Meet Judie Rhed, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy expert and founder of Rhemedy by Rhed (aka where we’e been having our insanely amazing LDT sessions lately). LDT is a new concept to us, and we’ve received TONS of questions from you all about it. So, we sat down with Judie this week to take a deeper dive into the complex lymphatic system, and give you the scoop!
What is a Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is a manual, hands on technique developed by Bruno Chikly that gently encourages the lymph fluid (in the interstitial spaces) back to the regional lymph nodes, in order to increase the micro-filtration of water and macro molecules in the body (proteins, lipids, minerals, enzymes, toxins, cancer cells, hormones, cell deigns, dyes, coals, dissolved gases, pathogens, carbohydrates AND most importantly plasma protein).
These superficial and deep structures do not have valves/muscle like the venous system and are stimulated by pressure differentials in the tissues. Thus, manual drainage encourages the movement.
What is the purpose of LDT?
LDT manually encourages the flow of lymph with varying gradient of stroke pressure, which creates a more fluid lymph.
There are many reasons to receive LDT, from having a severely compromised lymphatic system to general health concerns where an individual is looking to help increase flow of lymphatic fluids.
When should I get LDT?
LDT is helpful for many reasons: post surgery recovery, pre surgery prep, post workout onset soreness, post cold-flu decongestion, pre event facial treatment, spring-seasonal cleaning ritual, general relaxation, pregnancy fluid retention, IBS co-therapy … the list goes on.
What kind of results can I expect after a session?
The cycle of lymph drainage varies from person to person. Immediate results are general lightness and deep relaxation. The fluid drainage can occurs 24-48 hours post session. The difference in drainage also varies from person to person, depending on the health of their lymphatic systems.
How often do you recommend going?
This depends on your body’s condition and the purpose of the LDT. For general bodywork, I encourage women to rely on the monthly cycle of their menstruation. The best time would just after the end of one’s cycle.
Can I work out afterwards?
Absolutely! But I would emphasize that you should drink twice as much water after receiving LDT to encourage rehydration and lymph flow, especially for your heart. If you feel fatigue post-session (as your system may have been overloaded with toxins), you should refrain, as the lymphatic load may be too much.
Is LDT safe during pregnancy?
Yes, depending on the condition of the pregnancy.
Tell us a bit more about the lymphatic system and how it affects us.
The lymphatic system is complex and delicate, and includes the primary organs of thymus and bone marrow, secondary organs of the spleen, tonsils, lymph follicles of mucous membrane, lymph nodes, and lymph transport of superficial capillaries, pre collectors, superficial collectors, perforating vessels, deep collectors, lymph noes, trunk and duct.
The system is vital for transporting water and macro molecules: proteins, lipids, minerals, enzymes, toxins, cancer cells, hormones cell deigns, dyes, coals, dissolved gases, pathogens, carbohydrates and most importantly plasma protein. Without this system, our bodies would be overloaded with deregulated blood volume and intoxication!
Does LDT help with acne? How about hormonal acne?
Yes it does, as the therapy encourages removal of hormones from the lymphatic/interstitial fluid. It is encouraged as a complementary treatment to changing one’s diet to regulate the spike in hormones.
Tell us about Rhemedy by Rhed — how did you get started, and what other kinds of massage do you offer?
I began my massage career post 9/11, after a decade of being a retail designer and director, as my paradigm shifted to becoming a professional of health.
After many years of dedicating myself to other, larger spas, I strongly desired a more intimate space to engage more personally with clients, as well as ability to offer the massage therapies I was exploring.
Rhemedy By Rhed Therapeutic Massage was established in 2007, initially as a solo practitioner studio, and evolved to include other dedicated massage professionals in 2012. As of 2018, I couldn’t be happier with the colleagues I have the opportunity to work with.
We offer a wide range of massages: from alignment deep tissue, structural integration, Therap-Cupping, Thai Massage and Yoga inspired stretch techniques, Detox encouraging oil based massages, CranioSacral, Crystal/Himalayan Salt/Basalt warm-stone massages, Couples massages, and spa add ons of eco friendly paraffin, scrubs and hair stimulating scalp massages. We also offer Infrared wraps and Body Contour wraps. Each treatment incorporates non preservative based, GMO free, therapeutic grade essential oils, nut free oils and cremes from the inception of our practice.
Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
The world of lymphatic drainage therapy is vast in the types of MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) including Foldi, Casley-Smith, Lerner, Millard, Vodder and Alastriste, all evolving from the turn of the century.
Each gentle technique has its effectiveness. I personally love Chikly’s method, as it allows sinking into your water pathways and is humanistic.
For self-care, dry-brushing is definitely helpful. Always use non preservative based hydration for your body! Calendula based oils and lotions are amazing for the skin’s lymphatic system. There are also US based herb tinctures that can increase your lymphatic flow such as Chickweed, Cleavers and Indigo.
OH! And Rhemedy by Rhed is offering 10% off
30 min LDT for first timers!
Just mention Sweats & The City.
