In the human body, dead cells, waste products and similar substances are transported out of the body with the lymph fluid. The lymphatic system is a widely branched network, which is not unlike the cardiovascular system. However, if there is a disturbance in this system, it can lead to unpleasant and joking swellings, which are often caused by a manual lymph drainage can be fixed.
What is manual lymphatic drainage?
The manual lymph drainage is a special form of therapy from the field of physical application areas. Manual lymphatic drainage focuses on decongesting swollen areas of the body, especially in the extremities. These can tend to swell after tumor removal, surgery or injury, which leads to tension and pain.
The manual lymphatic drainage consists of various hand movements in the form of grip and massage techniques. These techniques should not only move the lymph fluid towards the neck, but also activate the entire lymphatic system.
Manual lymph drainage may only be used and billed by trained specialists, mostly physiotherapists or masseurs, who have completed additional training in this area. The therapists use various techniques such as circular movements, pumping, plucking, cupping and twisting handles.
Function, effect, application & goals
The manual lymph drainage is used in various areas. In particular, after a lymph node removal as a result of a tumor disease, it can help the patient. Because lymph nodes that are removed can lead to swelling, the so-called lymphedema.
As part of manual lymph drainage, the first step is to try to stimulate the remaining lymph vessels so that the lymph fluid can be better transported away. Subsequently, the application of compression bandages prevents the lymph from flowing back. This first step of decongesting and softening the affected areas should be done daily or at least several times a week.
In the second phase of manual lymph drainage in tumor patients, the lymph fluid is only prevented from flowing back in order to maintain the goal of decongestion. But even after operations or injuries, fluid can be stored in the connective tissue. In this case, this is made up of blood and water retention.
In the event of such an injury, manual lymphatic drainage should move the fluid from the connective tissue into the lymphatic system so that it can be transported away. Shifting techniques are mostly used, which are carried out in a circle.
But manual lymphatic drainage is also used in the wellness area for relaxation or for special skin problems such as acne or cellulite. In acne treatment, manual lymphatic drainage can help remove toxins and other substances before they lead to inflammation in the form of pimples. The complexion can be improved enormously.
In the case of cellulite, existing congestion should be resolved and the superfluous fluid deposits removed from the connective tissue. Manual lymphatic drainage can support cellulite treatment, but it can never effectively fight it on its own. In order to effectively combat cellulite, regular exercise, a healthy diet and alternating showers are also important.
Other areas of application for manual lymphatic drainage can be nerve pain, some forms of migraine or severe mucus build-up as part of a respiratory disease.
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➔ Medicines against edema and water retentionRisks, side effects & dangers
Usually a professional recovers Lymphatic drainage no risks or side effects. However, there are certain contraindications that limit the scope of manual lymphatic drainage.
If the heart is weak or water has accumulated in the legs due to a heart disease, manual lymphatic drainage can worsen the patient's state of health, as the heart is additionally overloaded.
The same applies to organ disorders of the kidneys, liver or the circulatory system. Manual lymph drainage can lead to further damage to the affected organs.
Furthermore, this form of physical therapy must be avoided in the case of blood coagulation disorders or thromboses. Even with inflammatory processes, increased body temperature or acute allergic reactions, the use of manual lymphatic drainage can do more harm than good and should therefore be carefully considered.
However, unprofessional lymph drainage can result in additional destruction of the lymph vessels or a further increase in the amount of lymph. However, due to the good specialist training, such side effects of manual lymphatic drainage are not to be expected from trained therapists.
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