Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/621015
C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 51 "… Your patient had better save his life and money by passing you by as a failure, until you are by knowledge qualified to deal with the lymphatics." A. T. Still, 1899 25 "DRAIN YOUR BRAIN" The use of very specific manual techniques to activate the lymphatic flow began, as far as we know, at the beginning of the 20th century 26 when traditional osteopaths C. E. Miller (1920) and F. P. Millard (1922) first documented specialized techniques to work on the lymphatic system. 27 There are scientific descriptions of the lymphatic rhythm in humans, but very few practitioners are working at stimulating lymph circulation in a direct and precise manner with this rhythm. Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) was developed to manually attune to the specific rhythm, the direction, the depth, and the quality of the lymph flow, consistent with these recent scientific discoveries. LDT teaches practitioners how to work with lymph and interstitial fluid on skin and mucosa, muscles, fascia, tendons, the chambers of the eyes, periosteum, most viscera, the dura, and the pia. 28 LDT explains how to manually map the lymphatic pathways with the hands (Manual Lymphatic Mapping), how to identify precise areas of the body where there is fluid stagnation or fibrosis, and how to find the most appropriate pathways for drainage. LDT approaches are gentle techniques that work through the interstitial and lymphatic systems of the body to activate the body's circulatory and immune systems. The work is typically done from proximal (the location where the fluid ends up), to distal (away from this location). To stimulate CSF circulation and drainage of the brain, the practitioner needs to start at the clavicles (supraclavicular nodes) and work his way up to the numerous nodes of the neck (approximately 300). Once the neck sequence is complete, some techniques can address the cerebral interstitial fluid, and then the area of cranial (and spinal) nerves can be specifically addressed. As an example, lymphatic drainage of the sciatic nerve (an advanced training of LDT) can be very efficient. In the few minutes it takes to accomplish the protocol, the client can be completely released, or freed enough to lie down calmly on the therapeutic table so other complementary approaches can be easily used. Let's now look at the specific rhythm, direction, depth, and quality of the lymph flow as part of the LDT protocol. The Lymphatic Rhythm The lymphatic rhythm in humans was scientifically described by A. Engeset and W. Olszewski more than 30 years ago. 29 The main vessels of the human lymphatic system (lymphatic collectors) present two or three layers of spiral muscles that have peristaltic (wavelike) contractions controlled by the autonomic nervous system. 30 Contrary to what is sometimes taught, the lymphatic system is not a passive system only stimulated by respiration—and lymph doesn't need to be forcefully pushed with our fingers. The intrinsic motility of the lymph fluid is generated by the contraction of little muscular units located in the collector vessels between two valves. These contractile units, called "lymphangions" or "little lymphatic hearts," were discovered long ago, but were not recognized by the scientific community until recently. 31 LDT practitioners learn how to apply the right pressure and attune to the deep rhythm of the lymph. Then the right pressure and proper rhythm can be applied in synchrony with the whole system, attuning to and supporting the specific lymphatic rhythm of each client. To be able to palpate the lymphatic flow requires time and dedication. Nevertheless, it is an effort that is worthwhile because it is a doorway to the fluid body, an inner realm that holds great potential. However, this does not make the lymphatic flow easily palpable in all cases. This type of training, as with many other professional manual techniques, requires time and dedicated effort. Direction of the Lymph Flow Advanced LDT practitioners use Manual Lymphatic Mapping to manually assess the specific direction of the lymphatic flow and find areas of fluid retention, edemas, or fibrosis. Heightened palpation skills enable practitioners to discern normal flow from disturbed or pathological flow patterns. A practitioner is then able to support the client in self-correction, allowing the intelligence of the body to express its own ability to heal itself. In cases of fluid obstruction, these tools are very important in order to find the most accurate alternate lymphatic pathways in different areas of the body. At the beginning of a manual therapy session, an initial assessment of the areas of fluid stagnation can be made with a trained hand. The therapist can then determine the areas that need the most work, and perform that work. They can then manually recheck if the lymph flow has been efficiently and noninvasively rerouted. Verifying the results can help the practitioner select an effective treatment protocol. Depth and Pressure The LDT touch is gentle, relaxed, and flowing. A rhythmic, loving hand is always required. This ensures a noninvasive, respectful touch throughout every treatment. The hand surrenders to the movement and depths of the waters of the body. The depth is determined by whether you are in superficial lymph, deep interstitial fluid, intracellular fluid, superficial (epifascial) LYMPH IN THE BRAIN