What is the primary goal of MLD in moving lymph toward central pathways?

• A. To increase skin elasticity through manual kneading.
• B. To remove bacteria directly from tissue.
• C. To move lymph toward functioning nodes and trunks, reducing interstitial fluid.
• D. To completely replace the need for compression therapy.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to guide lymph flow toward the body's central drainage pathways so lymph can be filtered by functioning nodes and then return to the venous system. Manual Lymph Drainage uses gentle, directional strokes that follow the natural lymphatic routes, moving fluid from congested tissues into regional lymph nodes and lymphatic trunks. This targeted movement helps reduce interstitial fluid buildup, decreases edema, and supports immune surveillance by letting healthy nodes filter the lymph before it re-enters circulation. It’s not about kneading skin for elasticity, nor about directly removing bacteria from tissue, and it doesn’t replace compression therapy—compression is usually used alongside MLD to sustain the drainage achieved.