MLD Face Therapy

Face therapy is generally seen as something reserved for the female who wants a treat, quite often accompanied by the use of a cosmetic skincare range, where the face is scrubbed, stroked, squeezed, and pummeled to varying degrees. On occasion painful, not relaxing, leaving the skin red, sensitive and may even break out a day or so after.

The face could be called the mirror of our health. It not only reflects our feelings of wellbeing and sorrow or our character, but it also reveals our state of health, the balance of mind and body.

The face is also more exposed than our bodies to the weather, wind, rain, temperature change, and a bombardment of chemicals from numerous products we apply.

We all want to maintain our youthfulness and we spend small fortunes on the latest beauty products trying to achieve this. Cosmetic products may have a short term effect but will not get to the root of the problem and with a plethora of chemical ingredients may have more of a detrimental effect.

Quality natural and organic products can help but alone will not achieve the effects we all strive for and that are possible.

MLD (Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage)

Manual Lymphatic drainage was first developed by Dr. Emil and Estrid Vodder in France in the 1920’s and 30’s. MLD is an advanced massage technique which
moves the skin over the underlying tissues using very specific, gentle, rhythmical movements. Lymph drainage is a healthy, natural, painless and absolutely effective method which gives a new basis to life, health and beauty Manual lymphatic drainage is a method of therapy which is designed to promote the free flow of lymph.

Lymph drainage is preformed softly, harmoniously and rhythmically, not only making the treatment highly effective on a physical level but incredible relaxing inducing an almost trance like relaxation.

What is the Lymphatic system?

The Lymphatic system is also known as the secondary circulatory system, the part that is dealing with the elimination of toxins, removing wast material from connective tissue, carrying this to the lymph nodeswhere it can be processed. The lymph nodes such as the spleen and tonsils continually produce white blood cells which defend the body against infection, bacteria and poisons. When we are fighting off an infection or virus our lymph nodes become enlarged. Poor functioning lymph lowers our ability to fight off
infections causing the lymph flow to slow and stagnate which has a detrimental effect on our appearance, which is why when we are ill it shows in our face.

Lymph is a whitish fluid which contains white blood cells known as lymphocytes which circulates round the body similar to plasma, the fluid part of blood. it starts out life as plasma, flowing through your arteries laden with oxygenated blood cells and nutrients to supply all your body’s cells. Plasma leaks out of the tiny blood vessels called capillaries and into spaces between the cells in the tissues to become tissue fluid. This bathes the cells, providing oxygen and nutrients essential for energy, growth, and renewal.

Lymph vessels are as thin as silk threads and lymph capillaries are even finer, conventional massage techniques have no drainage effect, they are too firm to affect the lymph flow.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) enables effective renewal of the lymph activating the circulation, stimulating cell activity and regenerating the facial tissues and was described by Jane Alexander of the Daily Mail as “One of the best kept secrets on the health and beauty scene”

Manual Lymphatic drainage now sits comfortably in both the medical and Holistic world, it’s an accepted part of rehabilitation units, physiotherapy departments and massage centres.

MLD’s intensely relaxing effect masks the strength of the treatment itself. As the stimulated lymph vessels work to clear the loose debris, the skin is not only looks clearer but is cleaner and clearer, right down to the sub-cutaneous levels.

For the best effects a course of treatments is recommended, once a week for a minimum of over 5 weeks, in some cases this can be more than 10.

What can MLD help?

  • Dispersal of fluid and puffiness, this may be after surgery or cosmetic treatments
  • Redness, inflammation, swelling, puffiness
  • Sinusitis
  • Scar tissue and keloids may become softer and less visible
  • Acne and Rosacea can be treated with excellent results, achieved through quite an intense course of treatments, 30 minute sessions at least twice a week over a 4 – 6 week period. The condition may worsen slightly initially but with a course of treatments improvements will be seen, and in some cases almost free from symptoms.