Therapy

Lymph Drainage Therapy

The Lymphatic System is the second circulatory system otherwise known as the body’s waste disposal system. It has a vital role in the body by regulating the immune system which protects the body against infection and the development of diseases such as cancer. It is responsible for the destruction and elimination of the metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria, large protein molecules and foreign substances from the connective tissue. If the pathways become congested, blocked or damaged then fluid and toxins can build up and eventually cell pathology may begin. Cellular oxygenation and nourishment is reduced, as is waste elimination. Toxins eventually penetrate the cells and may create the symptoms of chronic disease.

LDM is used primarily to promote the optimal functioning of the lymphatic system as a whole and is both preventative and remedial. It relaxes the sympathetic nervous system reduces pain and enhances the immune system and general wellbeing.

During the transportation process the lymph is cleaned and filtered as it passes through the lymph nodes. It has powerful cleansing, pain relieving and immunological effects. Lymph drainage can enhance recovery from surgery and a wide range of medical / non-medical conditions, by removing toxins and wastes, thus increasing cellular oxygenation and nourishment and boosting immunity. LDM is a non-invasive deeply relaxing specialised therapy specifically designed for the lymphatic system. It is a gentle rhythmical flowing treatment in which the skin is stretched in the direction of lymph flow.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be used to treat a wide range of medical and non-medical conditions to great effect such as:-

• Surgery, before all types of non-cancer related surgery, after all types of surgery
• Glandular Fever (Epstein Barr Virus), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Pregnancy – pre & post pregnancy, swollen legs, ankles & hands. It is important to note that sudden swelling of the feet, ankles, hands and face indicate a more serious condition called pre-eclampsia – symptoms include Hyper-tension (high blood pressure) and Proteinurea (protein in the urine) which should be picked up by your G.P. or midwife during your antenatal appointments.

• Allergies, Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatism, Acne & other skin conditions.
• Hormonal Imbalances (PMS & menopause)
• Detoxification as part of a detox program
• Cellulite, Stretch Marks and Old Scars
• Immune Deficiencies (recurring infections: colds, chest, ear etc.)
• Acute Injuries (fractures, sprains and accident trauma)
• Wounds & Burns
• Sinusitis, Puffy Eyes
• Constipation & other Digestive Disorders

It is also a very successful beauty treatment for the face, improving the appearance of the skin by enhancing texture and reducing puffiness. It helps rejuvenate collagen fibres and slows the ageing process.

Therapeutic Reflexology

Therapeutic Reflexology is science whereby the entire body organs are mirrored onto the soles of your feet. It typically uses specific finger and thumb techniques applied to body mapping of meridians and nerve endings found on the feet. The hands and ears may be worked to promote relaxation and balance to ones organs, glands and other parts of the body.

The need for balance is becoming very apparent, as we live in an overcrowded world with so much excess. We even eat far too much, there is so much information, too much noise, people general over indulging in every area of their lives, they are over qualified and too specialised, which results in to much knowledge in one area and not enough in other areas, certainly not enough water for many, too much carbonated drinking. Certainly not enough of the finest and right kind of foods, as we live in a fast food world, so there is a lack of education. Very few know about being balanced and happy, there is not a happy medium, too much, too little and an extreme imbalance. Let’s find the balance, make some changes, and so why not visit a Reflexologist in 2011.

Many men and women have found Reflexology to be an extremely powerful modality. Results are significant when treating, or regulating hormonal imbalances, helps greatly with male / menopause, and even aids in fertility.

A typical Reflexology session is about an hour long and is more commonly applied to the feet. When a hormone imbalance is at play some reflex areas can be sensitive to touch; the pituitary reflex, considered the “master gland,” is located in the pad of the big toe. This point as well as the groin lymphatic area, kidneys, uterus and /or ovary reflexes may be sensitive during your session.  The difference is felt immediately the treatment is completed.  A Therapeutic Reflexology treatment is a great stress buster, relieves tension, eases the pressure feeling, many people have seasonal treatments booked for executive stress management.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

As a well sought after qualified Lymphatic Drainage Therapist in Gauteng I have assisted a myriad of professional/ lay people who have struggled with Cancer, Diabetes, Chronic Depression, Obesity and other life threating conditions. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to operate at peak performance. This massage system drains fluids, detoxifies and regenerates tissues, filters out toxins and foreign substances and assists us in maintaining a healthy immune system. If lymph circulation stagnates however, toxins accumulate and compromise cellular functioning, which opens the way to physical ailments and disease.

Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is an original hands-on method of lymph drainage developed by French physician Bruno Chikly. It offers a highly efficient approach to working with the lymphatic and other fluid systems. While its concepts are based on traditional procedures, LDT is the first modality to teach practitioners how to manually attune the specific rhythm, pressure, quality and direction of the lymph flow by using a combination of precise anatomical science and distinct manual techniques.

LDM is a gentle, yet firm rhythmic style of massage that mimics the action of the lymphatic system, uses precise rhythm and pressure to open the initial lymphatics and stimulate lymph vessel contraction to reduce edema.  Edema is an unusual accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues that can be temporary and mild or serious, as in chronic lymphedema.

LDM moves fluid out of body tissues and into the lymphatic system. LDM employs repetitive strokes at a precise speed rhythm, and pressure.  LDM stimulates the immune system, it helps move stagnant tissue fluid out of tissues and into the lymphatic vessels, where it is transported through the lymph nodes and purified by lymphocytes.

The LDM movements stretch the microfilaments just below the skin that control the openings to the initial lymphatics, allow interstitial fluid to enter the lymphatic system while stimulating the lymph vessels to contract.  The fluids are propelled forward through the lymph vessels away from the tissue areas where fluid has pooled (collected).  LDM stimulates the lymph vessels to contract more frequently making natural contractions more regular.

LDM assists to put the body into a parasympathetic state, which slows the heart rate and breathing, relaxes muscles and allows organs to resume normal functioning.

Edema is a condition in which excess interstitial fluid saturates tissues, causing them to swell.  Edema means that lymphatic flow in that area is overloaded.

Lymph Drainage assists in weight-loss, detoxification, and encourages the immune system to function at optimum levels.

Should you wish to book a consultation / treatment or require additional information on Complementary  & Natural Holistic Therapies please email us @ Email: info@healthsense.co.za