Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) is an advanced form of therapeutic massage that aims to stimulate the lymphatic system to remove congestion and stagnation from within the body, and so help it return to a healthy condition. Based on techniques developed by the Danish physiotherapist Dr. Emil Vodder in 1932, LDM beneficially affects the nervous, immune, and muscular systems. LDM has helped numerous individuals with chronic congestion (sinus, etc…), rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, strains, sprains, tendonitis, and those looking to promote the efficient healing of wounds, burns and scar tissue. LDM therapy primarily utilizes gentle, soothing, rhythmic massage strokes that follow the direction of lymph flow to assist in removing blockages and promoting optimal lymph flow. These foundation techniques were later developed upon by the osteopathic physician Eyal Lederman, who showed that the deeper nodes of the lymphatic system could be beneficially stimulated by slowly progressing to deeper work in those areas. Proper lymph flow is vitally important because the lymphatic vessels carry substances that the body needs to properly function, eliminate waste material, and defend itself against disease and illness. Thus, when the lymph system is blocked, toxins and plasma may accumulate causing interference with cell nourishment and depressing the immune system. This, of course, can lead to imbalances in organ function and throughout the entire body. LDM incorporates minimal or no lubricant at all, so as to move the skin and the layers immediately below it where most of the lymphatic vessels are located. LDM is both a relaxing and a revitalizing massage therapy to receive. If you are seeking a therapist who specializes in the treatment of primary or secondary lymphedema, please feel free to contact us and we are happy to refer you to the certified therapists we know.

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