The document discusses lymphatic drainage massage, a gentle massage technique developed to stimulate the lymphatic system and support immune function, circulation, and drainage of metabolic waste. Lymphatic drainage massage involves light pressure applied to lymph nodes and vessels to encourage fluid flow and strengthen immunity. It can help reduce swelling, fluid retention, and symptoms associated with colds, viruses, injuries, and other conditions impacted by impaired lymphatic circulation.

1. Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Presented by
Dalal Akoury, MD

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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/