What is the Lymphatic System?

 The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and glands designed to carry nutrients to all the cells throughout the body.  Lymphatic fluid travels through channels and its function is to cleanse, detoxify, and rejuvenate our body.  The lymphatic system eliminates cellular waste, stores and distributes fat, transports white blood cells for immune function, and removes excess fluid in our tissues that causes swelling.  This is our immune system.  It is producing and storing white blood cells that attack invading bacteria and viruses and helping to produce antibodies.  The lymphatic system is connecting all systems of the body and helps aid in healing problems associated with circulation, respiratory, muscular, digestive, endocrine, and nervous systems. 

The lymphatic system does not have its own pump and therefore relies heavily on our body’s movement to keep this fluid moving.  Regular exercise and muscles contracting around these vessels helps to flush the fluid through.  This system is designed to be stimulated by our everyday movements, but in our current world, this is not always the case.  Prolonged sitting and lack of exercise can lead to a stagnant lymphatic system along with emotional stress, environmental toxins, processed food and alcohol consumption. 

Getting a regular lymphatic drainage massage can help improve your immune function, eliminate metabolic wastes and toxins from your body, decrease water retention, and improve circulation.  It can leave you feeling lighter and energized.  During pregnancy, it can help with hormone regulation, improved milk production, stress relief, and decrease heaviness in the legs.  Chronic pain patients have also noticed improvements in pain when stimulating their lymphatic system.  Post surgery, it can be used to help move excess fluids and promote healing (with the supervision of your physician of course).

Message me your questions and concerns, I would love to talk!

April