Battle Cold Season with MLD
By: Jaimee Copeman
Cold season is here, and we all know how hard it can be to shake a cold. Interestingly, many individuals suffer from chronic nasal congestion following a cold which can lead to Sinusitis.
Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, can occur after colds or an allergy flare up, which are both quite common this time of year. When mucus drainage becomes blocked, symptoms of infection or sinusitis can ensue.
Sinusitis symptoms are runny nose or other cold-like symptoms for more than 7-10 days, headaches, facial pain and swelling around the eyes (which can be worse in the morning).
The lymphatic system is our body’s waste control and cleansing system. If our sinuses become inflamed and congested, the local lymphatic system may become overloaded and create swelling in the surrounding areas. This can also result in local lymph nodes becoming inflamed. Our lymph nodes are the “filters” and if they are impaired then our immune system cannot work to its full capacity.
Manual Lymph Drainage, also known as MLD, is a light pressure technique that reduces congestion and speeds up the elimination of waste products from our tissues as it facilitates the movement of lymph. Chronic sinusitis responds well to MLD treatment because of its edema reducing effects on the mucus membranes, as well as the positive influence on the immune system.
A treatment session for chronic sinusitis would be 30 minutes long. We work through the neck and full face with extra time spent through the sinuses and eyes. The treatment does not involve lotion and is very light in pressure compared to a traditional massage. Having regular sessions close together is most effective as the goal is to increase and maintain movement of lymph. This is best achieved with frequent visits until it’s managed well on its own. Often relief is gained with the first session as pain and swelling reduction is achieved. The goals of treatment can be reduction of facial pain, headaches and nasal congestion and to encourage improved airflow through the nasal cavities.
If you, or anyone you know, are experiencing these types of symptoms or would be interested to know more about how MLD can help you, reach out to us at 705-788-1480 to book an appointment with our Level 2 MLD therapist, Jaimee, today!
NOTE: MLD is not recommended for individuals that are experiencing active acute infections, any metastatic or systemic malignant conditions or that have thrombosis at risk of causing embolism.