Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of manual manipulation of the skin specifically focused on the lymphatic vessels to encourage the natural drainage of lymph. It uses a very light pressure with rhythmic movements and should not be confused with massage or lymphatic massage. 

 

The lymph system depends on the contraction of the smooth muscles in the lymph vessels and movement of skeletal muscles to move lymph through the vessels of the lymph nodes and then to the lymph ducts, which returns lymph to the cardiovascular system.