What is the Lymphatic System?
By Mariana Samoluk, RMT, CLT
The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections. It is made up of a complex network of lymph capillaries, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph organs and a network of lymphatic vessels that carry lymph and other substances throughout the body. You have lymphatic vessels all around your body. Lymph nodes tend to cluster in certain places such as on the side of your neck, under your arms, or in your groin.
Lymphatic System and its functions
The lymphatic system has three functions:
The removal of excess fluids from body tissues. The lymphatic system helps to maintain homeostasis by collecting accumulated fluid and returning it to blood circulation. This process maintains blood volume and pressure and prevents edema.
Transportation and absorption of fats from the digestive tract.
Production of immune cells (such as lymphocytes, including B cells and T cells)
Helping defend against infection
The lymphatic system plays an integral role in the immune functions of the body. It is the first line of defense against disease. This network of vessels and nodes transports and filters lymph fluid containing antibodies and lymphocytes (good) and bacteria (bad). The body’s first contact with these invaders signals the lymphatics. The spleen also helps the body fight infection. The spleen contains lymphocytes and another kind of white blood cell called macrophages, which engulf and destroy bacteria, dead tissue, and foreign matter and remove them from the blood passing through the spleen.
Fighting Infection
Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures located along the lymphatic system. These little structures are powerful defense stations and are the only place in the lymphatic system where lymph is cleansed and filtered. Lymph fluid enters the lymph nodes, where macrophages fight off foreign bodies like bacteria, removing them from the bloodstream. After these substances have been filtered out, the lymph fluid leaves the lymph nodes and returns to the veins, where it re-enters the bloodstream.
How Manual Lymph Drainage helps?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that helps accelerate the lymph flow. This increase in the transportation of bacteria and allergens to the lymph nodes allows the body to get rid of foreign bodies faster.
Frequent, short sessions (30 min each) of MLD can boost your Immune System and help you stay healthy through the season.
References:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information – Second Home Edition, p. 1053, edited by Mark H. Beers. Copyright 2003 by Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ. :http://www.merck.com/mmhe
Lymphangiomatosis and Gorham’s Disease Alliance https://www.lgdalliance.org
Massage Therapy, Principles and Practice. Susan G. Salvo . Fifth Edition. Elsevier 2003
Dr. Vodder School International www.vodderschool.com
