Lymphatic System and Your Health

The lymphatic system or lymphoid system is an organ system in vertebrates that’s an element of the immune system as well as the circulatory system. It consists of a huge network of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, lymphoid or lymphatic organs and lymphoid tissue cells.

Function Of Our Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is our body’s sewerage system. It helps to regulate the fluids in our tissues by getting rid of fluids that leak from our blood vessels. The lymphatic system is essential for the optimum functioning of our specific and general immune systems. The lymph nodes are designed to keep track of the flow of lymph throughout the body and produce antibodies as well as cells that fight off infections and diseases.

The spleen and thymus are lymphatic organs that monitor the blood and identify and react to malignant cells or pathogens.

The lymphatic system is important in the absorption of fats from the stomach.

Swelling of the legs or arms can occur when the lymphatic system isn’t properly formed or is damaged by surgery, radiotherapy or other causes. If this swelling lasts longer than about 3 months, it’s known as lymphoedema.

How Does Our Lymphatic System Affect Our Health?

The lymphatic system’s main roles include:

• regulating bodily fluid levels
• fighting bacteria
• combating cancer-causing cells
• fighting cell activities that may result in disease or disorders
• absorbing fats from our diet in the intestine.

The lymphatic system plays an active role in obesity, Crohn’s disease, along with other conditions if it is not functioning properly.

Special white blood cells known as lymphocytes are stored in the lymph nodes in addition to other lymphatic structures such as the spleen and thymus. These cells can quickly multiply and release antibodies as a result of bacteria, viruses and a variety of other stimuli ranging from dead or dying cells to abnormally acting cells like cancer cells.

Lymphatic Health Checklist

These are the signs that your lymphatic system may need some help:

• Headaches
• Foggy brain
• Poor bowel movement
• Extreme tiredness
• Chronic pain and stiffness in the shoulders
• Unexplained soreness in addition to stiffness in the morning
• Frequently ‘blocked’ ears with regular popping and/or ringing
• Chronically swollen tonsils or lymph nodes
• Recurrent sore throat
• Excess mucus production, particularly in the morning
• Low immunity
• Unexplained weight gain
• Bloating and swelling
• Unexplained skin sensitivity

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a highly developed therapeutic technique that uses a gentle, rhythmic massage to stimulate the lymphatic vessels and naturally promote the circulation of lymph fluid.

The lymphatic system is another circulatory system in the body and it consists of lymph vessels much like the veins & arteries of the circulatory system.

These vessels are connected to the lymph nodes where lymph, a clear fluid that has white blood cells that fight infections, is filtered

The lymph system, as opposed to the cardiovascular system, has no “pump” and relies on the movement of the body and breath to move the lymph fluid.

The lymph nodes filter out the fluid to search for bacteria or other threats to the immune system. If they are discovered, the system kickstarts the production of white blood cells that are used to fight off infections and are then transported throughout the body.

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

• Stimulates the natural flow of lymph fluid
• Clears congestion
• Strengthens body immunity
• Improves the carrying capability of the lymph system, therefore enhancing the body’s capacity to combat infections
• Minimises swelling of arms, legs, hands and feet
• Reduction of swollen ankles in pregnancy
• Aids post-operative healing and helps to avoid possible infections
• Softens skin
• Improves the appearance of scars