Everything you need to know about the lymphatic system
More and more people are discovering lymphatic drainage and its incredible benefit on the body.
But why is looking after your lymphatic system so important?
Lymphatics are part of the immune system and cardiovascular system. Lymph nodes trap viruses, bacteria, toxins, cancer cells and metabolic/cellular waste.
If the lymphatic system gets overwhelmed (through stress tension, environment etc), the waste stays in the body longer.
If the lymph system cannot get rid of this waste, overtime it becomes stagnant – causing a range of problems in the body.
“Cells are only as healthy as the environment they live in,” so, “when waste can’t get out, nutrients can’t get in”. – Dr. Perry Nickelston
Chronic inflammation/swelling is a lymphatic issue, not a muscular issue.
If you are struggling with chronic pain, especially when it jumps around – consider your lymphatic system.
“When blood and lymphatics flow freely, the tissues can perform their physiologic functions without impedance” – Dr. Andrew Taylor Still.
Maintaining a healthy lymphatic system means:
- Improved blood flow
- Better waste removal
- Better nutrient absorption
- Efficient oxygen delivery
- Less pain
- Better movement of tissues
- Better nerve supply
Signs and symptoms of a lymph problem:
- Morning body stiffness/tightness/soreness/itchiness
- Bloating or swelling (face, belly, extremities)
- Bad breath
- Poor circulation
- Skin appearance: varicose veins, spider veins, acne, blotching etc
- Painful or tender when touching lymph nodes
- Brain fog
- Chronic pain and chronic fatigue
- Poor sleep
- Inability to lose weight
- Slow recovery/training plateau
- Easy bruising
- Delayed onset allergies
- Red eyes/grey eyes
If any of these resonated with you, keep on reading on how we look after our lymphatic system.
Let’s first look at what restricts lymph and blood flow:
- Physical obstruction: plaques, toxins, viruses, bacteria, stenosis, thrombosis, clots, etc.
- Structural obstruction: of fascia, tissues, nerves etc.
Most often due to stress, lack of movement or too much movements, and scars.
- Nervous system: imbalance of autonomic nervous system provoking high or low blood pressure and tissue tightness.
Being in a sympathetic state, vagus nerve dysfunction, dorsal vagal shutdown, systemic inflammation.
So finally, what helps move this fluid?
- Manual lymphatic drainage (when done in the correct order)
- Breathing
- Movement of the body
- Smooth muscle pumps (calves)
- Tools such as vibration plates, trampolines, compression garments etc, (but works best when opening up the big 6 areas first through manual lymphatic drainage)
If you think Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) could benefit you, get in touch or book online for your MLD treatment!
References: Dr. Perry Nickelston: Stop Chasing Pain