Lymphatic Massage: A Light Touch for a Strong System
There are a lot of systems in our body. You probably know a couple like the circulatory system, reproductive system, skeletal system. Sure, those are the easy ones, but how much do you know about your lymphatic system?
Gotcha there.
Our lymphatic system wears a lot of hats for something we don’t talk about enough. In fact, it works in tandem with other systems, specifically the circulatory system and the immune system.
Before we get into how they work together, let’s break down the lymphatic system into its parts.
Lymphatic System Vocab:
-Lymph: Clear or milky fluid that is derived from blood plasma. It transports white blood cells that help fight infection and it also carries proteins and fats throughout the body. It will also carry waste products from cells and out of the body.
-Lymph Nodes: Bean shaped structures that sit in clusters throughout the body. They produce some specialized white blood cells. These nodes collect and assess lymph for damaged cells and foriegn materials like bacteria and viruses. There are 500 - 600 nodes in the body. They range in size from 6 mm - 20 millimeters, think the size of a pea or jellybean. They should feel soft but firm to the touch.
-Lymphocytes: A type of leukocyte (white blood cell) “ There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. The B cells produce antibodies that are used to attack invading bacteria, viruses, and toxins. The T cells destroy the body's own cells that have themselves been taken over by viruses or become cancerous.” - (National Human Genome Institute)
- Antibody: A protein created by the body’s immune system that recognizes foreign substances like bacteria and viruses, and neutralizes them.
-Antigens: A toxin or other foreign substance which induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies. (Oxford Dictionary)
-Lymph Vessels: Branch throughout the body working closely with the veins of the circulatory system. They help drain lymph from tissues and transport it to the nodes and ducts for additional filtration.
-Lymph Ducts: Main filtration sites located on either side of our groin. It’s the last stop before filtered lymph returns to the circulatory system. These ducts are the thoracic duct & the right lymphatic duct. I don’t know why it doesn’t have a fancier name.
-Lymphatic Valves: The system has no internal pump so to ensure it does not flow backward, these valves shut after the fluid moves through them.
-Lymphoid Organs & Tissues: Organs linked to the lymphatic system and its processes. They include: Spleen, Tonsils, Adenoids, Bone Marrow, Thymus Gland, & Appendix.
What Does the Lymphatic System Do?
Where do we even start?
The lymphatic system maintains your body’s fluid levels by collecting excess fluids from cells, absorbs fats from your intestines and transports and removes wastes. Like we said, lots of hats.
The biggest chapeaux is of course, keeping your body safe from germs and other intruders.
How does it do this?
Special disease fighting cells are produced called lymphocytes in the bone marrow and the thymus. These cells are stored in the lymph nodes where they mature further. The lymphatic fluid transports lymph and sometimes antigens (viruses, bacteria, etc) into the nodes where those intruders activate the lymphocytes. When they spring into action they produce antibodies and work to neutralize the threat. Lymph is squeezed out of the nodes for further filtration and to distribute substances and collect excess fluids around the body.
Why Do Nodes Swell? And Other Lymphatic Mishaps
Nodes tend to swell when they detect infection nearby and begin the fighting process.
This is called lymphadenopathy.
Basically, they call for reinforcements and white blood cells, like the lymphocytes will fill the area. This causes pressure in the node and it starts to swell as a result. A person fighting an infection in their throat may notice the nodes in their neck become tender, in addition to the change in size
As the infection resolves, the lymph node will generally decrease in swelling and go back to normal.
Not so fun fact: A swollen lymph node is referred to as a bubo.
A different kind of lymphatic swelling is called lymphedema.
Lymphedema is caused by an obstruction in the lymphatic system, usually lymph nodes being damaged or blocked. This makes it difficult for the lymphatic system to flow properly and swelling occurs in the surrounding tissue – usually the legs or the arms, although this can occur anywhere in the body.
Image via Mayo Clinic
Primary lymphedema is caused by genetic factors.
Secondary lymphedema is acquired or influenced by outside factors like cancer, surgery and trauma.
5 Ways to Stimulate Your Lymphatic System
You might wonder why you need to be involved with the regulation of anything your body’s doing. Well unlike the circulatory system which is regulated by the heart, there is no pump to move your lymph around.
So your lymphatic fluid is moved through your body when you move your muscles. That being said, sometimes you have to help it out.
Here are 5 ways to stimulate your lymphatic system!
Deep Breathing - The diaphragm and the lymphatics around it plays an important role in draining and suction of the lymph so deep breaths are important for your lymphatic system.
Movement - Again, the lymphatic system needs our movement to keep it flowing. Activity, jumping specifically, helps open up those lymphatic valves and promotes lymphatic health.
Dry Brushing & Scrubs - Not only does using a dry brush or a body scrub remove dead skin, it encourages circulation which also encourages your lymphatic flow.
Alternating hot and cold showers - If you’ve ever used an unfamiliar shower you may remember how that cold and hot water got your heart pumping. The alternating temperatures cause the vessels to contract and dilate. Moving that lymph around.
Massage: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
What is MLD?
Like we said, sometimes the body needs a little extra help. Massage Therapy can help the lymph move around the body like it’s supposed to. If you’re familiar with massage but have never had Manual Lymphatic Drainage, you should be prepared for it to be a little different. The lymph nodes are delicate and will not drain properly with excessive pressure. For this reason, MLD is a gentle procedure that mostly involves light pressure and slow movements. If you’re experiencing lymphatic difficulties, it’s recommended you take 3 consecutive sessions for the most effective treatment.
What does it do?
On its own, lymph typically flows at a rate of 10-12 bpm. Following an hour-long Manual Lymphatic Drainage session, the lymph will flow at 100-120 bpm for about 48 hour post treatment. That’s a big jump, especially if you’re experiencing lymphatic issues or blockage.
Who is it for?
Anyone can benefit from lymphatic drainage, however it’s especially beneficial for people who have had cosmetic surgery, experiencing fluid retention or lymphedema, or if they had a surgery that involves the removal of tissue like a mastectomy.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage has also been effective in treating autoimmune conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus.
Contraindications (When to avoid.)
People experiencing the following should not get Manual Lymphatic Drainage:
Acute congestive heart failure
Acute renal failure
Active blood clots or deep venous thrombosis
Active infection
Active bleeding
Undiagnosed cancer.
Untreated Congestive heart failure (CHF - cardiac edema)
Consult your doctor and discuss your conditions with your Massage Therapist before starting any treatment.
While it may not be what you’re used to, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is still very relaxing.
Do not be surprised if you fall asleep on the table!
After your session, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated so lymph can easily move throughout your body. You may also have the urge to use the bathroom afterwards, that’s your lymphatic system at work, getting rid of some of the waste its filtering out of your body! Hooray!
Long, long story short: Your lymphatic system is important! Don’t take it for granted, make sure you’re giving it some love by working movement into your day and treating it to a massage every once and a while.