Impact of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Diaphragmatic Breathing on Immune and Hematological Markers in Healthy Volunteers

Quick summary:  This small study found that manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) may help boost the immune system by increasing certain white blood cells, while also giving a short-term lift to some blood health markers. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises helped a too, but MLD seemed to have a stronger effect on immune function.

“This observational-longitudinal study evaluated whether manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can improve immune and hematological markers compared with diaphragmatic breathing in healthy individuals. Ten healthy women were randomly assigned to 5 consecutive days of either MLD (Group 1) or diaphragmatic breathing (Group 2). Daily blood and urine samples were analyzed for erythrocytes, hematocrit, lymphocytes, leukocytes, uric acid, and urine pH using nonparametric statistics. MLD led to significant increases in lymphocytes on Days 3 and 4 and higher erythrocytes and hematocrit on Day 3. Diaphragmatic breathing also increased erythrocytes and hematocrit on Days 1 and 3. Uric acid and urine pH remained unchanged. These findings suggest that MLD may enhance immune surveillance and hematological function, while diaphragmatic breathing may offer benefits for blood health; larger studies are needed.”

Source: Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation