Questions from Clients Regarding LDT

What Causes My Lymph Vessels and/or Nodes to become congested?

There are several reasons for the lymphatic system to become clogged: the primary ones are trauma and inflamation and the concentration of their effects within the lymphatic system.

What Can I Do At Home to Prevent My Lymph Vessels and Lymph Nodes Open and Prevent them from Becoming Congesting?

Wearing tight clothing (such as jeans, tight bras, and tight elasticized banding at legs and waist of underpants, belts) compresses the lymph vessels and nodes, not allowing the fluid to move through them. So, loosen those belts and waistbands; wear looser clothing; and for the ladies, be fitted for a better size bra.

Deep breathing helps to keep the lymph fluid flowing, especially through the chest and abdominal areas. The Lymph System has no pump to move the lymph (such as the heart for the circulatory system); it relies heavily upon the contraction of muscles around it to force the fluid to move. When you breath deeply, filling your lungs from top to bottom, you are using many muscles: the diaphragm, muscles between the ribs, as well as the abdominal muscles. This then "pumps" the lymph fluid through its vessels in the abdominal cavity and the in the chest.

Exercise also moves the lymph, for the same reason as deep breathing: the contraction of muscles.

Another technique to keep the lymph fluid from becoming congested is dry brushing. Using a natural bristle body brush, you want to brush the skin in the direction of the lymph flow: generally in the direction of the heart. You want to use a dry brush; however, if it scratches/hurts too much, you can wet it slightly; but, only wet the brush until you can tolerate the dry brushing. This dry brushing is good for detoxing and for the skin.

Let the Lymph Flow!

What is the Feasability/Effectiveness of LDT Without Bandaging for treating Lymphedema?

If the client is unwilling to be wrapped to reduce the degree of Lymphedema, then the manual treatment (the LDT) becomes less effective in reducing the size of the limb. The LDT then is more for the client's comfort.