Lymph Drainage Therapy

The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body's ability to operate at peak performance. This system drains fluids, detoxifies and regenerates tissues, filters out toxins and foreign substances and helps us maintain a healthy immune system. If lymph circulation stagnates however, toxins accumulate and compromise cellular functioning, which opens the way to physical ailments. Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is an original hands-on method of lymph drainage developed by French physician Bruno Chikly. It offers a highly efficient approach to working with the lymphatic and other fluid systems. While its concepts are based on traditional procedures, LDT is the first modality to teach practitioners how to manually attune the specific rhythm, pressure, quality and direction of the lymph flow by using a combination of precise anatomical science and distinct manual techniques.

Bruno Chikly, MD, DO (hon.)

With training, practitioners can learn to perform a lymphatic "mapping" of the superficial and deep lymphatic pathways. Using their hands, they can to assess the specific directions of lymph flow and areas of congestion and fibrosis-before, during and after treatment-by using a procedure called Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM). MLM allows the practitioner to manually determine the most efficient alternative pathways in the presence of fluid stagnation. As an advanced practitioner, training is given to interact with the fluids at different levels, from the most superficial cutaneous circulation to that of the mucosa, muscles, tendons, periosteum and viscera.

Techniques are performed with hands and fingers simulating gentle, wave-like movements. They are neither tiring nor straining but light-touch and easy to use. These subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems. It is shown that when these actions are accomplished, the results can be:

• Reduction in edemas (swelling) and lymphedemas of various origins.
• Detoxification of the body.
• Relief of numerous chronic and subacute inflammations, including sinusitis, bronchitis and otitis.
• Relief of chronic pain.
• Regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds, stretch marks and wrinkles. Stimulation of the immune system.
• Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
• Antispastic actions to relieve conditions such as muscle hypertonus and some forms of constipation.
• Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory.
• Anti-aging effects.
• Alleviation of adiposis and cellulite tissue.