Did you know that the body is one big Cell composed of many smaller cells, all working together to create your healthy body. Does it make sense that if even one of the smaller cells is not functioning properly, or is out of whack, that the body system’s will be in trouble and begin to develop health issues? We recognize cells by names such as adrenal, lymph, endocrine, kidneys, bladder, etc. When the body breaks down it goes through different stages of breakdown – which I will talk about in a future blog.
The system or cell to be discussed today is the Lymph or drainage system of the body.
The Lymph System along with the Kidneys are considered to be the sewage system of the body. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to the body’s ability to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissue filter out toxins and keep up a healthy immune system. Along with working with the Lymph Nodes, this task is accomplished.
Lymph is an alkaline fluid found in the lymphatic vessels. It is usually a clear, transparent, colorless fluid; however, in vessels draining the intestines it may seem milky due to the presence of absorbed fats. Lymph may vary in composition in different parts of the body. Lymph contains proteins, salts, organic substances and water. Cells present are principally lymphocytes, formed in the lymph nodes and other lymphatic organs. The lymph is formed in tissue spaces all over the body and is gathered into small vessels which carry it centrally. It eventually enters the many ducts that have encompassing vessels throughout the entire body which plays a role in the health of the blood, lower limbs, pelvis, intestines and digestive organs, internal jugular trunk – to include head and neck. Lymph in passing from any region of the body to the main lymph ducts, must pass through lymph vessels which pass through regional lymph nodes. These filter the lymph, freeing it of foreign particulate matter, esp. bacteria.
The absorption of fatty matter chiefly takes place through the epithelial cells of the intestines, and those of the villi. These cells carry it to the lacteals when the particles break up into fat and protein matter.
(Ref. Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary)
“When lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate and cellular functioning is compromised” (Adair, Guyton, 1982). This opens the way to many physical ailments and hastens the aging process.
How do you keep the Lymph System clean, healthy, drained. My usual stock answer again is through the diet, what you eat. However, there is a technique of massage therapy called Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT). It is an original hands-on method of lymphatic drainage.
The LDT process involves the use of gentle manual manipulations which aid in the re-circulation of body fluids. A trained massage therapist is able to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of lymph flow anywhere in the body, assess the overall direction of lymphatic circulation, areas of stagnation, and then with their hand maneuvers find the alternate pathways for draining lymph and other toxic fluids from the body. LDT can prove beneficial in preventive health maintenance to include helping the recirculation of body fluids, stimulating the way the immune system functions, and balancing the autonomic nervous system.
Some of the benefits of this type of therapy include: reduction in ademas (swelling), relief of chronic and subacute inflammation and conditions such as acne, eczema and allergies, immune system stimulation, regeneration of tissues (e.g. burns, scarring), relief of chronic pain, deep relaxation to aid insomnia, depression, stress, loss of memory, relief from involuntary muscle hypertonus, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and etc.
I go to a great neuromuscular massage practitioner who is skilled in this type of therapy. I recommend massage therapy as a must to help repair the body, mind and soul along with, as mentioned before, a lifestyle change beginning with the food you eat…to include fruits, fruits, fruits and veggies as needed.
As you can see, there is more to the body healing and repairing process than just food and exercise.
I AM HAPPY WHEN YOU ARE HAPPY AND FEELING WONDERFUL!
FYI-HEALTH TALK 