Acne, Skin Detoxification and Dr Vodders Manual Lymph Drainage

Jan Douglass
Acne is a distressing condition suffered by many and influenced by a myriad of factors.
Hormones, bacteria, pollutants, poor skin nutrition and congestion can all contribute to
the onset or exacerbation of acne. Regardless of the original cause, acne can become a
chronic, inflammatory process creating frustration for the sufferer and initiating the
search for successful treatment. By promoting balance in the environment of cells in the
skin MLD can reduce the symptoms of acne and interrupt the chronic inflammatory cycle.
Microcirculation.
Life for most cells in the body is like living in a warm watery bath. The bath water
contains everything the cells require to sustain life and perform their particular functions.
An adjustable tap brings in fresh nutrient rich fluid to hydrate and nourish the cells, and
the cells release their metabolic waste and exported products directly into the bath water.
This grey water is collected and processed by a system of drains and filtering stations
and eventually everything is recycled or eliminated. The composition and volume of the
fluid in the connective tissue bath at any given point in time will directly influence the
health and activities of the cells living in it.
Fresh arterial flow

Capillaries

Empties into
venous system

Venous return

Lymph vessels & nodes

The Connective Tissue Bath

Jan Douglass 2007

Skin and Acne

Skin protects the body from mechanical damage and dehydration but also houses
important defense mechanisms. Skin necessarily contains many elements which promote
inflammation as a part of the bodys immediate response to damage or invading

microorganisms. The bath water of skin cells then may contain high levels of chemical
messengers as elements of the immune system signal to nearby and distant cells. If the
fluid circulating through the skin cell bath has high concentrations of inflammatory
mediators, or if the normal removal of these factors is impeded acne will be promoted. In
skin which is already compromised or caught in the cycle, any pollutants, bacteria or
hormonal fluctuations will contribute to increase the inflammation. The process and the
condition can become self perpetuating.

The Lymph Vessels System and Skin Health

The skin and the lymphatic system share a very close relation ship. 80% of lymph vessels
are located just under the dermis, within the first 3-5mm of the surface of the skin. These
are tiny initial lymph vessels, sometimes called lymph capillaries, only one cell thick.
The initial lymph vessels are continuous with unstructured pre lymphatic channels within
the dermis though which extra cellular fluid, proteins and wastes from the skin move
towards the initial lymph vessels.
The collected lymph passes into small collector vessels and eventually into the larger
lymph collectors which lie just above the deep fascia. Collector vessels have internal
valves to direct the lymph towards the lymph nodes and a smooth muscle layer which
contracts to actively transport the lymph forward. This pulsing action in the larger
collector vessels acts a bit like a vacuum pump back at the initial lymph vessel drawing
the extra cellular fluid into the lymph vessels away from the skin.

Epidermis
Dermis
Subcutaneous layer
Deep fascia

Lymph Vessel Arrangement

in the Superficial Tissues

Initial lymph vessels

Collector vessels
Large collectors

Text Book of Dr Vodders Manual Lymph Drainage Vol 1.

Whittlinger G & H 2004

The high density of initial lymph vessels in this location is also vital to body defenses.
Any toxic or pathogenic material that manages to cross the barrier mechanisms of the
skin can be quickly removed from the tissues into the lymph vessels and transported to
the immune centers in lymph nodes. Small self proteins such as hormones and
inflammatory mediators are also be removed into the lymph.

Since acne and inflammation are either caused by or exacerbated by nearly all of these
chemicals and hormones, promoting their efficient and constant removal is vital in any
attempt to treat acne. An wholistic approach which employs adequate hydration, a low
inflammatory diet and appropriate skin care is recommended.
The Dr Vodder Technique
First developed by Emil and Estrid Vodder in the 1920 & 30s this technique has been
well researched over the intervening decades and has stood the test of time. The very
precise and specific movements of the skin create demonstrable responses in the
functioning of the lymphatic vessels and in the nervous, digestive and immune systems.
During MLD the lymph vessels contract more frequently and more forcefully, blood flow
to the tissue is increased but importantly the overall volume of filtrate is reduced. The
stress response is significantly reduced and pain is alleviated.
In the treatment of acne the effects of MLD in drawing inflammatory mediators,
hormones, pollutants and infective agents away from the skin allows damaged tissue to
heal, less scar tissue is formed and collagen and elastin turnover are enhanced.
MLD is the Treatment of Choice for Acne
Unlike other deep cleansing treatments the Vodder method of MLD does not bring out
the offending toxins in a flurry of sebaceous activity. Nor are they forced back into the
blood circulation to cause nausea or headaches. By stimulating better lymphatic activity
these elements are drawn away from the tissue and into lymph nodes where they are
processed before being recirculated.
Case studies using the Dr Vodder method to treat acne show a complete resolution of the
lesions with no sign of residual inflammation. Effective interruption of chronic
inflammatory cycles can deliver permanent results. By increasing the ability of the
lymphatic system to quickly remove hormones, toxins and inflammatory mediators from
the dermis MLD restores the correct balance of elements in the connective tissue bath.
Photos of female
Acne Vulgaris. Before and after 18 treatments in 3 weeks
Photos Male
Acne Congloblatta before and after 40 treatments in 8 weeks
The Investment Is In Your Hands
Training with an accredited Dr Vodder School instructor gives you all you need to
achieve excellent results with this highly effective beauty therapy treatment. MLD is not
something you can learn from a product rep or fellow beauty therapist. Precision in the
movements brings outstanding results but poorly applied technique can do more harm
than good.

The effectiveness of the Dr Vodder technique is well established in numerous

dermatological and medical applications. The effectiveness of the practitioner comes
through excellence in training and dedicated practice. The reward is in the result you will
achieve.
References
1. Wittlinger G & H, Text Book of Dr Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage, Volume 1.
7th Edition, Haug International 2004
2. Guyton AC & Hall JE, Textbook of Medical Physiology 10th Edition, WB
Saunders Company 2000