The Lymphatic System – What is it and how does massage support it.

The lymphatic system is very similar to the circulatory system and works very closely with it.

Lymph (a clear straw-coloured fluid) travels around the body in one direction only, in lymphatic vessels and capillaries. These vessels and capillaries are fitted with one-way valves ensuring the one-way system. Like veins in the circulatory system, they rely on the bodies movement and the contraction and relaxation of muscles to squeeze fluid through the system.

The lymphatic system has 3 main functions

·      Immunity

·      Fluid Balancing

·      Transportation of dietary fats.

Immunity

The lymphatic system contains specialised tissues and organs that are involved in protecting the body. It also transports white blood cells, the body’s police, army, and general cleaners.

Fluid Balancing

Every day approximately 21 litres of blood plasma and its components leak out of blood vessels and into the interstitial fluid. (Interstitial fluid bathes every cell and is nutrient rich, it also collects the waste materials from the body cells). Most is reabsorbed back into the blood stream, however about 3 litres per day is not reabsorbed, and if it were not to be returned to the system the tissues will become waterlogged and our blood volume would fall. It is here that the lymphatic system plays its vital role in draining excess fluid and returning it to the blood system.

Transportation of dietary fats.

Unlike carbohydrates and proteins, fats do not pass directly into our blood stream from the lining of the intestines, instead they are absorbed into the lymphatic system, then they are transported to larger lymphatic vessels where they are then deposited into the blood stream.

A robust, stimulated, and active lymphatic system is therefore vital to support optimum health.

How does massage support the lymphatic system?

Massage in general stimulates our circulatory systems, (cardiovascular and lymphatic), encouraging fluid flow which in turn increases the delivery of nutrients to soft tissue cells, as well as the removal of toxins and waste; by-products of cellular metabolization. Any good massage that stimulates circulation will assist fluid balancing and immune response.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage – AKA Detox Massage

The lymphatic drainage massage is a specialised treatment specifically targeted at the whole of the lymphatic system.

Lymph is always stimulated in areas treated in general massage treatments, but this specialised routine is designed to initially clear the lymphatic system and then stimulate lymphatic flow.

It is a superficial massage on the lymphatic drainage pathways and by applying gentle pressure the deeper lymphatic vessels are also stimulated. In effect a full DETOX of the lymphatic system. As it is gentler than some forms of massage, it is also very relaxing to receive. It aims to flush your system through and leave these pipes cleaned and at peak performance. This in turn reduces swelling (oedema) by increasing lymphatic flow.

Swelling can be caused by numerous factors such as:

·      Injury

·      Infection

·      Lack of exercise causing flaccid muscles

·      Abnormal exercise causing the accumulation of lactic acid

·      Menstrual cycle

·      Starvation diets

·      Fluid retention due to high salt intake

·      Heart and Kidney problems

·      Poor circulation

Proven benefits of this specialised treatment are:

·      Relaxation

·      Sinus Problems

·      Puffy Eyes

·      Fluid Retention

·      IBS

·      Swollen Legs and Ankles

·      Lymphoedema

·      Muscle Damage

·      PMS

·      Aids the Healing Process