By Carol McCoon
The lymphatic system helps the body fight infection and is made up of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels and organs that collect and carry lymph fluid through the body.
Lymph is the fluid in between all your cells. As cells do their work, they absorb nutrients and oxygen brought by the capillaries and push waste out into the spaces between them. Lymph is the cellular waste. This is collected by lymph vessels and transported away from the cells.
Lymph nodes are like tiny kidneys that process the lymph and consolidate it by removing water before it is carried to the heart. After entering the blood stream, the liver and kidneys remove the waste further. The lymphatic system is part of the Immune system, cleansing the body and transporting immune system cells to areas of infection. Stagnant lymph is a fast track to accelerated aging and disease.
Lymphedema is a major concern for many. Lymphatic tissues may be damaged by injury, surgery, burns, excessive swelling, stress and aging. They may be damaged by chemotherapy and radiation from cancer treatments. Lymph nodes are often removed if cancer cells have accumulated in them.
There are two types of lymphedema. One results from damaged lymph vessels that can’t move lymph away from the cells. The valves inside the vessels may be damaged if the edema isn’t quickly addressed. If lymph nodes were removed the transport system is interrupted. Your doctor needs to oversee your treatments. The other type is when the lymphatic tissues are healthy, but an injury is causing cells to produce excess fluid. Lymph drainage therapy can support the removal of this fluid.
Exercise and massage are important and easily accessible ways to support a healthy lymphatic system. Swimming and massage are excellent ways to stimulate the lymph vessels within the skin. Other exercise helps move lymph deep within the body which runs beside the arteries and veins and goes to every organ. Lymph can also be moved with deep breathing, hydration, and dry brushing.
Specialized lymph drainage therapy (LDT) is designed to support these deep lymph vessels. LDT is a gentle, hands-on method that moves congested lymph to the working lymph vessels. By manually moving the lymph, LDT increases circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports recovery of tissues.
Carol McCoon, MS, LMT, is an experienced multi-disciplinary holistic healer certified in leading-edge energy healing modalities, including lymph drainage, biofield tuning, reiki and Eminus Mirus energy medicine. She is the founder of Singing Wind Sound Therapy. For more information email her at singingwind00@hotmail.com or visit www.singingwindsoundtherapy.com.