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| Bruno Chikly, M.D., D.O. (hon.) Developer, Lymph Drainage Therapy Bruno Chikly, MD, DO (hon.), is a graduate of the Medical School at Saint Antoine Hospital in France, where his internship in general medicine included training in endocrinology, surgery, neurology and psychiatry. Dr. Chikly also earned the United States equivalent of a master's degree in psychology from Paris XIII University. His doctoral thesis, which addressed the lymphatic system, its historical evolution and the manual lymphatic drainage technique, was awarded a Medal of Medical Faculty of Paris VI, a prestigious acknowledgment for in-depth work and scientific presentation. He extensively studied osteopathic techniques and other hands-on modalities, both in Europe and the United States, including Manual Lymphatic Therapies, CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Mechanical Link, Muscle Energy, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, Orthobionomy, Chi Nei Tsang, Zero Balancing , Reflexology, Polarity Therapy, and Homeopathic and Oriental medicines. He is also a long-time practitioner of Aikido. Dr. Chikly co-created a school of Manual Lymphatic Therapy in Europe. This resulted in the creation of the Lymph Drainage Therapy curriculum in the United States in collaboration with The International Alliance of Healthcare Educators (IAHE). Lymph Drainage Therapy workshops have been taught in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Israel, Singapore, Switzerland, Tunisia and the United States. Dr. Chikly is a member of the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) and an associate member of the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) and the Cranial Academy. He recently received an honorary doctorate in osteopathy from the European School of Osteopathy. He is on the advisory board of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (Churchill Livingstone) and is listed in the millennium edition of Marquis' Who's Who in the World. In his definitive text, "Silent Waves: Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy," 2nd Edition, Dr. Chikly addresses the applications for lymphedema, chronic pain and inflammation. "Silent Waves" is carried by Stanford University Medical Library and is the first comprehensive book on the lymphatic system and lymphedema in North America. (ISBN: 0-9700530-290, Hardcover , over 400 pages, approximately 270 illustrations and photos, and 50 pages of medical references. © 2001, 2002 International Health & Healing Inc. Publishing, Scottsdale, Arizona.) Dr. Chikly, is an international seminar leader, lecturer and writer. He has spoken to most North American professional medical and health-related groups and to many lymphedema support groups. He lives in Arizona with is wife and teaching partner Alaya Chikly, CMT. She is curriculum director of Heart Centered Therapy (HCT). Please note: Dr. Chikly regrets that he cannot respond to requests for specific medical information of any sort outside of a regular professional relationship. Bruno Chickly, MD, is bringing a special touch to lymph drainage. His original technique, called lymph drainage therapy (LDT), achieves many of the same outcomes as traditional lymph drainage (LD), but in a more therapeutic manner. The difference lies in the LDT practitioner’s ability to get in touch with the patient’s lymphatic system and natural rhythms. According to Dr. Chikly, that “tuning in” with the patient’s body makes LDT unique. Traditional LD employs a “pumping” action that Dr. Chikly says breaks the contact between the hand and lymph. Dr. Chikly’s technique is more like a massage. The practitioner keeps his or her hands flat on the patient, using the palms and fingers to create steady, gentle, wave-like, motions that emulate alpha brain waves. “I wanted to develop a (system of) touch for lymph drainage in order to…monitor the lymph exactly in its direction and flow,” Dr. Chikly explained. Constant contact with the patient enables the LDT practitioner to gain a feel for the direction, rhythm and flow of the lymph. “You have systematic feedback with the hands. Each movement is efficient because you are able to tune with the rhythm of the liquid,” said Dr. Chikly. “Not only is it more efficient, but more gratifying because you can gain more information about the quality of the lymph and the exact pressure needed.” One of the strengths of LDT, Dr. Chikly believes, lies in the practitioner’s connection with the water in the patient’s body. “When you touch water in the lymph, you are touching over 50-75 percent of the body. Water goes in and out of the cells, also people react very quickly to that.” The LDT practitioner must posses a strong knowledge of lymph gland anatomy and an ability to tune into the unique, natural body rhythms, pressure and flow of each patient. According to Dr. Chikly, there are numerous applications for LDT, among them deep cleansing and regeneration of tissues; stimulation of fluid circulation to improve conditions such as edema, lymphedema, and skin dehydration; stimulation of the immune system; stimulation of the parasympathetic system to relieve headaches and pain; and antispastic action (spasm relief). Deep relaxation and rhythmic techniques help in stress conditions, loss of vitality and insomnia. How does LDT relieve these complications? It activates liquid circulation, stimulates the immune system and regulates the autonomic nervous system. “When you do that, you can get rid of swelling,” Dr. Chikly explained. “When you drain the toxins, you regenerate the tissue, which would be beneficial for patients who are about to undergo surgery. Generally they experience less swelling, scarring and chance of infection.” LDT also has been found effective in cellulite reduction. “Cellulite is a pocket of fat, water, and toxins trapped in collagen fibers. With LDT, we work to loosen those fibers, making the lymph drainage techniques we perform next much more efficient.” The LDT process stimulates the immune system and thereby prevents infection. Healing occurs more quickly because the toxins have been drained. It can even benefit neuromuscular conditions. “In France, some people have been using LDT with muscular dystrophy patients, and it’s been helpful,” Dr. Chikly added. Dr. Chikly, a native of France, will be teaching LDT at various points in the U.S. for the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators. He is a graduate of the medical school at Saint Antione Hospital in France, where he received a medal from the medical faculty of Paris. He also holds a degree in psychology at the master’s level. His LDT technique evolved out of a decade of study in lymph drainage, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, osteopathy, cranio-sacral therapy, visceral manipulation, reflexology, and Swedish massage. Dr. Chikly said LD is a routine form of treatment in European hospitals. While he realizes that it will be much more challenging to convince insurers and facilities in this country to embrace this technique, he believes the demand for LDT in the U.S. will grow. LDT has practical applications for physicians, chiropractors, physical, occupational and massage therapists, and aestheticians, Dr. Chikly noted. He hopes one day to see lay people learn LDT to practice in their homes, as a wellness regimen. “I want people to touch each other in the family circle. Everyone needs detoxification and rejuvenation.” The doctor and his wife Alaya reside in Arizona when not touring and teaching |
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