Manual Lymphatic Drainage, MLD, is a therapy that supports the lymphatic system, helping to rid the body more efficiently of toxins and excess fluid and reduce swelling.
During MLD, your therapist uses manual light touch to move excess lymph and fluid out of the tissues and back into the lymphatic vessels. Although often referred to as a type of massage, MLD is very different from traditional forms of massage that rely on deep and rigorous rubbing. MLD is much gentler. Lymphatic drainage is very gentle, is not painful and doesn’t have a stimulating effect. Each session lasts from 45 to 60 minutes. One study showed that the greatest reduction in swelling from lymphedema occurs in the first week of treatment and stabilizes during the second week.