• Boosts the circulation of lymph, which helps fluid drainage from cells and the
elimination of waste
• Improves the production & distribution of antibodies & lymphocytes (a type of
white blood cell) thus boosting immunity from disease
• Stimulates the lymphatic system’s filtering process thus helping remove toxins
and bacteria from the body. I
• Works on the automatic nervous system, helping to slow the sympathetic nerves (which
enable activity) and stimulate the para-sympathetic nerves (which enable relaxation),
aiding relaxation & the reduction of stress.
How does the system work?
The lymph moves around the body in an extensive network of capillaries and this pathway
must be kept clean and free flowing to work efficiently. As a sluggish river accumulates
pools of stagnant water that act as a breeding ground for bacteria and disease, likewise,
if the Lymphatic System becomes sluggish, Lymph can remain stagnant in problem areas,
causing inflammation and pain.
The Lymphatic System mirrors the blood circulatory system but is twice the size and
has more than 600 nodes situated throughout the body. However, unlike the blood system,
the Lymphatic System has no pump and therefore needs help to keep the Lymph fluid
moving. Regular exercise will help maintain the flow, but congestion can occur in
areas as a result of toxic overload, lack of exercise, improper diet, infection or
When this happens, the build up will cause inflammation and pain.
How do I know I have a lymph problem?
There are many physical signs of congestion in the Lymphatic System that can benefit
significantly by improving Lymph Circulation.
Some of these include:
• Water Retention, particularly in ankles or fingers, indicating fluid congestion
• General muscle aches and pains or a stiff neck, often as a result of sprains or
• Cellulite and weight problems
• Breast lumpiness
• Post surgery tissue congestion, scar formation or stretch marks
• Skin problems such as acne
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
• Breathing problems, such as asthma or sinusitis
• Stress, headaches and migraines
• Immune system problems
Lymphatic drainage massage was developed by Dr Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid in
the 1930s. They worked as masseurs in Cannes in France and many of their clients
were English people who had chronic colds and had come to the South of France to
escape the damp in England which was considered to be aggravating their condition.
Dr. Vodder noticed that many of them had swollen lymph glands in their neck and although
treatment of the lymphatic system was not recommended at the time due to the lack
of knowledge about it, Dr. Vodder decided to develop a system for treating it. They
later established an institute in Austria.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
What is Lymph?
Lymph is a clear fluid that circulates throughout the body, cleaning away all the
dead cells, bacteria and toxins. The Lymphatic System is like a team of rubbish collectors,
filtering out, gathering up and taking all the unnecessary waste we accumulate in
our bodies in everyday life. It is the key to a healthy immune system.