So you have had your MLD (Manual Lymphatic Massage)

What should or shouldn't you do now (after care advice)

To ensure that you get maximum benefit from an MLD treatment is is recommended that you:

1. Loosen tight clothing as tight clothing inhibits lymph flow.

2. Increase the amount of water you drink over the next few days - the body will be in a state of high toxicity for a few days after treatment.

3. Reduce your caffeine intake (coffee, tea, cola's).

4. Avoid hot baths, saunas etc for a couple of hours.

5. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours

6. Try to cut down on smoking

7. Make time to rest and relax - this allows the blood pressure to return to normal if it has dropped during a treatment (this often happens)

8. Regular (but no too strenuous) exercise helps with muscle contraction, therefore lymph flow.

9. Deep diaphragmatic breathing also helps to promote healthy lymph flow. Around 10-15 minutes a day with legs elevated is beneficial for lymph congestion.

10. Diet is important; a light diet of raw foods is recommended so that the body does not need to concentrate on sluggish digestion. Remember, low sodium diets are recommended for a healthy lymphatic system - poor diets are a contributing factor to poor lymphatic drainage.

Occasionally, you may experience reactions when the body begins healing its self healing process and elimination of toxins. These reactions may include:

1. ​Frequent visits to the toilet.

2. Runny nose and/or cough.

3. Slight rash as the skin rebalances.

4. Perspiration - another way that the body can excrete waste.

5. Conditions which may have been suppressed may flare up temporarily before they heal

6. Deep sleep or difficulty in sleeping and vivid dreams.

These reactions are only temporary and should clear within 24-48 hours. They are positive signals that your body has responded to the treatment and is balancing itself.

If you are concerned about any of your symptoms should should contact your healthcare provider.