The Lymphatic System – a key to health

By Bruce Pommerening

Within everyone is a silent system working to keep us healthy – the lymph system. Without proper lymph flow, our bodies can swell, swamping cells with stagnant fluid. The lymph system's impact is far reaching, yet few people are aware that their minor aches and pains, low energy or susceptibility to colds and flu may be due to its sluggishness. Overall, this out of sight and usually out of mind system warrants far more attention due to its link to the immune system.

Lymph vessels form the meshwork covering every inch of the skin, and completely surround each organ beneath it. Minute lymph vessels exist at the skin level and when the skin is even slightly stretched, lymphatic capillaries open up and take in lymph fluid. This process facilitates the removal of excess protein by the lymphatic system but because proteins draw water to themselves, any excess protein or stagnant fluid causes swelling or edema. Lymph vessels also collect dead cells, waste products, bacteria, viruses, inorganic substances, water and fats.

Eventually, all lymph vessels lead to lymph nodes. As small as the head of a pin or as big as an olive, these 400-700 nodes are a significant aspect of the body’s immune system. They filter and purify the lymph and help to destroy harmful substances. When the overall system becomes sluggish, or is damaged by surgical removal of lymph nodes, "lymphostatic edema", can develop. When this occurs, Lymphatic Drainage Massage (which may increase lymph flow by as much as 20 times) is preferred over Deep Tissue Massage.

Because better immune function follows increased lymph flow, Lymphatic Drainage Massage is an effective technique to get the lymph moving. It is particularly good for women who suffer from edema of the arm due to having lymph nodes removed because of breast cancer. For those who have recently received cancer treatment, it is best to work in conjunction with a primary care physician.

Lymphatic drainage is also helpful for clients suffering from a lack of energy or sports injuries. Continued applications, while healing, can help enhance the tissue regeneration process. Too, estheticians and massage therapists have been using lymphatic drainage massage for years to enhance the quality of the skin, especially on the face. Flowing lymph bathes cells in fresh fluid, bringing a look of vitality to the skin.

Most always completely safe and highly beneficial, Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a great way to improve the health of the body by strengthening its immune system. However, it is always prudent to get advice from a physician and to avoid this type of massage with malignant tumors, Thrombosis and major heart problems.

Bruce Pommerening is Dean of Education at Lakeside Academy of Therapeutic Massage, in Zeeland, MI. A practicing massage therapist with over 25 years of professional experience, he continues to maintain a private practice specializing in Palliative care, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, CranioSacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, and Foot Reflexology. He may be reached by calling 616-772-1591. To learn more about his academy visit LakesideInstitute.com.