What is it?
Experienced as a gentle form of massage, manual lymphatic drainage involves the practitioner applying gentle rhythmic pumping and stroking techniques with the hands to the skin in order to stimulate the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system, which is situated just under the skin, plays an important role in the immune system and the elimination of waste from the body.
What does it treat?
Manual lymphatic drainage is considered a valuable component in the treatment and control of lymphoedema. It is also believed to aid the healing of fractures, torn ligaments and sprains and relieves fluid congestion, swollen ankles, tired, puffy eyes, headaches and swollen legs during pregnancy. Chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and sinusitis may improve following manual lymphatic drainage. Manual lymphatic drainage is used by some healthy people as part of a detox programme or general health maintenance. It is also becoming popular as a pre-operative and post-operative therapy in continental Europe. It is not recommended for those with acute inflammatory or infectious conditions.
A first timer's experience:
(47-year-old secretary): Before beginning the treatment, I had to fill in a form with all my medical history and some details about my diet and levels of exercise. I was asked to lie on my back on the treatment bench. The therapist began with light massage strokes on my neck, under my chin and behind my ears. She moved on to the area between my neck and shoulders, using light feathery sweeping motions. She had good hands and used good positive strokes throughout. I felt very relaxed. She moved on to my tummy area with light brush strokes. While doing this, she asked me to practise deep abdominal breathing. She picked up that I have a particular sensitivity in this area and later showed me how to do some of the strokes myself to help relieve pain here. Then she gave me a facial massage, concentrating on areas of tightness she noticed across the bridge of my nose and above my eyes. I left the hour-long session feeling slightly elated and very relaxed. She advised me to drink plenty of water and not to worry if I needed to go to the toilet frequently for the rest of the day.
An advocate's view:
Maurice Goldwater (60) is unable to work due to severe lymphoedema. "I started putting on weight about 16 years ago and I couldn't figure out why, as I wasn't an overeater. I just got heavier and heavier and didn't find the reason for this until three years ago on a visit to the US. While there, I discovered that I had primary lymphoedema, which is severe swelling of the body due to an accumulation of fluids. I heard about the Vodder clinic in Austria (where special techniques have been developed to treat lymphoedema) and signed myself in for three weeks. There I had the full Vodder decongestive therapy - manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy with bandaging, exercises and breathing.
I lost five to six stones in three weeks. Since my return from Austria, I have been having manual lymphatic drainage at least once a week to stabilise my condition. Some days I feel fine and other days I'm not so good. If I get sore, I go for a treatment and feel much better afterwards.
The medical view:
Dr Muiris Houston, Irish Times Medical Correspondent, says: "Lymphoedema in cancer patients can be caused by blockage of the lymphatics by a tumour or as a result of previous radiotherapy or surgery. It results in severe swelling, pain and loss of mobility. It can be treated by a combination of therapies, including gentle massage which stimulates the lymphatics near the skin. This helps the accumulated fluid drain more efficiently, reduces swelling and relieves discomfort. It is a recognised form of therapy in this condition."
There are six practitioners affiliated to Manual Lymphatic Drainage Ireland. Tel: 01-2863971. There are, however, other fully qualified practitioners who are not members of this association. Most practitioners are also fully trained physical therapists or massage therapists. A single treatment costs £30 to £40.
