Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique that aims to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for filtering waste and fluids from the body. There are different approaches in training and performing manual lymphatic drainage.

Vodder — Several hand motions are used on the skin surface, depending on the part of the body being treated. Vodder also includes edema movements at fibrotic areas. The different motions include “pump,” “scoop,” “stationery circle,” “rotary” and “thumb circle.”

Foldi — This method is based on the Vodder technique but places emphasis on a “thrust” and “relaxation” phase. “Encircling strokes” are included in this approach.

Casley-Smith — This method involves the use of gentle and slow effleurage movements with the side of the hand. The effleurage movements are performed over the “watershed” areas between lymphotomes.

Leduc — This method involves use of “calling up” (or enticing) and “reabsorption” movements which reflect how lymph is absorbed first in the initial lymphatics and then into larger lymphatics.

Foldi and Vodder refer to two methods of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), a specialized massage technique used to stimulate the lymphatic system and reduce swelling. Vodder is the original method, while Foldi is an extension of it, incorporating a thrust and relaxation phase with circular hand motions.

Benefits of MLD

MLD can effectively reduce swelling and can provide symptomatic relief of migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, stress, fatigue, and more. It is important to seek MLD services from a therapist who is specially trained in one of these methods, as the techniques are specific and require expertise.

Extensions of MLD

Reflexology

Reflexology targets and stimulates specific areas in the hands, feet, face and ears to increase the function of all systems for the greatest optimal health throughout the zones of the body — reflexology gently encourages the body, from the inside out, to heal itself. There are several reflexes for the lymphatic system on the feet and hands. The Reflexology Lymph Drainage technique is a unique sequence which has been researched and found to aid the function of the lymphatic system. Encouraging lymph movement through reflexology is beneficial for clients without insurance, clients who are wanting to remain dressed during treatment, clients who are wanting an alternative to manual lymph drainage, and those clients who are wanting to boost their health.