Cording is the hardening of lymphatic vessels or veins. It begins with an inflammatory process that can arise from a bacterial infection, surgery, excessive or prolonged exertion or repetitive strain during exercise. The vessels alone can be the source of inflammation. After the inflammation subsides the vessels can harden, shorten or adhere to surrounding tissues. Cording can be connected to scar tissue. This hardened fibrotic vessel can be located anywhere… Read More »Cording
Listen to your belly. Is your body communicating with you? Are you constipated, bloated, have diarrhea, cramps or food sensitivities? This is our body telling us that something is wrong. You could be hindering your lymphatic system from doing its job properly. Managing these four areas of your diet and nutrition will help improve your lymphedema. Recognizing inflammation One important job of the lymphatic system is to remove products of… Read More »Managing Your Nutrition to Improve Lymphedema
A brief history Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid, a naturopath, developed manual lymph drainage (MLD) in France in the 1930s. They treated patients at a physical therapy institute. For years Dr. Vodder had an interest in the lymphatic system and studied this living environment which he felt was the most important organ system in the body. While treating patients with conditions such as acne, migraines and sinusitis, he… Read More »History and Techniques of Manual Lymph Drainage
The key to exercise for lymphedema is lots of movement while keeping a low to moderate heart rate. Movement through alternating muscle contractions and relaxation allows lymph flow to its maximum. The pumping action of our muscles causes lymph to pump through its vessels. This is one reason why exercise is good for us. But which kind of exercises are best for the lymphatic system? Walking A great exercise for… Read More »Exercising Tips for Lymphedema