes working in cooperation to accomplish these tasks. Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the pumping of the heart to circulate its blood flow, lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular units contracting throughout the body to propel lymph flow. These contractions enable the lymph vessels to transport numerous substances (i.e., proteins, toxins, hormones, fatty acids, immune cells) to lymph nodes for processing. The action of these muscular units can be hindered due to surgery, trauma, burns, infections, parasites, substantial swelling, fatigue, stress or age. When the lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate which compromises normal cellular functioning, speeds up the aging process and leads to illness within the body.
Benefits of Lymph Drainage Therapy
LDT works to help recirculate body fluids, stimulate functioning for the immune system and balancing of the autonomic nervous system. It is shown that when these actions are accomplished, the results may be:
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Reduction in edema (swelling)
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Relief of chronic and subacute inflammation and conditions such as acne, eczema and allergies
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Immune system stimulation for preventive and therapeutic effects
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Regeneration of tissues (e.g., from burns and pre- and post-surgical scarring) and anti-aging effects
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Detoxification of the body
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Reducing congestion within the liver and gallbladder
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Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, depression, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory
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Antispastic actions to relieve conditions such as voluntary or involuntary muscle hypertonus
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Reduction in the symptoms of autoimmune, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia & other chronic health conditions
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Alleviation of adiposis and cellulite tissues