By Joy Stephenson-Laws, JD
What is our lymphatic drainage system?
The importance of the lymphatic system is frequently overlooked, but understanding the important role it plays in maintaining the immune system is critical. A strong immune system will usually reduce or eliminate the impact of viruses and infections.
I found this description from the Cleveland Clinic helpful in describing the lymphatic system:
“Some 20 liters of plasma flow through your body’s arteries and smaller arteriole blood vessels and capillaries every day. After delivering nutrients to the body’s cells and tissues and receiving their waste products, about 17 liters are returned to the circulation by way of veins. The remaining three liters seep through the capillaries and into your body’s tissues. The lymphatic system collects this excess fluid, now called lymph, from tissues in your body and moves it along until it’s ultimately returned to your bloodstream.”
This excess fluid of lymph produces and releases lymphocytes (white blood cells) and other immune cells that monitor and then destroy the foreign invaders — such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi — that may enter your body. Lymph is therefore a very important part of our immune system.
The vessels which transport lymph are a large network. These vessels work under very low pressure and have a series of valves in them to keep the fluid moving in one direction. They can become clogged and operate suboptimally. In fact, a clogged lymph system can be the cause of many ailments, including fluid retention, sinus infections, respiratory problem and more.
Yes, You enhance your lymphatic drainage system at Chiltonic.
There are many ways to improve our lymphatic drainage system, and we have discussed some before. However, this topic continues to dominate the discussion in our organization and we have taken even more steps to identify more state of the art modalities and practices which enhance the proper flow of our lymphatic drainage system. I have increased my use of these modalities and experienced marked improvement with water retention and overall wellness.
1. The Icoone uses patented microstimulators that move in a range of different targeted motions over the body to enhance the proper flow of lymph fluid. A series of micro-massages stimulates the lymphatic capillaries encouraging the drainage of liquids from the tissues. (The Icoone can be found at Chiltonic in Encinitas).
2. Pressotherapy (similar to compression therapy). This therapy uses carefully regulated pressure to stimulate dermal and subdermal circulation and reduce trapped lymph.
There are some medical conditions that if you have them, lymphatic drainage massage is not recommended. These conditions include:
- Congestive heart failure
- History of blood clots or stroke
- Current infection
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
So although it appears that lymphatic drainage massage has many potential health benefits, it is imperative to know your health status to see if you are a good candidate for this form of massage therapy.
Finally, keep your lymphatic system healthy by drinking plenty of water and following a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Enjoy your healthy life!
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or another competent healthcare practitioner to get specific medical advice for your situation.
The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.