How to get the most from your MLD sessions

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is not a massage — it is a drainage technique that assists your body in moving lymphatic fluid.
(Yes, I also offer a lymphatic massage that clears the lymph nodes, but it does not move as much fluid and is therefore not considered MLD.)

-Side note: Lymphatic fluid is essentially fluid that leaks — by design — from your blood vessels. It becomes your interstitial fluid, which includes nourishment for cells, waste from cells, dead cells, etc. A healthy lymphatic system can manage this on its own; every time you move, you’re helping your lymph move. The problem is that in our highly toxic, polluted, and sedentary world, even healthy bodies sometimes need a boost when it comes to "clean-out" time.
(People with lymphedema need MLD, compression, pumps, etc., to do the job that their compromised lymphatic system cannot do by itself.)- okay back to drainage

It's often best to start prepping for your session the day before — or even a few days before. Manual lymphatic drainage moves a lot of cellular waste, debris, etc., at a faster pace than the lymphatic system would on its own.

The manual clearing of lymph vessels and nodes pushes these “toxins” back into your cardiovascular system, where your liver, spleen, and kidneys further filter them out — and (hopefully) you urinate it all out.

This detox process can hit you like a bus.
You might feel like you're coming down with a mild flu, feel worn out, or just not quite yourself. That’s because your body is releasing a heavy burden. These reactions tend to lessen with continued sessions, but I wanted to share a few ways you can help mitigate or lessen these detox symptoms before they even begin.

So, what’s the #1 thing that will help your body process these “toxins” faster?

YES — you guessed it — hydration!

The number one thing is to hydrate more.
Avoid caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol. Instead, drink more water and eat more water-rich fruits and vegetables.

Here’s a short list of easy, effective ways to support your body before and after your session, and reduce any potential “healing crisis” symptoms: - these “healing crisis” do not last long and some people do not even notice them and they do lesson over time with continued MLD sessions as you continue to clean up your body from the inside out.

1. Hydrate
   Start a couple of days before your session by gradually increasing your water intake. Cut out alcohol, and try to limit caffeine if you can.

   Reduce sugar intake
   Sugar is hard on your body and your lymphatic system. Try to cut back — at least on the day of and the day after your session.

   Eat light and healthy
   Eat lighter and stick to a whole-foods-based diet the day before, the day of, and the day after your session. Whole, real foods are easier for your body to process. Eating Cheetos? Well… you already know those bog your system down. Add MLD to that mix, and you’ll really feel like you’ve been hit by that bus.

   Rest
   Plan to rest after your session.
   Please don’t schedule your session and your 10k run for the same afternoon. Rest allows your body to process faster and recover better. You may feel great when you leave your practitioner’s office, but feel run down a few hours later — so plan ahead and enjoy a quiet evening in.

   Keep it moving
   Between sessions, do self-MLD at home.
   Work on the six main lymph node clusters daily, or any version of self-MLD that feels right for you. Swimming, biking, yoga, walking, vibration plates, rebounding, and even just pumping your calf muscles are all excellent ways to move your lymph.

   Bonus round — Go for a full-fledged detox program.
   Connect with your favorite functional medicine doctor, naturopath, or other holistic healthcare practitioner, and take the next steps to a more vibrant, healthy you.
   Whatever you decide — I’m here to support and encourage you on your health journey.

Common Good reactions many experience after manual lymphatic drainage (incase you now need a reminder)

• Feeling lighter, more pure and clean in the body

• Mind might feel clearer, sharper, more focused or expanded

• Pleasant tiredness and better sleep following a session

• Relaxation

• Improved memory

• Improved senses such as taste, smell , color and distance vision

• Feel rejuvenated

• Less joint pain

• Higher energy levels

• Boosted immune response

  And of course, the standard benefits:

  • Reduced toxin load

  • Reduced swelling

  • Faster recovery

  • Less fibrosis

  • Quicker healing