Medi Massage Lymphatics

19/08/2025

What a nice illustration!

18/08/2025

💙 Did you know? Therapeutic massage helps improve circulation, reduce stress, and support lymphatic health.
Southern Cross members, you’re covered!
📅 Book online today: www.medimassage.co.nz
✨

Medi Massage offers personalised lymphatic and therapeutic massage treatments to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and promote wellness. Specializing in managing Lymphedema and Lipedema, Medi Massage creates tailored therapies to support your health and well-being.

29/07/2025

🌿 Gentle, Healing Touch for Those Navigating Cancer 💜

If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment or recovery, specialised massage therapy can provide powerful relief — both physically and emotionally.

At Medi Massage Lymphatics, we offer:
✨ Oncology Massage – Safe, gentle support for pain, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep
💧 Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – Helps reduce swelling, support healing, and manage lymphoedema after surgery or radiation

Every session is tailored to your unique needs with compassion and care.
You're not alone — we're here to support you with trusted, qualified touch.

📍 1 King Street, Palmerston North
📞 021 245 9742
🌐 medimassage.co.nz
📅 Book Online

💜 Let us walk alongside you with care, comfort, and skilled hands.

Send a message to learn more

28/07/2025

🌿 PROPERTY OF LYMPHATICA 🌿

What You Don’t See After Surgery: The Silent Swell Beneath the Skin 🌿

Why Lymphatic Drainage Is Essential for Post-Op Healing

This image shows the stages of healing after major surgery — the bruising, the sutures, the swelling… and beneath it all, a silent storm of inflammation and fluid accumulation that most people never talk about:

👉 Lymphatic overload.
👉 Internal stagnation.
👉 Trauma that the body can’t drain fast enough.

🌀 Surgery Disrupts the Body’s Natural Drainage System

When you undergo surgery, your lymphatic system — the body’s inner cleansing and immune network — is often cut through, compressed, or shut down temporarily.
• Lymphatic vessels are delicate. Even minor surgical trauma can cause blockages.
• The body floods the area with immune cells and fluid. This is part of healing, but when drainage is impaired, it turns into painful swelling, tightness, and a higher risk of complications.
• Scar tissue traps fluid. Without proper drainage, inflammation lingers longer than it should.

🔬 The Science: Why Lymphatic Drainage After Surgery Matters

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized, medically recognized therapy that helps restore the flow of lymph fluid after surgery.

📚 Studies have shown that post-operative MLD can accelerate wound healing, reduce edema by up to 60%, decrease pain levels, and minimize the risk of infection or fibrosis (Öztürk et al., 2020; Liao et al., 2017).

🧬 Here’s What Lymph Drainage Can Do Post-Surgery:

✅ Reduces Swelling – by clearing stagnant lymph fluid trapped under the skin
✅ Prevents Scar Tissue Complications – especially around joints or implants
✅ Boosts Immune Response – helping to fight post-op infections
✅ Improves Range of Motion – by reducing tightness from swelling
✅ Speeds Up Healing – by clearing cellular waste and inflammation
✅ Supports Emotional Recovery – releasing pressure and improving nervous system tone

📷 Behind This Image

This is not just a photo of a scar.

It’s the battlefield of recovery — a body doing its best to heal, while quietly pleading for support. Look closer, and you’ll see:
• Tissue trauma
• Fluid congestion
• Yellowing from stagnant blood and lymph
• The slow, brave return of circulation

But healing shouldn’t be this hard. And it doesn’t have to be.

🌿 The Takeaway

Lymphatic therapy after surgery is not luxury — it is medicine.
It’s the gentle, hands-on care that tells your body:
“I see your trauma, and I’m helping you carry it out.”

If you’ve had surgery — from knee replacements to cosmetic procedures —
Please don’t wait until you’re swollen, stiff, or scarred.
Support your lymph. Support your healing.

🔗 Research Links:
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8027095/
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836011/
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721193/

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen.

30/06/2025

The Dr. Vodder Technique: A Scientific Review of the Original Manual Lymphatic Drainage Method

🩵 This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Introduction

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic manual therapy used to stimulate lymphatic flow, reduce edema, and support detoxification and immune regulation. The Dr. Vodder Technique, developed in the 1930s by Dr. Emil Vodder and Estrid Vodder, remains the foundational and most widely taught method of MLD worldwide. Rooted in anatomical science and refined through clinical observation, the Vodder Technique has become a cornerstone in lymphoedema management, post-operative care, and holistic health practices.

This article explores the facts about the Dr. Vodder Technique — its history, physiological basis, clinical applications, and validated outcomes — followed by referenced research and training standards.

✅ FACT #1: The Vodder Technique Was First Introduced in 1936

Dr. Emil Vodder, a Danish biologist and massage therapist, presented the method in Paris in 1936 after years of studying chronic sinusitis and lymphatic stagnation in patients. He and his wife Estrid observed that gentle manual strokes could reduce swelling and improve immune responses. This clinical observation led to the formulation of a structured method targeting lymphatic flow.

✅ FACT #2: The Technique Is Based on the Anatomy of Lymphatic Watersheds

The Vodder method is not a random massage — it is grounded in lymphatic anatomy. It follows:
• Lymphatic territories (called watersheds)
• Lymphangion directionality
• Functional lymph node clusters (e.g. cervical, axillary, inguinal)
• Anastomoses that connect different drainage areas

Therapists are trained to stimulate lymph movement toward central drainage pathways, especially the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct.

✅ FACT #3: Movements Are Slow, Rhythmic, and Skin-Stretching

Unlike deep tissue massage, MLD by Vodder uses:
• Circular, spiral, or elliptical movements
• Light pressure (about 30–40 mmHg) to stretch the skin, not compress the muscle
• A rhythm of about 1 stroke per second, which mimics the natural lymphatic pulsation
• Sequences that are always adapted to patient condition, lymphatic integrity, and congestion location

These movements target superficial lymph capillaries, which are located just under the dermis.

✅ FACT #4: Scientifically Validated to Reduce Edema and Improve Lymph Flow

Peer-reviewed studies confirm that MLD improves:
• Lymphatic flow rate (via lymphoscintigraphy)
• Edema reduction in breast cancer-related lymphoedema, lipedema, and post-operative swelling
• Venous return and skin permeability
• Pain and inflammation markers

A 2011 study (Kasseroller, H.) demonstrated a significant reduction in limb circumference and volume in lymphoedema patients receiving Vodder MLD, compared to control groups.

✅ FACT #5: Training Requires Rigorous Medical Education

Practitioners must be trained through internationally certified Vodder schools such as the Dr. Vodder School International (Austria and Canada). A full Vodder MLD and CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy) certification includes:
• Minimum 160–240 hours of theory and practice
• Lymphatic pathology, anatomy, and hands-on technique
• Specialization in treating medical conditions like post-cancer lymphoedema, venous ulcers, and chronic inflammation

✅ FACT #6: It Is a Key Component of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

The Dr. Vodder Technique is the manual component of CDT, the gold standard for lymphoedema management, which also includes:
• Compression bandaging
• Skin care and infection prevention
• Exercise and patient education

MLD prepares the tissues by decongesting proximal areas before distal drainage, improving the efficacy of compression therapy.

✅ FACT #7: Not All MLD Methods Are the Same

While many therapists offer “lymphatic massage,” only those trained in Vodder (or other medically approved techniques like Foldi or Casley-Smith) perform true MLD. Non-certified lymphatic treatments may not follow the anatomical principles necessary for effective drainage — and in some cases, could be contraindicated.

✅ FACT #8: Contraindications Are Well-Established

Despite being gentle, Vodder MLD has absolute and relative contraindications, including:
• Acute infections
• Untreated congestive heart failure
• Renal failure
• Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Malignancy without medical clearance

Therapists must conduct thorough assessments to determine eligibility and safety.

✅ FACT #9: Research Shows Neuro-Immune Benefits

Recent evidence supports that Vodder MLD may:
• Stimulate parasympathetic nervous system activity (vagal tone)
• Reduce sympathetic nervous system overdrive
• Decrease levels of cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines
• Improve mental clarity and reduce fatigue in chronic illness patients

These systemic effects support its use in fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune conditions.

✅ FACT #10: Dr. Vodder’s Legacy Continues Through Global Training and Research

The Vodder School International (Canada), Akademie Dr. Vodder (Austria), and various medical rehabilitation centers worldwide continue to teach and evolve the method. Ongoing research integrates the Vodder technique into oncology rehabilitation, cosmetic surgery recovery, and even neurolymphatic detox for complex chronic illnesses.

Final Thoughts

The Dr. Vodder Technique remains the most rigorously researched and medically validated form of MLD available today. With nearly a century of global application, it stands not only as a therapeutic massage but as a powerful tool in modern integrative healthcare.

📚 References & Resources
1. Dr. Vodder School International – https://vodderschool.com
2. Foldi’s Textbook of Lymphology (Elsevier, 2022 Edition)
3. Kasseroller, R. (2011). Manual Lymph Drainage according to Dr. Vodder: A practical guide. Elsevier.
4. International Society of Lymphology (ISL). Consensus Document on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Lymphedema. Lymphology, 2020.
5. Liao, S., et al. (2019). Manual lymphatic drainage and its effects on lymph transport and immune modulation. Journal of Physiological Science.
6. Mols, F., et al. (2009). Health-related quality of life among breast cancer survivors with lymphoedema: a systematic review. European Journal of Cancer.
7. Wanchai, A. & Armer, J.M. (2013). Manual lymph drainage effectiveness on lymphedema: a literature review. International Journal of Nursing Science.
8. Academy of Lymphatic Studies – https://www.acols.com
9. Lymphoedema Framework. (2006). Best Practice for the Management of Lymphoedema. International Consensus.

©️

30/06/2025

💧 The Magic Behind MLD: The Vodder Technique Explained

✨ A rhythm. A touch. A healing flow.

Most people think a massage needs pressure to work.
But when it comes to your lymphatic system, the secret lies in softness.

Let’s explore the technique that started it all…

👨‍⚕️ Who Was Dr. Emil Vodder?
In the 1930s, Dr. Emil Vodder, a Danish biologist and massage therapist, noticed that many patients with chronic sinusitis and poor immune function had swollen lymph nodes.

At the time, lymphatics were poorly understood — and therapists were told to avoid the nodes entirely.

But Dr. Vodder had a different idea.
He believed that stimulating the lymph could help the body heal itself.

After years of research, he and his wife Estrid developed a gentle, rhythmic method called:

🌊 Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
🌿 What Makes the Vodder Technique Unique?
✅ Gentle, circular movements — using just the surface layers of the skin
✅ Precise direction — always following the natural lymphatic flow
✅ Rhythmic & wave-like pressure — mimicking the body’s own pumping motion
✅ Always starts with the “clearing” technique — prepping the main drainage points before working on problem areas

👉 It’s not a massage — it’s a therapeutic sequence designed to stimulate your lymphatic vessels, enhance immune response, and reduce fluid build-up.

🩺 The Science Behind It
Your lymphatic system is:

A one-way drainage system — carrying waste, toxins, proteins, and immune cells
Made up of superficial vessels just under the skin — easily damaged by deep pressure
Pump-less — it relies on movement, breath, and external stimulation to flow
Dr. Vodder’s technique stimulates the initial lymphatics, opens the watersheds, and redirects lymph through healthy vessels when others are damaged or removed (like after surgery or cancer treatment).

💡 What Can Vodder MLD Help With?
🔹 Lymphedema (primary or secondary)
🔹 Chronic fatigue or post-viral inflammation
🔹 Fibromyalgia and autoimmunity
🔹 Digestive bloating and hormonal imbalances
🔹 Post-surgical recovery (e.g. liposuction, joint replacement)
🔹 Sinus congestion, puffiness, and fluid retention
🔹 Stress and nervous system overload

It’s also used in Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as part of a medical approach to lymphatic disease.

🧠 A Therapy That Calms the Nervous System
Because of its slow, rhythmic nature, MLD using the Vodder technique also:

Reduces cortisol levels
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system
Encourages deep rest and healing
It’s not just a drainage tool — it’s a nervous system balm.

🌈 Final Thought:
The Vodder Technique isn’t just a method.
It’s a philosophy of healing — one that honors the body's rhythms, respects its sensitivity, and restores its natural flow.

So if you’re looking for a therapy that speaks to the silent systems —
MLD might be the gentlest miracle your body didn’t know it needed.

📌 This post is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical guidance. Always consult a certified MLD or CLT therapist for individualized care.

©️

28/06/2025

25/06/2025

Healing with Light: How Low-Level Laser Therapy Supports Recovery in Wounds, Oedemas, and Neurological Conditions
This year marks 50 years since the medical world was first introduced to Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)—also known as photobiomodulation. Initially used for wound healing and pain relief, this gentle, non-invasive treatment has now evolved into a powerful tool for many health concerns—including swelling (oedema) and even neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
🌟 What Is LLLT and How Does It Work?
Unlike the high-powered lasers used in surgery, LLLT uses low-intensity light to stimulate healing at the cellular level. When applied to the body, this light is absorbed by tiny structures in our cells called mitochondria—often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell.
This light triggers several beneficial responses:
• Increased energy (ATP) production
• Improved circulation through nitric oxide release
• Reduction of oxidative stress
• Activation of repair and anti-inflammatory genes
These cellular changes lead to faster tissue repair, reduced inflammation, and better overall cell function.

🩹 Healing Wounds and Oedema with LLLT
LLLT has a well-established role in wound care, particularly for:
• Chronic wounds
• Post-surgical incisions
• Pressure ulcers or diabetic foot ulcers
By stimulating blood flow and reducing inflammation, laser therapy helps tissues repair more efficiently. It also promotes collagen formation, essential for healthy skin recovery.
When it comes to oedema (swelling caused by fluid buildup), LLLT works by:
• Enhancing lymphatic drainage
• Reducing capillary leakage
• Improving microcirculation
This makes it especially useful for post-surgical swelling, lymphedema, or trauma-induced oedema.

🧠 Support for Neurological Conditions: Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
One of the most promising areas of LLLT is its emerging use in neurology. Research and clinical trials suggest that photobiomodulation may:
• Reduce neuroinflammation
• Protect neurons from damage (anti-apoptotic effect)
• Promote regeneration of brain and nerve cells
• Enhance cognitive function in early Alzheimer's disease
In conditions like Parkinson’s, where the brain struggles to produce dopamine, LLLT has shown potential to slow progression by preserving neuronal health and function.
Although still under study, early results are encouraging and offer hope for non-invasive support in managing complex brain conditions.

💡 A Safe, Gentle, and Powerful Therapy
LLLT is:
• Non-invasive
• Painless
• Drug-free
• Backed by over five decades of research
Whether used to assist with wound healing, reduce stubborn swelling, or support the nervous system, laser therapy offers a natural boost to your body’s healing processes.

At Medi Massage Lymphatics , we are proud to offer LLLT as part of our holistic care approach—especially for post-surgical recovery, chronic swelling, and neurological support.
📞 Want to learn more? Let us help you find out if LLLT is right for you.

Send a message to learn more

23/06/2025

Discover the Power of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD isn’t just for post-surgery recovery — it’s a game-changer for a wide range of conditions.

✨ Target stubborn conditions like lipoedema, a painful fat distribution disorder that resists diet and exercise.
✨ Support circulation in chronic venous insufficiency, helping your veins return blood to the heart more effectively.
✨ Soothe rheumatological flare-ups — including fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis — by reducing inflammation and discomfort.

But that’s not all…

🌿 Feel the difference with MLD for:
• Headaches & migraines
• Constipation
• Chronic fatigue
• Full-body detox and deep relaxation

Whether you’re managing a condition or simply craving a reset, MLD is your gentle yet powerful path to better health.

15/05/2025

One of the most visible symptoms of Lipedema is a disproportion between the upper and lower body, especially in the hips, thighs, and legs. These photos show just how differently Lipedema can present from person to person, even at different stages.

Recognizing these patterns is a crucial first step in seeking a clinical diagnosis and finding support.

A THANK YOU to the community members who made these visuals possible. View the collages: https://lipedema.smugmug.com/

15/05/2025

🌿 The Story of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Healing 🌿
Did you know your body has a hidden network that quietly supports your immune system, detox process, and overall wellness?
For centuries, the lymphatic system went unnoticed. But today, it’s finally being recognized as a powerful ally in healing, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is at the heart of this discovery.
Here’s a look at how this gentle therapy grew from ancient observations into one of the most respected techniques in modern natural health care.
💧 What Is the Lymphatic System?
Ancient Greek physicians like Hippocrates wrote about a clear fluid in the body—what we now call lymph. But it wasn’t until the 1600s that doctors began to understand the actual system behind it:
🔹 In 1622, Italian scientist Gaspare Aselli discovered lymph vessels in dogs.
🔹 By 1653, Danish doctor Thomas Bartholin mapped these vessels in humans and linked them to the immune system.
🔹 Over time, the lymphatic system was recognized for moving fluids and fighting illness, but it remained underused in clinical care.
✋ The Birth of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Fast forward to 1932, when Dr. Emil Vodder, a Danish biologist and massage therapist, noticed something unusual.
While working in France with clients who had sinus infections and skin issues, he found many had swollen lymph nodes. Against medical norms of the time, he began gently massaging these areas with light, rhythmic strokes.
The results were incredible—his clients improved.
This simple yet powerful technique became Manual Lymphatic Drainage, officially introduced in 1936. At first, it was met with doubt, but it soon gained attention and respect from health professionals worldwide.
🌀 How Does MLD Work?
Unlike traditional massage, MLD uses very light, slow strokes to stretch the skin and help move lymph fluid through the body. This encourages:
✅ Opening of lymph vessels
✅ Natural pumping of lymph fluid
✅ Movement of waste and toxins into lymph nodes for filtering
✅ Reduced swelling, inflammation, and fluid retention
✅ Support for the immune system and detox pathways
It's soothing, non-invasive, and incredibly effective—a gentle therapy with deep results.

🌍 Where It’s Used Today
Since the 1970s, MLD has grown into a globally recognized therapy. It’s part of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)—used in hospitals, wellness clinics, and by certified therapists around the world.
You’ll find MLD helping people with:
🌸 Cancer recovery – especially for managing post-surgical swelling and lymphedema
🌸 Plastic or cosmetic surgery – to reduce puffiness and fibrosis after procedures like liposuction or BBL
🌸 Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions – helping calm the body
🌸 Digestive support – by stimulating abdominal lymph flow
🌸 Chronic fatigue, migraines, and fibromyalgia – as part of a holistic approach to wellness
There’s even new research exploring its role in brain detox and sleep health via the glymphatic system!
🔮 A Bright Future for a Once-Hidden System
We’re in a new era of understanding how vital the lymphatic system is. With cutting-edge research, imaging tools, and a growing focus on natural healing, MLD is becoming both a clinical tool and a self-care ritual.
It connects the best of both worlds: ancient hands-on healing with modern science.
From Dr. Vodder’s discovery nearly a century ago to today's healing clinics, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is changing lives, one gentle stroke at a time.
✨ Curious about how MLD could support your health or recovery?
Let’s chat! Send a message or comment below to learn more or book your session.

12/05/2025

Swollen? Puffy? Bloated?
It might not just be water weight — your lymphatic system could be calling for help.

Here’s what’s really going on:
Swelling (aka edema) happens when fluid gets stuck in your tissues — and your lymph system is supposed to move that out. When it’s sluggish or blocked? Hello puffiness.

Types of swelling to look out for:
• Pitting edema (leaves a dent when pressed)
• Non-pitting (feels firm – common in lymph issues)
• Inflammatory (red, warm, tender – think injury or infection)

Your lymph does more than drain fluid:
• Balances fluids
• Supports immunity
• Filters waste
• Absorbs fats

Support your lymph naturally:
• Drink more water
• Breathe deep (yes, really!)
• Try dry brushing or rebounding
• Book a lymphatic drainage session
• Cut back on inflammatory foods

Swelling isn’t just a surface issue — it’s your body’s lymphatic SOS.
Keep it flowing, keep it glowing.
Your lymph is your life force.