What is MLD really? Let’s start by debunking the myth as, if you have never received MLD treatment or read about it before, your body is in for a nice ‘shock’ when you next try it! The name makes it sound slightly clinical and scary to start with.
After initially having read a considerable amount about its benefits to physical and emotional health, a couple of clients requested the treatment at the clinic but none of us therapists were trained in it so, unfortunately, we could not offer it. I then decided to train in MLD at the London School of Massage so that I could help a wider range of clients. The technique was harder to master than I originally thought and maximum concentration was required at all times to get the moves right. It was especially hard for those like me having previously trained as standard massage therapist. It was a whole new challenging experience in uncharted waters but truly rewarding nonetheless.It’s certainly nothing like you’ve seen before as the technique it’s very different to that of standard massage routines. However, do not underestimate the healing power of MLD!
I was taken aback when practising the MLD massage technique and routine. All my course colleagues questioned how a very ‘fairy’ massage starting on the side of the neck face up and working all the way down the body just using very light touch with no pressure whatsoever could be so effective. Well, you’d be pleasantly surprised to hear that this extremely relaxing massage is hugely beneficial to your immune system.
When I went to visit my friends after my training they commented on my ‘special glow and how beautiful my skin looked’ on that day. I was delighted to hear that and that people had noticed an important physical change in me but, also, I personally felt much lighter, extremely at ease, full of renewed energy as if my batteries had suddenly been charged.
From body detox to extreme relaxation and help with relieving swelling, stress, etc… the benefits of MLD are plenty and clients generally love it. They have reported looking and feeling ‘re-energised’ and ‘deeply relaxed’ following a treatment. It’s a massage recommended for most and you don’t need to be ill at all to have a MLD treatment – in fact even if in good health one every 3 months is generally recommended. This is also the all-in-one solution therapy for those of you who generally do not like standard massage.
In a nutshell, the MLD therapist works by manually moving the lymph (body waste) located on a very superficial layer under the skin to the nearest lymph nodes so that the lymphatic system can process and remove its waste from the body. S/he performs it by gently stretching the skin and using a rhythmic circle motion, physically ‘moving’ the unwanted fluid in the direction of the nearest lymph nodes.
Research has shown that MLD has numerous general benefits to the nervous and muscular systems. Moreover, by helping improve the flow of lymph it has a powerful effect to health and wellbeing: It helps fight infection, aids healing and recovery from illness and relieves pain including migraines. It is not just a deeply relaxing massage, MLD helps improve chronic conditions such as sinusitis, arthritis, acne and other skin conditions, it is also a great addition to other detox programmes as it encourages fluid flow in the connective tissues. Therefore, it is an effective treatment for cellulite and water retention, being especially effective for the treatment of ‘lymphoedema’ (swelling in the arms or legs due to an impaired lymphatic system). It is also an ideal Pre/Post-operative treatment that improves the skin’s texture and promotes healing of scar tissue, torn ligaments and sprains.
Pregnant ladies and the elderly can also hugely benefit from MLD as it helps Clear areas of congestion such as swollen ankles, puffy eyes and swollen legs and improvement stretch marks after childbirth
All in all, this is the ultimate body and mind detox experience to feel pure inside out. MLD is a decongestive massage therapy that stimulates the lymphatic system with gentle, light rhythmical massaging strokes, accelerating the processing of toxins, excess fluid and bacteria. In turn, this helps the body eliminate fat. The technique was invented by massage therapists Dr Emil and Mrs. Estrid Vodder in the early 1930s. I have just introduced the treatment in Salus Wellness Clinic in Cambridge. Visit www.facebook.com/ElenaAroma4Life to take advantage from an introductory offer and feel free to contact me on info@elenagonzalez.co.uk for more details (Elena Gonzalez, Aromatherapist and Massage Therapist @ Salus Wellness Clinic, Cambridge, UK)