Manual Lymphatic Drainage
with Lesley Guilfoyle

I recently had one of the most relaxing massages I have ever had. In fact, it was so relaxing I fell asleep, even though the purpose was for me to do a full review!

Lesley Guilfoyle works from her home in Ashingdon and has a fully equipped and dedicated therapy room. Lesley is one of a limited number of qualified Manual Lymphatic Therapists. She used the MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) techniques to give me a leg and face massage. I wasn’t suffering from any injury so it really was just a ‘chill-out’ massage for me – and boy was it effective! Even so, Lesley is very professional and always starts with a consultation before starting a treatment for a new client. I was no exception.

Lesley used a range of specialised and rhythmic pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow. The movements were incredibly gentle, which is why the treatment was so relaxing, but nonetheless this is both a remedial and preventative treatment for many health problems. The special massage stimulates the lymphatic vessels which carries lymph fluid. This fluid surrounds tissues and organs and plays an essential role in removing waste products from the body and carrying cells that are part of our immune system. The lymph vessels are very thin and cannot usually be seen and yet they play a crucial role in our health and wellbeing. Apart from the relaxation side, MLD is particularly useful for aiding the healing of leg ulcers; treatment of both primary and secondary lymphoedema; treatment of venous oedema; pre and post surgery to aid healing; alleviating congestion such as sinus problems and puffy eyes; and even promoting the healing of wounds, burns and old scars.

I have always been an advocate of massage of all types, but if you would like something that is exceptionally relaxing and gentle, and also very good for your health and wellbeing, I would definitely recommend you pay Lesley a visit.

Lesley can be contacted on 01702 544290. She also offers Remedial Massage and Equine ML. You can find out more about Manual Lymphatic Drainage at www.mlduk.org.uk

Reviewed: by Jill Poet : September 2009