Lymphatic drainage and why it helps

What is the lymphatic system:

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels running throughout the body which collects unused and unneeded fluid and waste from tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream. In this way, it helps maintain fluid balance within the body.

It also helps fight infection. At the centre of the lymphatic system is the thymus gland which develops and matures a particular type of white blood cell, T-cells. These white blood cells are essential for the body’s immune system as they fight infection and disease. They travel to the lymph nodes throughout the lymphatic network where they contribute to the immune response. When the body is fighting an infection these lymph nodes can swell and become painful.

We have probably all experienced swollen lymph nodes/ glands under the chin when suffering with a cold, strep throat or ear infection. It can be a sign that the lymphatic system is fighting off an infection.

How does lymph move around the body:

The heart pumps blood around our bodies but the lymphatic systems doesn’t have an equivalent pump. Instead, the movement of lymph around the body is reliant on the contraction of muscles surrounding the lymphatic vessels, as well as the general movement of the body. 

This is why movement and exercise are very important in helping to support a healthy lymphatic system. Without muscle contractions the lymphatic system can’t transport excess fluid and waste away from the tissues. This may result in fluid build-up causing swelling.

The lymphatic system is less efficient if we are sedentary because the muscles aren’t contracting to push the fluid through the lymphatic network.

All lymphatic vessels ultimately lead to the thoracic duct on the left side of the body or the right lymphatic duct. These two major ducts are the collecting vessels for lymph, which is then returned to the bloodstream via the left or right subclavian vein.

What happens when the lymphatic system doesn’t work properly?

Swelling due to fluid build-up, often in the legs and arms is a major consequence of an ineffective lymphatic system. This is called Lymphedema and may lead to skin thickening, fibrosis, and difficulty with movement

As the lymphatic system plays such a key role in fighting infection when it doesn’t work efficiently, the body is less effective at fighting disease and infection.

A compromised lymphatic system can lead to a buildup of waste products and toxins in the muscles, potentially causing delayed onset muscle soreness, swelling, muscular fatigue, and pain

There is also some evidence to suggest that a poorly functioning lymphatic system can contribute to the development or progression of some autoimmune diseases like scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

How does the Bodkin’s lymphatic drainage massage help?

Bodkin’s lymphatic drainage massage follows Chi Nei Tsang techniques to detoxify the lymphatic system.

The massage is designed to encourage movement of fluid through the network of lymph vessels into the major collecting ducts, thoracic duct (on the left) and right lymphatic duct and finally back into the bloodstream via the left and right subclavian veins. The body can then clear itself of excess fluid and waste. The massage follows the natural lymphatic fluid flow i.e.  towards the heart and into the bloodstream.

The benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage are:

·        Helps detoxify the lymphatic system

·        Helps reduced swelling and water retention

·        Boosts the immune system by improving lymph flow making it easier for the immune system to respond to infections.

·        Improves circulation as massage promotes better blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues