Manual lymphatic drainage finds its origin at the end of the 19th century. It was not until the 1930s that the grip techniques of the treatment were significantly developed by the Danish couple Emil and Estrid Vodder. Manual lymphatic drainage was continued and expanded by the Hungarian physician Michael Földi and in the 1950s by the Swiss-born physician Johannes Asdonk.

Manual lymphatic drainage has a positive influence on the function of the lymphatic system and acts gently against swelling. It supports the decongestion of the swollen tissue through gentle grips and strokes. Often, for example after trauma or surgery, swelling occurs due to fluid accumulation. These swellings can occur because nutrients are transported by the blood in the vascular system to the cells and tissues. Normally, the excess fluid is drained into the bloodstream through the lymphatic system. However, if the drainage is impeded, for example because lymphatic pathways have been cut during surgery or some other injury impedes lymphatic flow, the fluid stagnates in the tissues and congestion occurs. This is especially common in the arms and legs.  Manual lymphatic drainage activates the lymphatic system and helps the tissues absorb the accumulated fluid and excrete it into healthy vessels. Manual lymphatic drainage has the following effects:

  • Decongesting
  • Soothing
  • Pain relieving
  • Relaxing
  • Promotes wound healing
  • Strengthening for the immune system

If the arms and/or legs are swollen after surgery or due to prolonged lying, manual drainage is recommended regularly, sometimes even daily, to stimulate the healing process. Even after sports injuries, the healing process can be accelerated by regular applications. Lymphatic fluid can drain better with manual drainage and swellings are reduced more quickly. Manual lymphatic drainage is also useful for venous insufficiency, orthopedic and traumatic diseases associated with swelling, burns, whiplash, migraine and similar diseases. It also improves the mobility of scar tissue and supports the formation of new lymphatic vessels in the severed tissue.

In certain disease states, such as tumors, cardiac insufficiency, acute inflammation, very low blood pressure, acute deep thrombosis of the legs and unclear skin changes, lymphatic drainage should only be used after consultation with the attending physician.