What is NOT true of MLD (manual lymph drainage)?

• A. It reduces cellulite
• B. It stimulates lymph flow
• C. It reduces swelling
• D. It aids detoxification

Answer: (C)

Manual lymph drainage works by gently stimulating the lymphatic vessels to move lymph toward the regional nodes, which helps clear excess interstitial fluid. This leads to reduced swelling and edema, especially in situations like lymphedema or post-surgical swelling, and it can also improve overall tissue comfort as fluid balance improves.

While the lymphatic system supports waste removal and immune function, claims that MLD detoxifies the body are not strongly supported by evidence, and cellulite is not directly addressed by this technique. Cellulite involves structural fat and connective tissue changes, which aren’t permanently altered by lymphatic drainage, so reduction of cellulite is not a reliably demonstrated outcome.

So, the main, well-supported effects to keep in mind are stimulation of lymph flow and reduction of swelling; cellulite reduction and detox claims are not reliably proven effects.