VODDER
During the early
1930’s Danish physical
therapist Dr Emil Vodder created
a unique set of movements
for the very top layer of
the skin which he successfully
used to treat patients to
clear chronic catarrh and
facial acne. After intensive
studying of what was then
known of the lymphatic system,
he devised a set of movements
to treat the whole body.
The treatment involves the
gentle, rhythmical ‘pumping’
of the very top layer of the
skin, which stimulates lymph
flow in the body. This stimulation
of the lymphatic vessels means
a greater amount of the body’s
metabolic waste products and
excess fluid are removed from
the body’s tissues and
enters the lymph system. Dead
cells, bacteria and other
toxins are removed. The clean
lymph is then returned to
the blood stream.
In the UK MLD is continuing
to grow in popularity and
its many benefits recognised
by the medical profession.
It is used very effectively
to treat Lymphodema and is
offered by some hospitals
as an out-patient clinic to
its patients. Vodder has been
proven to be particularly
helpful in cases of post-operative
or traumatic bruising and
swelling, indeed many surgeons
recommend that their patients
have a course of treatments
after surgery to quickly reduce
swelling and aid a quicker
recovery.
This method Lymphatic Drainage
is the only massage treatment
that is recommended for palliative
care in cancer patients.
MLD can be used for many
conditions and is also excellent
as a preventative measure
that can enhance your general
well-being. Some examples
are:-
Improved sleep patterns.
Aid digestion and offer relieve
from constipation and feelings
of bloating
Boost immune system function
– lessen susceptibility
to colds, etc,
Alleviate fluid congestion
such as swollen ankles, tired
puffy eyes, swollen legs during
pregnancy and fluid retention
due to PMT.
Improve the symptoms of chronic
inflammatory conditions like
sinusitis, arthritis, acne
and rosacea.
It promotes the rapid healing
of wounds and burns and can
even improve the appearance
and textures of old scars.
Each treatment takes 1 hour
and during this time the therapist
will initially concentrate
on stimulating the main drainage
points in the neck, then focusing
on particular areas of concern.