Today is my birthday and I’d love to share my personal intake about one of the services I provide that has a great impact on your body’s ability to return to optimal health.
The Lymphatic system is closely associated with the cardiovascular system. It is a network of vessels with branches that reach most of the body's tissues, assisting in circulating body fluids. Lymph returns protein molecules back to the bloodstream( excess protein in the interstitial space draws and retain water and causes swelling) and transports waste products of metabolism, dissolved gasses, excess water, bacteria, viruses, that may have entered the tissue fluids, to lymph nodes. After filtration in the nodes, the lymph, through lymphatic trunks and collecting ducts, connects with the veins in the thorax. The spleen, tonsils and thymus work as defenders as a part of the Lymphatic system.
The lymphatic pathways start with closed-ended tubes - lymphatic capillaries which merge and form the lymphatic vessels.
The lymph( (like the venous blood) moves only upward and one way - from the peripheral of the body to the venous system before it is returned to the bloodstream. There are valves through the lymphatic vessels to prevent the lymph to back flow. Since there is no pump like the heart for the blood circulation, the lymph passively moves and needs stimuli for flow increase. These forces come from the activity of skeletal muscles and the breathing movements. Remember - The lymph flow is upward and the force created from respiration and muscle contractions that has to help, is on the opposite direction of the gravity force, which is pulling downwards - a very important reason to EXERCISE!
Any condition that obstructs and interferes with the lymph flow results in congestion, stagnation, edema - inflammation, vein insufficiency, infection, lymph nodes removal, SITTING or STANDING for long time, living in constant street, stationary or sedentary life style.
Lymphatic Drainage therapy is a gentle rhythmic manual technique that cleanses and regenerates tissues and organs by flushing toxins and impurities to achieve faster recovery and healing or to keep the immune system strong and healthy ( depends on the reason of choosing this type of body work). It is gentle because the capillaries are structures located superficially in the skin and a lot of pressure instead of opening the vessels and stimulating the flow will have a reverse outcome!
It is much better the whole body to be worked on, instead of only on and around the restricted by swelling area. Why?
Based on the fact that lymph flows only one way through vessels that it is impossible to release the affected area without moving the lymph around to provide space for the extra lymph to be flushed away from it. Imagine a pipe with one open end clogged all the way to the bottom. How would you empty it? You need to start from the open end in order to get to the bottom to be emptied - correct?
How does Lymphatic drainage therapy benefit YOU?
creates sensation of lightness and freedom
improves cells nutrition, helps the skin maintain tone and youth
stimulates and accelerates lymphatic fluids flow
boosts the immune system- reduce in flu.cold and allergic reactions
assists body with cleansing from toxins and waste products - great to combine with body cleansing to speed up the process
reduces inflammatory agents in the soft tissue, relieving pain accelerating healing
reduces muscle recovery time after exercise or competition - great for very active bikers, runners, athletes
lowers the activity of the sympathetic nervous system ( stress related symptoms) - heart rate, blood pressure, vessels constriction
Some signs that might be telling you toxins are building up in your body and the lymph flow is not efficient:
water retention
bloating
cellulite
edema related to injury
lymphedema
headaches
fatigue
sinus infection, congestion
swollen glands, hands, ankles, feet
puffiness of face, eyes
Swelling can harm the whole body, if not treated can cause increasing in inflammation, compressing the surrounding tissues and decreasing their normal function. All that can lead to further complications and will need a longer time and more effort to recover.
There are contraindications for this modality I would like you to know:
acute inflammation, recent thrombosis, cardiac insufficiency, renal failure, malignant tumors
Having in mind all of the above, why not considering Lymph drainage sessions to return to optimal health or just stay healthy!
Look at the lymphatic system as the cleanser and defender of your body and in addition to everything else you do for your health, Lymphatic drainage will help your body function easier, become healthier, stronger and more resistant to infections and sickness.
Restore or maintain your well being!
What else can you do to boost the Lymphatic system, help the lymph flow and keep the vessels healthy?
Thanks for reading!
Thank you to these lovely photographers for sharing their art with the world —
Photos by in order of appearance:
Photo by Miguel Perales on Unsplash
Photo by Jamie Coupaud on Unsplash
Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash