So here it is—Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is in vogue. It is finally being recognized as the vital treatment for health and beauty that it surely is.
Unfortunately, as it soars to recognition in the “trending forecasts,” clarity regarding true lymphatic therapy seems to elude the media and consequently the consumer. So what exactly is MLD? It is amazing how many variants there are on this.
Recently, a patient recounted to me, how In a pre-surgery visit, she was advised by her physician to receive lymphatic drainage work before surgery. Following his advise and making an appointment with the in-house therapist, she was given a treatment that was far removed from the authentic technique of rhythmic light and alternating pressure and instead received a painful and invasive technique. Because she was familiar with MLD she stopped her treatment and inquired about the therapist’s training. He did not carry any credentialed training in MLD. Yet here he was being referred by a respected physician.
Confusion abounds, even in the medical community.
MLD is a specific technique, not easily mastered, it is anti inflammatory in nature and therefore it makes sense that it should not cause pain, it must be soothing and relaxing. It has numerous benefits and apart from being an exceptional rejuvenation therapy it accelerates healing from traumatic injuries.
Clarity regarding true lymphatic therapy seems to elude the media and consequently the consumer…
WHAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR
Certification through credible training programs offering either the Vodder or the Le Duc methods.
Emile Vodder is recognized as the original creator of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and several schools teach his methodology.
However, the majority of schools are focused on training specifically for the pathology of lymphedema. A pathology that has unfortunately gained more attention in recent years due to its increasing incidence, in the wake of cancer and its subsequent treatment. It is estimated that 30 percent of breast cancer survivors will suffer from lymphedema due to lymph node removal and/or irradiation.
I began teaching MLD over 25 years ago and have always considered it of immense value in the realm of beauty and wellbeing—pioneering the clinical wellness and holistic programs under the Vodder School and establishing a newfound value in the world of natural health and beauty, which, I also believe was Vodder’s original intention.
If you are looking for a certified practitioner for your beauty and wellbeing please reach out to us at the Advanced Spa Therapy Education Certification Council, known as Astecc. We have certified holistic practitioners throughout the United States.
ANNE BRAMHAM
A respected spa industry mentor, Anne Bramham is the founder of ASTECC (Advanced Spa Therapy Education Certification Council) and an instructor for the Dr. Vodder School of North America. She has introduced ASTECC training to top spa and wellness destinations throughout the U.S., including Montage Resort & Spa, Grand Del Mar, Spa Shiki Four Seasons, and Ritz-Carlton. She resides with her family in South Florida.
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