Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
ABOUT COMPLETE DECONGESTIVE THERAPY (CDT)
The lymphatic system is made of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and organs. Lymph nodes act as the garbage cans of the body and catch all the 'bad stuff. CDT allows the body to flush out that bad stuff and it helps to keep us healthy. CDT is the most effective treatment for chronic extremity lymphedema. Primary lymphedema (congenital) and secondary lymphedema (due to a damaged lymphatic system) respond extremely well to this gentle, non-invasive and highly-effective therapy.
Sandra Serrano
Elena Naranjo
CAUSES OF SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA
Any condition or procedure that damages your lymph nodes or lymph vessels can cause lymphedema. Causes include:
Surgery: Lymphedema can develop if your lymph nodes and lymph vessels are removed or cut. For instance, surgery for breast cancer may include the removal of one or more lymph nodes in your armpit to look for evidence that cancer has spread. If your remaining lymph nodes and lymph vessels can't compensate for those that have been removed, lymphedema may result in your arm.
Radiation treatment for cancer: Radiation can cause scarring and inflammation of your lymph nodes or lymph vessels, restricting flow of lymph fluid.
Cancer: If cancer cells block lymphatic vessels, lymphedema may result. For instance, a tumour growing near a lymph node or lymph vessel could become large enough to block the flow of the lymph fluid.
Infection: An infection of the lymph nodes can restrict the flow of lymph fluid and cause lymphedema. Parasites also can block lymph vessels. Infection-related lymphedema is most common in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe and is more likely to occur in developing countries.
CDT is sometimes referred to as Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP). CDT consists of the following four steps:
1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a gentle manual treatment which improves the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body. The techniques of MLD were first introduced in the 1930s by Dr. Emil Vodder, PhD, MT, of Denmark. MLD is widely recognized in the United States as an effective treatment for post-surgical swelling, post-traumatic edema (as with sports injuries), migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions involving edema. When used to treat lymphedema, MLD re-routes lymph flow around blocked areas and into healthy lymph vessels which drain into the venous circulation.
These are further health benefits of the lymph massage (MLD):
Against Cellulite / Lipoedema
It works best in earlier stages. The ideal case is to start the treatment during the teenage years. Cellulite appears when the fat deposits compress the lymph vessels, reducing the lymph flow. If the intervention is not rapid, the tissue fills with liquids and toxins and the fat deposits tend to turn harder, producing the €œorange peel skin €. When the cellulite is on its incipient stages, it is easy to activate the flow of the accumulated waste and definitively solve the issue. Normally, just three months are enough to get satisfactory results.
Swollen, heavy and Edematose feet, legs and arms
Lymph flows from the periphery of the limbs to their center. When this path is interrupted, the lymph falls back due to the action of gravity, flooding the foot tissues and causing swelling. The lymph drainage helps lymph to complete its route, making it the treatment of choice. In 3-4 weeks, the problem is improved. If it's chronic, the doctor will decide the ideal frequency of the massage.
Pregnancy and PMS syndrome
The drainage is very effective in both cases but as a preventive method. The hormonal changes during pregnancy determine liquid retention and a decrease in the tonus of the vein and lymph vessels. The drainage can be started from the third month of pregnancy, up until the delivery. It is also effective against the swelling experienced by many women a few days before their menstruation. In this case, the massage is made immediately after the end of the cycle for a week.
Scars
If during the scarring process of a wound interstitial liquid accumulates forming an edema, a hypertrophic (cheloid, swollen) scar forms. The lymph draining has a €œplanning € effect on the scar, it is even effective on older scars because it activates the lymphocytes, which are involved in reconstructing the tissue.
2. Compression Therapy:
Compression therapy improves the efficiency of the muscle and joint pump and increases tissue pressure. Multi-layered compression bandages are applied between MLD treatments to help prevent re-accumulation of evacuated fluid. Once the patient's limb is sufficiently decongested through repeated treatments, they can be fit with compression garments.
3. Exercises:
Exercises are performed with compression bandages in place to activate the muscle and joint pumps of the affected extremity. This results in an increase in lymphokinetic activity and further reduction of the swollen limb over time.
4. Skin Care:
Skin care and general hygiene are essential to eliminate bacterial and fungal growth which can cause repeated attacks of cellulitis or erysipelas. Infections are very common complications of lymphedema so meticulous skin and nail care is vital.
Dr. Vimala Lewis is an alumnus of the prestigious Fr. Muller’s Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, India. She graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor Degree in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery. Thereafter she worked at a Government Homeopathic Centre in Udupi, India for a brief period before joining her alma mater as a tutor for Homeopathic Materia Medica, where she worked for 2 years. She was assigned duties to the outpatient department of the hospital at the same time. Later on she started her own private consultancy in her hometown and practiced homeopathy for a couple of years.
Dr. Eram Mohd Shaikh is an established and highly skilled General Practitioner with strong focus towards Integrative Medicine. Being born and brought up in Dubai, she graduated from one of the leading universities in UAE and was trained in multiple hospitals across the Emirates such as, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Al Baraha Hospital in Dubai.
Dr. Asha Jones has many years of broad practical experience in Ayurvedic medicine and treatment in India and in UAE. Since graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery from India’s highly reputed Government Ayurvedic College in Trivandrum, Kerala, Asha Jones has worked as a consultant in many of the country’s Ayurvedic hospitals and centres. She has been practicing in U A E since 2004. Jones joined Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre in 2011.
After graduating in 1992 as an allopathic physician from the University of Bonn, Germany, Dr Maria worked for three years in neurology and four years in psychiatry. She had extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (acupuncture & herbal prescriptions). Furthermore she has a Master’s Degree in Preventive Medicine from Dresden International University. Dr Maria is licensed as a conventional and as a CAM physician. She is also trained in homoeopathy, naturopathy, and is fluent in English, German and Spanish.
With over 8 years of experience practicing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the United Arab Emirates, Shan Xu is highly passionate about functional and integrative medical approaches that honor the concept of holism, which is central to TCM.
Jing Zeng got the medical degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2008 when she completed her 6 years studying at Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, China. Ever since then she has been working as a doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.During 2005-2007, Jing Zeng was selected to follow Acupuncture Master Dr Dong Hongtao (a reputed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in China) to learn acupuncture techniques. And during 2008-2010, she worked in the affiliated hospital of Guangxi TCM University. In the year 2010 she became a Member of The World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, as well as relocating to Dubai to continue her profession. With enthusiasm, Jing Zeng has focused her practice in fertility support, rehabilitation, detox, energy balancing and facial acupuncture by Acupuncture treatment and prescriptions of herbal teas (decoctions).
Yang Yang has been practicing medicine for almost 20 years. She obtained her medical bachelor degree from Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2000 and worked in Dalian hospital as a TCM doctor. She pursued further study at Dalian Medical University and was awarded a Masters degree 2010. She treats her patients using acupuncture therapy combined with cupping, Chinese herbs, moxibustion and lifestyle management to treat both physical and psychological problems, in order to promote health and wellbeing both spiritually and mentally.
Zhiyan Shi completed her Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2008 at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. During her Master’s Degree studies, she worked at the affiliated Foshan Chinese Medicine Hospital. From 2011 to 2015, she worked in the No.181 Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army. Her therapies include TCM consultation, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, tuina massage and ear point treatment. Zhiyan has focused on fertility support, rehabilitation, detox, acupressure, energy balancing, facial acupuncture by Acupuncture treatment and prescriptions of herbal teas (decoctions). Besides other diseases she is specially trained on treating arthritis, rheumatism, muscle strain, tennis elbow, headache, migraine, immune system diseases, insomnia, neck-, shoulder-, low-back- and leg pain. She joined Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre in 2015.
Dr. Acharya has five decades of clinical experience and four decades in hospital administration. After seven years in the National Health Services (NHS, UK), Dr. Acharya held the position of Director of Primary Healthcare in the Department of Health & Medical Services, Government of Dubai from 1972 until 2002. During this period, he was also Head of the Dermatology Department and Liaison Officer for WHO. Upon completing his tenure at DOHMS, Dr. Acharya helped to establish the Dubai Herbal & Medical Centre (DHTC) as one of the first truly integrative medical centres in the UAE. From 2002 until 2010, he held the role of Medical Director at DHTC, while continuing to practice integrative dermatology.
Beena Joseph obtained her diploma in Ayurvedic Nursing, Massage and Panchakarma from the Kerala Health Care Centre & Para Medical Institute in 2003. She has more than ten years’ experience in a reputed traditional hospital in India. After obtaining her MOH /DHA License in 2008 she worked as an Ayurvedic Therapist in a Medical Centre in Dubai. She joined DHTC in 2014. She is well experienced in all Ayurvedic Therapies, Ayurvedic Massages & Facials and feel well Treatments.