What is Lymph Drainage Therapy?

For the past thirty years the benefits of Lymph Drainage Therapy have been scientifically documented and medically prescribed throughout Europe. Now it is rapidly gaining recognition in the U.S. by health care providers. Trained in Dr.Chikly's unique technique, therapists use precise, gentle, wave-like hand movements to feel the rhythm, depth and direction of the flow of the body's lymph fluid, to detect obstructions, and to map that flow. This enables therapists to redirect the lymph to the pathway that is most effective for drainage with far-reaching benefits.

As noted by Dr. Bruno Chikly:

"The lymphatic system belongs to the circulatory apparatus which provides one way for the blood to leave the heart, the arterial system, and two ways for it to return: the venous and lymphatic pathways. The lymphatic system is therefore another pathway back to the heart, parallel to the venous system." download my brochure by clicking here)

The main functions of the lymph system are:

• stimulation of the immune system
• stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system
• stimulation of body fluid circulation
• recovery of crucial substances that have escaped from the blood
• detoxification — removal of environmental toxins

The lymphatic system drains the interstitial fluid. Stress, disease, injuries, environmental toxins cause the lymphatic system to stagnate or be obstructed, leading to the accumulation of excess fluid, metabolic waste, cells and toxins, foreign bodies and pathogens, and proteins in the interstitial environment, compromising optimum cellular function. This leads to disease and premature aging. Once the interstitial fluid enters the lymph vessels, it is called lymph. Lymph is then transported to the lymph nodes, purification centers, where it is filtered and processed for elimination through the kidneys.

What are some of its benefits?

• Stimulates the functions of the immune system (promotes healing and general well being)
• Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system, depressing sympathetic nervous system(aids insomnia,
  depression, stress, digestion)
• Relieves muscle pain and hyper tonus
• Reduces edema (swelling)
• Alleviates heavy metal, pesticide and metabolic waste toxicity
• Reduces pain (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome)
• Helps tissue regeneration (pre- and post-surgical, burns, injuries,reduces scar formation)
• Diminishes the effects of aging
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves circulation

What are some of its applications?

• Surgical: pre- and post-surgical tissue regeneration and reduction of edema
• Sport injuries: sprains, strains, fractures, inflammation, chronic pain, whiplash, sciatica
• Pediatrics
• Ear, Nose and Throat: sinus, asthma, allergies, ear and throat infections,vertigo, tinnitus
• Neurological: migraines, headaches, stroke, facial paralysis, MS, Parkinson's disease, myopathy
• Gastroenterological: celiac disease, irritable bowel disease, chronic constipation, weight problems
• Dermatological: scars, burns, wrinkles
• Metabolic: stress, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, chronic pain, cellulite, insomnia, toxicity
• Dentistry: inflammation, periodontitis, tooth extractions, TMJ pain
• Geriatrics: promotes tissue regeneration and oxygenation, improves circulation, relieves muscles soreness
• Ophthalmology: chronic edema of eyelids, cataracts, macular degeneration, reduced visual acuity
• Orthopedics: trauma, sublaxations, sprains, fractures
• Post-surgical swelling, adhesions
• Osteopathic: whiplash, back pain, sciatica
• Rheumatology: scleroderma, lupus, fibromyalgia, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, nocturnal paresthetic brachialgia
• Veterinary: Lymph Drainage Therapy can be applied to animals

What are some of its contraindications?

• Acute infection/inflammation/fever
• Serious circulatory problems
• Major cardiac problems
• Hemorrhage
• Acute anuresis (absence of urination)
• Active cancer not under medical control, undiagnosed lump