Body Balancing of Central Florida

Lymphatic drainage is a type of gentle massage which encourages the natural circulation of the lymph through the body. The lymph system depends on peristalsis and the movement of skeletal muscles to squeeze fluid through lymph ducts and vessels. Lymph drainage consists of gentle, massaging of the skin to stimulate the lymph nodes to open and drain. The treatment is very comfortable and non-aggressive. A typical session will involve drainage of the neck, abdomen, trunk, and extremities and lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

1922 Frederic P Millard D.O. publishes his work on the lymphatic system "Applied anatomy of the lymphatics.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage was pioneered by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930s for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and other immune disorders, and is now recognized as a primary tool in Lymphedema management.

1990 Bruno Chikly MD a French physician living in Arizona develops Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT). It further  improves on available techniques

Earlier in the month I went to Detroit for the first of 3 seminars on Lymph Drainage therapy. It was an intriguing workshop full of information, practical application and questions.

Since returning to the sunshine state. I have been practicing at every chance. During the course of training, admittedly I had my doubts. I have never been a fan of light touch therapies as it is to easy to mistake them for "snake oil." Needless to say Since I was already in Detroit and it was colder than a ...It was cold. I decided to give it a fair shake. I had studied the massive text book they asked us to read prior to the seminar/workshop. So I was listening to a critical ear to every thing said. At first I truly doubted the technique. All I kept hearing was "lighten up". But as I practiced on the various partners I began to see "body signs". Of course those of you who know me know that I am always watching for Body signs in my work; Breath rate, heart rate, parasympathetic response, as well as unwinding. I found the speed with which the parasympathetic response was visible (Reduces Heart rate (carotid artery slows), lowers blood pressure (improved color), produces visceral responses (tummy growling) reduced tone in musculature was faster than instances I have seen with traditional massage. The more I practiced on myself I could feel my sinuses clearing and staying clear. Being a allergy sufferer all my life I was hopeful it would be as great as it was appearing to be, but ever the critic I wanted more proof.

Finishing the class and returning to Florida I was anxious to start trying this with clients. As the instructor had detailed various benefits of LDT I could think about various clients that could be helped by it. On the plane I forgot my "earplanes". The pressure was building in my ears but not near as much a sit had on the way up. I did a few draining strokes and my ear popped.  Needless to say I was very happy.

The lymph system is a real work horse. It wears many hats and does them all despite us. Just off the top of my head some of its more noteworthy tasks.

Overall from the random pathways to the nodes it is a pretty amazing system. The therapy is so light it can improve the quality of life from 1 to over 100 years. Its direct and secondary effects can not only heal but make your system stronger.

Probably a good time to find out more.

Well, I don't have a specific example of a case study. I heard a lot of stories during class, some of them brought a tear to eye for lack of proper care causing the loss of a limb, others telling of survival at deaths door. I could retell the tales but this is about first hand experience, so all I will tell you is what I have seen, experienced, and felt.

I notice immediately with only a few strokes a change in the skin tone and level of transparency. The veins very quickly become more visible, and not just the larger veins, the smaller veins show up as well. This tells me the interstitial environment is clearing.

The tone of the skin also changes with some speed. The hardness of the tissue eases and the skin seems to become "softer". I have had a couple of client remarks that it felt like the tissue was sweating but none had visibly appeared. Fluidic changes are harder for me to observe, however one case of dry irritated "sandy" eyes, were eased and began to tear after just a few strokes and the accompanying headache dissolved with it

I am no slouch when it comes to doing relaxation massage. I relax a client rather thoroughly and with some ease. But I have to admit that I was surprised how quickly the clients breathing slowed and they eased into deep REM sleep. I have often remarked that snoring is an honest response to bodywork. The deeper the snore the deeper the relaxation. One case was just wanton and unabridged. Personally I delight in a client achieving this depth of relaxation from my work. Those that did not sleep

After teaching an associate a light stroke to use during the post acute healing phase of a severe cold he commented the duration was drastically shortened. I have often used this same stroke on my children and witnessed a similar response.

As I experience more I will post more :)

The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration and is unique in both its design and function. Its broad, umbrella like shape separates the upper and lower thoracic cavities (4.79). The diaphragm's muscle fibers attach to the inner surface of the ribs and the lumbar vertebrae and converge at a central tendon (4.80).

The diaphragm creates inspiration when its muscle fibers contract and pull the central tendon inferiorly. Because the central tendon is attached to the connective tissue that surrounds the lungs, a vacuum is created in the upper thoracic cavity pulling air into the lungs. On exhalation, the muscle fibers of the diaphragm relax, releasing the central tendon and allowing the lung to deflate.

Although only a small portion of the diaphragm is accessible, the muscle's effect on the thorax and breathing is easily felt.

An involuntary contraction of the diaphragm will cause air to rush into the lungs and the vocal cords to snap shut. The audible result is a hiccup.

The heart is directly affected by the motion of the diaphragm. As the heart's fibrous pericardium is  attached to the diaphragm's central tendon by I ligaments, the heart literally rides up and down on the diaphragm as you breathe. The yogis were right - breathing can massage the heart!