It aims to stimulate the lymphatic system in order to ensure the good circulation of the lymph to the nodes and the heart. It is, at the base, an act of health which should be carried out only by a masseur-physiotherapist.
Indications
We often associate the lymphatic drainage to an aesthetic action (to fight against water retention and cellulite) or comfort (against heavy legs). These are indeed indications for manual lymphatic drainage. But there are others. Mention will be made in particular of the reduction of lymphedema (swelling of a limb or part of the body by accumulation of lymph), in particular after oncological surgery. To prevent the spread of cancer cells via the lymphatic circulation, the surgeon is in fact often required to remove one or more lymph nodes. Thus, after a mastectomy (removal of the breast), the patient will generally have manual lymphatic drainage sessions in order to combat the edema of the arm. Manual lymphatic drainage is also indicated in people who feel tired, to boost their immune system.
In practice
Two techniques are the benchmark in terms of manual lymphatic drainage: Leduc and Voder. They are based on the same action in two stages: a call phase with pressure on different strategic areas of the lymphatic circuit to pump the liquid, then the hunting phase with wave maneuvers to activate the circulation by moving up its entire circuit. Drainage can be done on part of the body or all of it.
Lymph
This colorless liquid eliminates everything that the veins cannot transport: excess fluids, toxins, cellular debris. It runs through the body parallel to the venous system, via lymphatic vessels and capillaries. Nodes located along the lymphatic vessels (in the groin and armpits, in particular) filter the lymph and eliminate the toxins and debris it carries. Through this cleansing action, the lymphatic system has a primary role in our immune system. However, this mechanism tends to be lazy because it does not have its own pump: it is only propelled by muscle contraction and blood pressure.
