Made up of an intricate networks of organs, vessels and specialised fluid, the lymphatic system plays a major role in removing toxins and waste products from the body's tissues; fighting infections and diseases; and balancing fluid throughout the body.
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that are part of the circulatory system and that help the body remove toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.
All of the fluids and its contents that leak out into the tissues (as well as waste products formed in the tissues, and bacteria that enter them through our skin) are removed from them by the lymphatic system.
Upon encountering bacteria or damaged cells, lymph nodes destroy them and turn them into a waste product. When the lymph reenters the bloodstream, waste products travel to the kidneys and liver. The body then excretes waste products in the urine and feces.
Carbon dioxide is a waste product or toxin, and we get rid of it by breathing it out. Other organs that help remove toxins include the liver, skin, kidneys, intestines, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. In addition to breathing out, we remove toxic products through urine, feces, and sweating.
Many have reported that they feel a feeling of tingling or flow of fluid under the skin, much like a small stream. Others report the feeling of being able to breathe deeply for the first time in a while because of the lymphatic flow in the sinuses. Other people feel rejuvenated, and others feel a deep relaxation.
Regular physical exercise is a great way to get your lymphatic system pumping and detoxing your system of waste. Jumping, walking, stretching, yoga, Pilates, and other moderate exercises done on a daily basis will really improve the state of your lymph.
Collecting ducts: Lymphatic vessels empty the lymph into the right lymphatic duct and left lymphatic duct (also called the thoracic duct). These ducts connect to the subclavian vein, which returns lymph to your bloodstream.
The lymph fluid carries the waste products and destroyed bacteria back into the bloodstream. The liver or kidneys then remove these from the blood. The body passes them out with other body waste, through bowel movements (poo) or urine (pee).
This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels (a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells). Lymphatic vessels branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body. Also called lymph system.
If the lymph vessels or nodes are blocked, removed or damaged, it can cause a build up of fluid. This can cause swelling, known as lymphoedema.
Eating herbs & spices like ginger, cilantro, parsley, & calendula are so great for cleansing & rebooting your lymphatic system. They are known to cleanse most bodily systems, give your immune system a little boost, & reduce any swelling or pain you might be having.
A person should schedule a series of sessions (one Lymphatic Detox Treatment per week for three weeks) and continue treatment until they notice a change. Treat yourself to one or two lymphatic drainage sessions every three months if you experience a high frequency of common colds, allergies or headaches.
Physical activity encourages fluid to drain into the lymphatic system in the abdomen. Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates and Tai chi all might help to encourage the lymph to move. Pelvic floor exercises may also help.
Lymphatic drainage massage eliminates excess water, toxins, bacteria, and metabolic waste from the cells of the body. It is known to significantly reduce body pain, which gives you both mental and physical comfort after the treatment.
Place your hands on your collarbone and make half-circles down your chest toward your underarm. Massage your chest to aid in lymph drainage from your neck and chest to your lymph nodes under your arms. Continue down toward your ankles. Stroke upward and down through the ankles and feet.
The skin can ooze a clear or yellow fluid, and/or can have a foul-smelling odour. If lymphoedema is left untreated and the swelling gets worse, skin changes may occur - erythema of the affected area and thickening of the skin, which appears as peau d'orange skin and woody oedema.
Expect to have an increased need to urinate.
The whole purpose of a manual lymphatic drainage massage is to help balance fluid and remove waste/toxins from the body, and how does that happen, through your urine. The increased need to urinate is actually a really really good thing.
Utilizing rhythmic hand strokes, your practitioner will restimulate your lymphatic system and improve the flow of lymph fluid in your body. This causes you to feel remarkably relaxed during the session.