LYMPH DRAINAGE AND DECONGESTIVE THERAPY

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a swelling due to abnormal buildup of fluid in body tissues. It can develop when the lymphatic system is improperly developed or damaged through trauma or injury. Often becoming a chronic condition, it occurs most frequently in the limbs but can affect other parts of the body.

How does the lymphatic system work?

The lymphatic system plays an important role in the immune system and helps maintain the balance of fluids in the body. Lymph nodes filter out harmful cells for removal by the body’s defense system. Like a drainage system, fragile vessels carry lymph, composed of extra fluid, protein and cellular waste products from body tissues back towards the circulatory system. Lymph flow is activated by contraction of lymph vessels, muscle movement during exercise, and deep breathing.

What causes lymphedema?

There are two main types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema either appears at birth or at any time of life, usually for reasons unknown. Secondary lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged as a result of trauma, surgery, or radiation. It can be a side effect of cancer-related surgeries that require the removal of lymph nodes, including surgery for such cancers as: breast, skin, reproductive system (ovaries, uterus, prostate, and testicles), head and neck, bladder and colon. Lymphedema may occur months or years after surgery.

TREATMENTS FOR LYMPHEDEMA

Treatments focus on improving the drainage of lymphatic fluid with Manual Lymphatic Drainage
and on realizing the benefits of compression with appropriate garments for day and for night use.

Manual lymph drainage (MLD)

Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a specific, gentle massage. MLD stimulates lymph flow and redirects the lymph fluid to areas of the body where the lymphatic system is functioning. Special techniques help to break down fibrous tissue.

Compression garments

Compression garments keep swelling down by providing support and are an essential part of treatment. They can be ready-made or custom-made, but they must fit properly. Most compression garments are worn during the day, especially during times of high activity, and removed at night. Special Compression garments have been developed for night use and to replace bandaging.

Pneumatic pumps

Pneumatic pumps are sometimes used to treat lymphedema. Pumps are best used in conjunction with CDT. Talk to your therapist if you consider using a pump.

Diuretics

Diuretics are generally not recommended for the treatment of lymphedema because they extract water from the lymph, worsening the buildup of protein which can harden tissues. Do not reduce or discontinue diuretics without consulting your physician, especially if they are part of a prescription for a heart related condition.

For more information and to schedule a consultation, please contact Evamaria Burgstaller, CMT, CCP, MLDT @ phone# 757-404-5703

What is COLORPUNCTURE  and how can it help me?

What is Colorpuncture ?

It is a system of light therapy which combines energetic principles of Chinese medicine with modern discoveries about the biophysics of light. This system was developed by Peter Mandel, a German naturopath, acupuncturist, and well-known figure in European natural healing.

How does Colorpuncture work?

Colorpuncture involves placing colored light on specific points along the energy pathways of the body. The light restores cellular communication and supports the body’s healing process.

Particular treatments help balance and de-stress the nervous system, detoxify the body, relieve pain, tonify and strengthen specific organs. Common conditions that can be addressed energetically are pain, migraine, lymphatic issues, depression, anxiety, hyperacidity, digestion, childhood trauma and many others.

Why does Colorpuncture Therapy work?

Colorpuncture operates from the perspective that our physical discomforts and pains are important signals of deeper disharmonies in the psyche and spirit that can disturb the healthy communication between cells in the body. Any disharmony must be addressed at these deeper levels if real healing is to occur.

Light and color not only restore proper cellular communication; they also have a unique capacity to unlock the connections in the body-mind.

Many Colorpuncture treatments powerfully address emotional, mental and spiritual levels, as for example the therapies for prenatal trauma and conflict solution. Clients find this therapy to be gentle and relaxing.

Finally, Colorpuncture has the effect of activating consciousness and personal insight, for example in treatments like the dream stimulation therapy.

By working to restore our connection to our inner wisdom, all Colorpuncture therapies seek to support the unfolding of our innate potential as individuals.

The deepest healing comes from living our lives in accordance with our truth and our potential.