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Lymphatic Drainage Massage




                       Presented by
                   Dalal Akoury, MD
The Lymphatic System
• Within the vascular system, the lymphatic vessels transport
  antibody cells and fluid
• Lymph in these vessels is a watery or milky fluid transported
  through the body by the lymphatic system
• The lymphatic system primarily supports
  the immune system
• Surgery, injury, hypertension and a
  sedentary lifestyle cause a sluggish
  lymphatic system
The Lymph System
• Lymph vessels transport lymph and substances that should
  not be in the blood, such as waste
• The lymph system is open, interrupted by nodes
  that control the flow of lymph fluid
  and act as a filter
   – Nodes also contain immune
     system cells that destroy
     waste and bacteria
• Fluid within it is moved by
  muscle contraction
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
• Lymphatic Drainage (also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage or
  MLD) was developed in the early 1930s by Dr Emil Vodder.
   – Originally used as a treatment for chronic sinusitis and other
     immune system disorder
   – Now recognized as the primary tool in managing Lymphedema
• The lymphatic system acts as a second circulatory system
  comprising tissues and organs that produce, store and carry white
  blood cells.
   – These blood cells help fight infection, disease, fungi, and kill
     cancerous cells
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
• The rest of the body's circulatory system uses the heart as a 'pump'
  to move blood around the body, but lymphatic circulation relies
  upon body movement and breathing.
• Impaired circulation leads to a build up of toxins (metabolic waste)
  which in turn can lead to re-occurring illnesses (cold, flu etc) and
  feelings of sluggishness due to a depressed immune system
• Lymphatic drainage supports the natural
  circulation and movement of toxins and fluids
  through the lymph ducts
   – This stimulation strengthens the immune
      system, clears blockages, transports
      nutrients to cells and helps the metabolism
      and overall health
Indications
• Lymphatic drainage massages can be useful people who suffer from
  colds, flu, and other viruses on a regular basis by stimulating the
  immune system.
• It is also helpful for people who need to reduce swelling and fluid
  retention due to poor circulation from sedentary
  lifestyles, pregnancy, etc.
• Because the therapy uses only gentle pressure, it can be used to
  stimulate the body’s own healing processes for
  sprains, fractures, and other injuries, and for rheumatism

  Who Should Avoid This Therapy?
• It is recommended that women who are menstruating not undergo
  Lymphatic Drainage
• Patients are suffering from major heart ailments, severe
  swelling, thrombosis, epilepsy, kidney or thyroid
  problems, diabetes, cancer should check with their physician prior
  to scheduling treatment
What to Expect
• Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic massage, which stimulates
  the lymph nodes to open and drain
• When you visit your practitioner, you will experience a
  gentle, relaxing massage of the skin.
• The treatment is comfortable, non-aggressive, and non-invasive.
• Typically a drainage massage is concentrated
   on the neck, stomach, trunk, and
  extremities
• Each session may last as little as 30 minutes
  or as much as 2 hours, so speak to your
  practioner about the plan that is right for you
For More Information
                 Call
           Dr. Dalal Akoury

AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center
          4710 Oleander Drive,
         Myrtle Beach, SC 29577


            843-213-2480
       http://awaremed.com/