Lymphatic Drainage
Cosmetic Surgery - Plastic Surgery - Aesthetic Medicine - Reconstructive Surgery
The lymphatic system has the same relationship with the tissues, as the
blood capillaries do. Lymphatic capillaries are present in all tissues
and converge into larger and larger channels. On the path of the
lymphatics are found the lymph nodes which constitute relays in the
lymphatic circulation. The lymph nodes are mainly located in the folds
of the groin, armpits and sides of the neck.
In tissues, exchanges take place through the blood capillaries. The
filtration system moves water and electrolytes from the arterial
capillary to the interstitial tissue and the opposite occurs in the
venous capillaries with reabsorption of water and waste from the
interstitial tissues into the vein capillaries. When filtration excess
reabsorption, drainage is provided by the lymphatic system. Normally,
the production of lymph is negligible but this increases dramatically
with intense tissue activity or when there is inflammation. The role of
lymphatic tissue is fundamental:
- Lymphatic tissue provides drainage of excess interstitial fluid,
avoiding an increase in tissue pressure. Thanks to this, the volume of
plasma is constant. Any congestion of the lymphatic system, by
excessive production of interstitial fluid or by an obstacle in the
lymphatic system, causes oedema to appear.
- Lymphatic tissue provides for the movement of proteins, certain fats, vitamins, enzymes and hormones.
- Lymphatic tissue, through the lymph nodes, filters out microbes and
neoplastic cells; it serves as a very effective barrier against
attack.
- Lymphatic tissue produces and carries the lymphocytes, which play a role in defence against certain infections.
Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique carried out gently. It is
called manual lymph drainage because it is carried out by moving the
fingers and palm of the hand in the direction of the lymphatic
circulation throughout the body. Its purpose is to stimulate lymph flow
to promote detoxification of the body and possibly strengthen its
immune system.
Lymphatic drainage may be used in cases of lymphoedema following
breast cancer (an accumulation of lymph causes swelling of the arm or
"fat arm". This affects about 25% of women treated for breast cancer
with surgery or radiotherapy).This method is combined with other
techniques for the relief of lymph congestion. After several months of
treatment the degree of swelling has stabilized at an acceptable level
and this creates a better quality of life.
Lymphatic drainage may, as appropriate, be used to treat problems
associated with blood and lymphatic circulation such as varicose veins,
cellulite, etc.
Without medical clearance, it is contraindicated in the treatment of acute infections, tuberculosis and malignant tumours.
Two methods of manual lymphatic drainage are authorized at present:
the Vodder method and the Leduc method. But no official body takes in
training for manual lymphatic drainage. It must be carried out using
qualified centres and practitioners.