Manual Lymph Drainage - Pressure

[Gary Y]

I was taught in school that only a very light pressure was used for this....is this true? I recently had a massage and the therapist applied EXTREME pressure on many lymph nodes (including those in popliteal fossa + anterior cervical area). Is it common to apply a lot of pressure in these areas because the lymph is "stuck"? I was taught differently...

 

[londonism21]

No, that isn't common. Extreme pressure on the anterior cervical area??? I'd RUN from that treatment room!

Pressure on the lymph vessels collapses them. Very light pressure is effective, though. I've never heard of stuck lymph - maybe his/her term for lymphedema?

 

[Cracker Jack]

I was thinking of running too! Thanks for letting me know Rose of Sharon as I know very little about this type of massage! I actually became extremely uncomfortable to the point of sitting up (tears streaming down my cheek) and telling her to stop and she didn't! She told me to breathe through it....like I was giving birth!!! I was furious afterward.

 

[autobot032]

What an awful experience you had! I too have had Lymphatic Sessions from people who have used too much pressure. Thankfully, no one ever brought tears to me eyes, but I definitely felt like I didn't receive the treatment that I paid for. The beauty of lymphatic work is that it is so gentle, yet so powerful. The greater the pressure, the less effective it is.

P.S. "Stuck Lymph" probably refers to seforum.xxxnancy in certain areas of the lymphatic flow. The appropriate treatment, though, isn't to increase pressure, but rather to repeat more gentle strokes in that area, or in surrounding/connecting areas.

 

[music<3]

The beauty of lymphatic work is that it is so gentle, yet so powerful

Thank you! That's what I initally thought! I was taught that one should very gently pump the nodes..with the palm of the hand. I am determined to not second guess myself in the future. Many thanks!

 

[GNET Uk - GNETUK.CO.NR]

I was thinking of running too! Thanks for letting me know Rose of Sharon as I know very little about this type of massage! I actually became extremely uncomfortable to the point of sitting up (tears streaming down my cheek) and telling her to stop and she didn't! She told me to breathe through it....like I was giving birth!!! I was furious afterward.

I am really sorry!

 

[Chutch]

that was actually painful to read, I'm sorry you had to go through that. I wonder where she got her MLD education from? and remind me to never go there....

 

[*~Ms Kitty~* MOJO COUGAR]

I would definately run from this treatment room!! :shock: As I learned LDT from the Upledger Institute, pressure in a primary node area should only be slightly more than 5 grams (the weight of a nickle). Deeper pressure is only compressing the node, not helping it to drain. Deep pressure as you described, can temporarly damage the nodes and cause your problem to become worse. I would love to find out where this person got her training.

 

[cinderella_948]

I'm sorry to hear of your bad experience.
I also do MLD, and have heard too many bad stories. Most about estiticians doing facial MLD, and in some cases leaving bruising.

Find someone that does the real thing, and enjoy.

Darren

 

[mr_know_it_all]

HOw many of you use MLD in your practice?

 

[daxica]

I had a client who I felt needed MLD post-traumatic injury. I gave her a recommendation to someone who is trained in Chikly's method (I believe), but she cancelled the appointment out of fear. It seems she had received "MLD" in the past and found it quite painful due to extreme pressure and bruising. I have no idea who is teaching this way but it looks like it's fairly common.

I wonder if it stems from old home remedies that recommended squishing the "poisons" out of a child's lymph glands when they were ill? My mother used to do this to me when I was little... it was awful.

Oh, and I don't do MLD. I know the general principle behind it, but only have 7 hours of training. I refer out.

 

[Pooky]

I just finished a 10 hour class and I think it is amazing. I can't wait to use it.

 

[sun8979]

I've taken six workshops on Lymphatic Drainage techniques from 6 different instructors, approximately 70 hours in all. Two of the seminars were through Upledger (Chickly's curriculum). I also teach an intro class in lymphatic drainage techniques.

Proper lymphatic drainage techniques should not be painful; and, except in a few areas, the pressure is barely enough to prevent the hand from sliding over the skin.

Valid research has shown that "extreme" pressure is not only ineffective, it CAN damage lymph vessels and lymph nodes. Vessels, fortunately, can generally repair themselves. Lymph nodes, however, can be damaged beyond repair! By all means, run from someone who uses "extreme" pressure over lymph nodes.

 

[keekee1]

I've taken six workshops on Lymphatic Drainage techniques from 6 different instructors, approximately 70 hours in all. Two of the seminars were through Upledger (Chickly's curriculum). I also teach an intro class in lymphatic drainage techniques.

Proper lymphatic drainage techniques should not be painful; and, except in a few areas, the pressure is barely enough to prevent the hand from sliding over the skin.

Valid research has shown that "extreme" pressure is not only ineffective, it CAN damage lymph vessels and lymph nodes. Vessels, fortunately, can generally repair themselves. Lymph nodes, however, can be damaged beyond repair! By all means, run from someone who uses "extreme" pressure over lymph nodes.

Samantha, I am searching through different posts comparing Vodders methods vs. Upledgers. Can you tell me if you have taken any of the Vodder courses and hwo they compared?