The Dr. Vodder Method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
This is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that has a powerful effect on the body. Research in Australia, Europe and North America has proven its efficacy as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with other therapies. Developed in France in 1932 by Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid Vodder. MLD has grown to be the internationally most well known manual technique to assist lymph flow, aid in drainage of tissues and reduce swelling (edema).
About the Lymphatic System
The Lymphatic System is an important component of the immune system that fights against foreign substances in the body. The Lymphatic System’s function is to help keep the body’s tissues healthy by removing metabolic wastes, excess water, proteins, pathogens and toxins from the tissue via the lymph vessels. The lymph vessels connect to the lymph nodes which filters, concentrates, breaks down or stores these substances. From the lymph nodes the lymph vessels transports the fluid back to the blood (circulatory system). Approximately 40% of the fragile lymphatic vessels are subcutaneous (located just under the skin). If the pathways become blocked, damaged, congested or severed, then the fluids can build up in the tissue leading to edema and fibrosis. If there is damage in the tissue (burns, chronic inflammation, ulceration or hematoma) then the lymph vessel system must transport the damage cells, inflammatory products and toxins away from the area. The quicker this can happen, the faster the recovery will be. Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage can aid in this process. What makes this technique so distinctive and the gold standard? The Dr. Vodder method is a gentle, non-invasive technique that gently restores the lymphatic system. The Dr. Vodder technique always begins with treatment of the lymph nodes and lymph vessels found at the neck and the junction of the large lymph channels in the venous arch on both sides of the body (connection of the jugular and subclavian veins). Dr. Vodder calls this “clearing the chain lymph nodes down to the terminus”.
Background On The Dr. Vodder Training
Click here for more information about the Vodder International School and here for the Wittlinger Clinic where clients stay onsite for care.
Manual Lymph Drainage may be used in combination with other modalities however, some patients may receive MLD exclusively, depending on their own individual needs.
The Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage is one of the few treatments related techniques that is highly effective in treating “acute” injuries as well as chronic conditions