The Lymphatic System
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is part of both the circulatory and the immune system. Its functions include:
Carrying toxins and bacteria away from the organs and muscles and bringing in white blood cells (which fight infections).
Acting as a biological filter by transporting the dirty cells to the kidneys and liver for elimination.
Improving immunity function by producing lymphocytes
Storing substances not yet broken down by the body, concentrate lymph.
What is Lymph
Pale fluid that surrounds the tissues of the body to maintain fluid balance and to remove bacteria from the tissues. It is then transported through the lymph vessels and lymph nodes to eventually join the venous system.
Lymph is a pale fluid.
How does the lymphatic system work?
The lymphatic system is a series of nodes and vessels similar to the circulatory system which transport lymph to the venous system. However, the walls of the lymphatic vessels are much thinner and are found between the skin and muscles.
The lymph travels up the lymph vessels by being pushed along by:
Movement of the lymph nodes
Movement of the diaphragm
Pulse of the arteries
Stretching of the lymph node
Movement of muscles
Pressure on lymph capillaries.
As the lymph moves along the vessels it gets filtered by the nodes found below your mandible, around your clavicle bones, inside the elbow, under your sternum, above your navel, groin area, behind your knees and around your ankles. The lymph is also filtered by your thymus and your spleen ( the two lymphatic organs).
The lymph is then introduced to the blood stream through the right lymphatic duct and your left sub-clavian vein which returns de-oxygenated blood into the heart.
The lymphatic system is a series of nodes and vessels.
What happens when the lymphatic system does not function optimally?
Lymphoedema
When there is abnormal swelling due to stagnant lymph which can occur because the lymphatic system failed to develop properly or because somewhere the lymph vessels or nodes have been damaged.
Symptoms:
Severe fatigue
Heavy swollen limb or localised fluid accumulation in body areas
Discolouration of the skin over the lymphoedema area.
Complications
Left untreated the accumulation of the stagnant and protein rich fluid encourages the surrounding cells to increase in size and number which reduces the availability of oxygen to the area.
Interferes with wound healing
Provides a perfect environment for bacteria to grow which leads to infections such as cellulitis lymphangitis, and eventually skin ulcers.
It is important for lymphoedema patients to recognise the signs of early infection so that they can get immediate help. This can prevent recurrent infections which could further damage the lymphatic system and therefore worsen their lymphoedema condition.
Kindly note that lymphoedema can only be diagnosed by a medial practitioner.
Healthy lymph system vs stagnant lymph.
Lymphodeodema results in a heavy swollen limb.
How can manual lymph drainage help you?
Promotes healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains and lessens pain.
Improves sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and skin conditions such as acne
May strengthen your immune system
Relieves fluid retention such as puffy eyes and swollen ankles
An effective component to the treatment of lymphodeama and assists wit condition s from venuos insufficiency such as cold limbs.
Minimises/ reduces stretch marks
Alleviation of cellulite tissue
Detoxification of the body
Promotes healing of wounds and burns.
Photos after a session of the Lympho Touch machine.