By Jeannie Poirier

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a precise and light pressure massage therapy technique that works on the lymphatic vessels. It mechanically stimulates and enhances the flow of lymph throughout the body’s tissues. It also helps to support the healthy function of the immune system, as well as affecting your autonomic nervous system, thereby causing an overall pleasant and relaxing effect.

This gentle technique is a rhythmic, manual stretching and release of the skin as performed by skilled, certified therapists. MLD attempts to eliminate waste products from the connective tissue and improve the metabolic environment for the body’s cells. It can be applied to carefully re-route lymph flow around and away from blocked, swollen areas to other healthy functioning lymph vessels. Re-routing aids to reduce swelling, increase mobility and decrease pain.
ABOUT THE VODDER METHOD

Dr. Vodder is the founding father of the Manual Lymph Drainage Technique and opened the first schools in Europe and North America. The Vodder Method of MLD is a complex and precise method. Dr. Vodder’s therapists are required to attend review courses every two years, promoting continued therapeutic success.
SOME BENEFITS

• Relieves heaviness, tightness, swelling and pain in the limbs of clients suffering
  from lymphedema.
• Increase overall relaxation by decreasing stress levels.
• Relieves retention of fluids during pregnancy and menstrual cycle.
• During pregnancy regular treatments helps to reduce or avoid stretch marks.
• Decrease local edemas and hematomas from orthopedic surgery, cosmetic surgery scars, and burn scars; leading to a decrease in healing time and increase in client mobility.
• Decreases venous and arterial ulcers by decreasing micro edemas and increasing nutrient supply.

ABOUT LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENTS

Lymphedema treatment generally requires a Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDL) which involves Manual Lymph Drainage and the application of compression bandages or stockings. The type and amount of lymphedema present determine the frequency of treatments. The initial treatment will include patient health history, edema assessment and formulation of a treatment plan by therapist and patient.

ABOUT JEANNIE POIRIER AND ANDREA STEYLEN

Jeannie and Andrea are honor graduates of Northumberland College School of Massage Therapy. Following this, they successfully completed the 160-hour training course in the Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

Jeannie and Andrea currently practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the Interlude Spa Retreat. You can contact them at:
58 Ochterlony Street, Darthmouth, NS
B3Y 1C2
Tel: (902) 469-2700
www.interlude@interlude.com For more information visit www.interlude.com
HEALTH INSURANCE

Most private health insurance companies provide full or partial coverage for Massage Therapy services.
MORE INFORMATION

For further information on the Dr. Vodder School-North America please visit
www.vodderschool.comRelated Links:

Lymphovenous Canada – http://www.lymphovenous-canada.ca/