I went to the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon in March to review the class Lymph Drainage Therapy 3, given by the Upledger Institute, http://www.upledger.com.  These courses were developed by Bruno Chikly, MD, who has done exhaustive research on the lymphatic system and lymph drainage technique. He also authored the first comprehensive book in North America on the lymphatic system and lymphedema: Silent Waves: Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy-With Applications for Lymphedema, Chronic Pain and Inflammation. Dr. Chikly is a native of France who now makes his home in the United States.

Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) refers to a specific type of gentle touch bodywork designed to stimulate the body to take in more lymph through the capillaries and vessels of the lymphatic system.  Increased intake and circulation of lymph results in more lymph brought to the lymph nodes, where the white (immune) cells are activated by exposure to bacteria, viruses and other antigens.  The lymph nodes also filter and break down waste materials captured in the lymph, such as cell debris, metabolic waste products, allergens, cancer cells and manmade chemical toxins.  These waste products are then returned to the liver and kidneys via the blood circulation and disposed of by the body’s excretory systems.

The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances and maintain a healthy immune system (Asdonk, 1970, Adair & Guyton, 1982.) Lymphatic vessels rely on tiny muscular units (lymphangions) to propel the lymph flow.  LDT is a hands on technique designed to attain and sustain proper functioning of this fluid system.

In this class we learned and practiced:

techniques to assist with clearing of chronic sinus  and ear infections

techniques to promote the healthy functioning of the internal organs through stimulation of their lymphatic flow

techniques for releasing scar tissue adhesions and fibrosis

techniques for assisting the body in one of it’s amazing functions: the rerouting of lymph after surgery or other trauma in which the original flow has been disrupted