Live.Love.Lymph Online Home Based Lymphatic Care Program
To live proactive and active lives with lymphatic conditions
The lymphatic system is a vital but poorly understood system within the body The lymphatic system is: •A network of vessels which lymph drains from the tissues into the blood •Lymph comprises of lymphatic load, waste, unwanted materials, proteins and water impurities •Runs parallel to the circulatory system, but made up of its own circuit of lymph vessels, nodes and lymphoid tissue •The system produces and transports immune cells that fight bacteria and virus
Lymph Drainage occurs by the areas above the navel drain into the axillary nodes and below the navel drain into the inguinal nodes. If an impairment has occurred through surgery the small lymphatic capillaries can build bridges , allowing lymph to be redirected to a node area that is functioning these small bridges are activated by Self Massage or your Myo MLD therapist. Learning to visualise and understand your lymphatic system will help you at home between consultations with your Myo MLD therapist or physician. The following pages outline the 6 steps to manage your lymphatic condition to live a proactive and active life!
The Online Home Based Lymphatic Care Program will show you how to implement 6 simple, inexpensive and practical steps will help you to maintain your lymphatic condition between treatments in the comfort of your own home. Within this e-book we give you an outline of the 6 steps 1.Mindfulness 2.Self Massage 3.Skin Care 4.Nutrition/Hydration 5.Exercise 6.Products/Garments
Mindfulness Stress decreases the lymphatic system’s performance and exacerbates a compromised lymphatic system. Stress creates cortisol, cortisol decreases the lymphatic system performance. Cortisol is an enemy that exasabates a compromised lymphatic system Stress is mainly related to emotional health but it also contributes to physical illness, even if not the primary cause it is an aggravating factor to the lymphatic load. The second function of the brain lymphatics is that it included communication with the immune system. Tai Chi breathing moves the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to push lymph through the vessels. Two positive ways to cope with daily stress and boost lymphatic flow are laughter and deep breathing.
Self Massage Can greatly assist in the management of lymphatic conditions in between treatments with your MLD therapist.
The aim of self massage is to lymph fluid to move away from the swollen area so it drains. Helping lymph move through healthy lymph vessels which helps control swelling Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is performed from your trained lymphatic drainage therapist Simple Lymphatic Drainage (SLD) is something you can be shown to do yourself by your MLD therapist and through this home based Lymphatic care program Your MLD therapist will explain the SLD techniques specific to your situation.
Skin Care A part of self management is taking care of the body's outer barriers against infections. This topic covers care for the skin, nails and feet A lymphoedema specific first aid guide is shown in the Home Based Lymphatic Care Online Program. Lymphoedema causes skin problems and these skin problems can make the symptoms of lymphoedema worse. Understanding the functions of healthy skin include A daily skin care routine Skin protection Nail Care and Foot Care Lymphatic Specific First Aid
Nutrition Lymphatic conditions like lymphoedema and lipoedema cause swelling, inflammation and fat accumulation under the skin but they are not skin conditions. In terms of nutrition to assist the body's condition the following body systems are involved. Gut Lymphatics Gut microbes Liver Skin Biological signals & the unique properties and role of estrogen in conditions like lipoedema Getting an understanding of the role nutrition plays in your condition. For extra support it is highly recommended to see a specialised lymphatic nutritionalist
Hydration On the rules for healthy living, drinking water is a must! Liquid calories may not fill you up but they certainly add up. Fluid moves freely through tissues with a higher hydraulic conductivity and in turn limits the swelling load. Hydraulic conductivity is influenced by tissue hydration.
Exercise Exercise enhances the flow of lymph just like MLD with your therapist or SLD self massage. Engaging in an active exercise will aid in the flow of lymph, weight control, a feeling of well-being and better general health. Walking groups/programs and Aquatic exercises are best. Aquatic therapy (hydrotherapy) is beneficial supports the body to make possible motions that could not be achieved. The hydrostatic pressure of the water against the swollen limb is similar to that of a therapeutic compression stocking.
Products There are many products on the market to help you manage your condition at home between treatments. From puffy ankles when travelling using Travel socks to compression bandaging, garments and products like the pneumatic pump for those living with lymphoedema or lipoedema. There is a product to suit your lifestyle and your MLD therapist is able to help you find the right product for you. In our Live.Love.Lymph program you will learn more about these products.
To get access to the Live.Love.Lymph Online Home Based Lymphatic Care Program
Please contact your MLD therapist