The Importance of Lymphatics
Many people are not aware of the importance of Lymphatic System and if it is not taken care of may cause myriad of symptoms. Frequently these symptoms may not be recognized as a n ongoing dysfunction in the lymphatic system, even by practitioners.
The lymphatic system is a network of delicate tubes throughout the body. It drains fluid (called lymph) that has leaked from the blood vessels into the tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream via the lymph nodes.
The blood in our blood vessels is under constant pressure. We need that to push nutrients, fluids, and some cells into the body’s tissues so our body gets all the building blocks for ultimate function to maintain natural defense mechanism.
All the fluids and its contents that leak out into the tissues, as well as waste products formed in the tissues, and bacteria that enter them through our skin, are removed from them by the lymphatic system.
When the lymphatic system does not drain fluids from the tissues properly, the tissues swell, appearing puffy and uncomfortable. Additionally, waste products are retained causing toxic overload that might result in many dysfunctions.
Lymph dysfunction leading to congestion can affect the entire body.
Symptoms of Lymphatic Congestion May Include
- Fatigue
- Stiffness
- Weight gain
- Bloating
- Water retention
- Edema
- Headaches
- Breast swelling during the cycle
- Brain fog
- Recurrent infections
- Cold hands and feet
- Toxic overload
- Skin problems
- Cellulite
Lymphatic vessels and fluid balance
The lymphatic vessels network is found everywhere in our body, but predominantly in the areas with more activity and mobility.
Lymph capillaries are the smaller lymphatic vessels, which take up the fluids, and do not have muscle walls. The larger lymphatic vessels have muscles in their walls which helps them to pulsate and move the lymph along. These larger vessels also have valves that stop the lymph flowing back the wrong way.
Lymph vessels take the lymph back to the lymph nodes, which are found in various parts of our body. There are about 700 of the lymph nodes. After the fluid that arrives in the lymph nodes, it is filtered. Lymph nodes work as gatekeepers monitoring what is going back to the heart and the rest of the body, so it can eliminate what doesn’t belong there and can be harmful.
Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are the “the gatekeepers.” They are found at various points around the body, including the throat, armpits, chest, abdomen, and groin. Mostly, the lymph nodes are imbedded in fatty tissue and lie close to veins and arteries.
Lymph nodes have a wide range of defense functions. Bacteria and their toxins are picked up from the tissues macrophages (type of white blood cells that surrounds and kills microorganisms), or those that flow into the lymph, are forced to percolate through the lymph nodes. There, white blood cells called lymphocytes can attack and kill the bacteria. Viruses and cancer cells are also trapped and destroyed in the lymph nodes.
More lymphocytes are produced when you have an infection. That is why your lymph nodes tend to swell when you have an infection.
Spleen
The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ and located in the abdominal area on the left side, just under the diaphragm.
The spleen filters and monitors our blood on a larger scale that lymph nodes. It contains a range of white blood cells that act as a defense mechanism against toxins and pathogens.
In addition to removing microbes and toxins, the spleen also destroys old or damaged red blood cells. It can also help in increasing blood volume if necessary, after blood loss.
Thymus
The thymus is located inside the ribcage, just behind the breastbone. It filters and monitors our blood content as well. One of the actions of the thymus is the production of T-Lymphocytes, type of defense cells, which circulate around the body. These cells are important for cell mediated response to an immune challenge when we contract an infection.
Other Lymphoid Tissue
Most of our digestive and respiratory system is also lined with lymphatic tissue. It is there because those systems are exposed to the external environment. This lymphatic tissue plays a very important role in the defense of our body.
Other important sites for this lymphoid tissue are in the throat (tonsils), in the intestine area (Peyer’s patches) and in the appendix.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
At Atlant Health – Wellness Center, we developed an ultimate technique that helps to support the function of the Lymphatic System – Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy improves immunity, decreases inflammation, and assists healing in general. Lymphatic Drainage Therapy aids in removal of congestions allowing more nutrients to be supplied to the cells, removing toxins, and increasing immune function.
Hopefully, this article helped to explain about the importance of lymphatics and how performing the Lymphatic Therapy can assist in detoxing and improving health geneerally. If you still have any questions, feel free to contact our Wellness Center for more information by calling us at (212) 719-3611 or emailing to wellness@atlanthealth.com
