What is lymph, and what does the lymphatic system do?
Lymph is the fluid that drains from your tissues, carrying waste products, excess fluid and immune cells. Unlike blood, it has no heart to pump it. It moves through muscle contraction, breathing, and the gentle pressure of the tissues around it, passing through lymph nodes that filter it before it rejoins the circulation near the collarbones. When drainage is slow, fluid accumulates and tissues feel puffy, heavy or swollen.
Lymph fluid is mostly water, with proteins, fats absorbed from the gut, infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes, and waste from the tissues. The lymph nodes along the way act as filters where the immune system checks the fluid for infection.
What is manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)?
A trained therapist uses very light, slow, stretching strokes on the skin, always in the direction of lymph flow, starting near the nodes and working outwards so there is somewhere for the fluid to go. The pressure is far lighter than a conventional massage, because lymph vessels sit just under the skin and firm pressure closes them. A session usually begins at the neck and works through the trunk, then the limbs or area of concern. Sessions are 45 to 60 minutes.
Manual lymphatic drainage, or MLD, is the clinical name for this technique. The best-known method was developed by Emil and Estrid Vodder in the 1930s, and the Leduc and Casley-Smith methods are other recognised training routes. Dry brushing and self-massage are sometimes called lymphatic drainage too, but they are not the same as treatment from a trained therapist.
What it is used for
Swelling after surgery, including cosmetic and orthopaedic procedures. Lymphoedema management as part of a clinical plan. Fluid retention, heavy legs and bloating. Recovery after illness or injury. Pre-event preparation, such as before a wedding or holiday, for a lighter, less puffy feel. Some people use it for general wellbeing and relaxation.
What it is not
It is not a detox, it does not remove fat, and it is not a treatment for cellulite. Claims of that kind are not supported.
Lymphatic drainage and lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is long-term swelling, usually in an arm or leg, that develops when the lymphatic system is damaged or has not developed properly, for example after cancer surgery or radiotherapy. Manual lymphatic drainage is one part of its management, alongside compression garments, skin care and exercise, usually led by a specialist lymphoedema service. See lymphoedema and lipoedema versus lymphoedema.
At Omnia
Manual lymphatic drainage at our Chiswick clinic is delivered by trained therapists and can be combined with Body Ballancer compression therapy for the legs and abdomen. We screen for conditions where drainage is not appropriate, such as active infection, untreated thrombosis or heart failure. Our lymphatic drainage in London page compares manual drainage with Body Ballancer compression and LPG Endermologie. Sessions are £65 for 30 minutes, £90 for 60 minutes and £105 for 90 minutes; book through our booking page or call 020 4515 0000. Omnia Lifestyle is at 8 to 9 Bedford Corner, The Avenue, Chiswick W4 1LZ, close to Turnham Green station, on bus routes 94, E3 and 272. Limited parking is available on request when booking.
Related guides
Try our lymphatic drainage exercises at home, or see lymphatic drainage before and after for what changes over a course. You can also read about the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage or find out whether lymphatic drainage works. If you have seen the Brazilian technique advertised, read Brazilian lymphatic drainage vs MLD. Omnia offers manual lymphatic drainage, not the Brazilian method.