Lymphatic System-Rivers of Immunity

Written By Krysta Bryars

The Lymphatic System is connected to every inch of our body and is the “housekeeper” of our body by cleansing and nourishing every system in our body. Lympha in Greek means water, and every cell in our body is bathed by its fluid. It’s often overlooked missing link in health and the unsung hero to maintain health of our cells and organs. Good flow for good health.

There are two circulatory systems in our body- the cardiovascular and lymphatic. The lymphatic system is essentially the waste management system of your body by removing cellular and metabolic waste, absorbs nutritional fatty acids, aiding in proper digestion,  maintains fluid balance, and plays an essential role in immune health.

The lymphatic system is an intricate highway that runs parallel to the cardiovascular system and is primarily superficial in nature.  This is why manual lymphatic drainage is so effective.  The lymphatic collectors transports fluids ultimately to the lymph nodes, where it is filtered, and returns the blood stream at the terminus at the venous angle. Eventually, it will be processed through kidneys and livers and eliminated through bowel and urine.

Components of the Lymphatic System:

  • Lymph vessels (collectors)

  • Lymph nodes

  • Spleen

  • Thymus

  • Tonsils

  • Lymphocytes

  • Peyers

How does the lymphatic system work?

The arterial system connects to the venous system through capillaries and gradually declining pressure. At the capillary level, there is a constant exchange of proteins and fluid to optimize pressure. Lymphatic system removes and absorbs items that are too large to enter venous system from in the interstitium space. This includes proteins, long chain fatty acids, pathogens, cellular debris, viruses, dust, excessive hormones, and plasma. The lymphatic system also absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from digestive system and delivers these nutrients back to the bloodstream. One this fluid enters the lymphatic system through lymph capillaries from the interstitium, it’s called lymph.

The lymph ultimately makes its way to lymph nodes. There are 600-800 lymph nodes located through the body with the majority of nodes located in abdomen and 1/3 of lymph nodes located in head and neck. Lymphatics in your gut make up 70% of your immune system and play a large role in extracting nutrients from the foods in you eat.

Upon arrival to the lymph nodes, they function to filter out harmful substances, storage of white blood cells, and regulate the concentration of proteins. Lymph nodes are organized into groups within their respective tributary areas, and this is the basis for manual lymphatic drainage.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a unidirectional pump to move excessive fluid out of tissues back to lymphatic nodes. Lymphatic System does not have a central pump, but relies on pulsing of arteries, movement, and deep breathing for mobility. Breathwork is an essential portion to activate deep lymphatic circulation.  Normal frequency of lymphangion contraction is 6-10x/minute but may increase to 10x with exercise and MLD.

 Manual Lymphatic Drainage, breathwork, and consistent movement are invaluable tools for lymphatic system. Slow and stagnant fluid creates inflammation and deterioration of health. In our current era, with more sitting and toxins in our products, being more diligent and aware the role lymphatics play in our health and how you can care for yourself. Although there are many sources of these symptoms, poor lymphatic health can be a contributing factor to these below.

Signs of Lymphatic Congestion

Acne, allergies, bloating, brain fog, chronic earaches, constipation, difficulty losing weight, digestive issues, edema, fatigue, fibroids/cysts, headaches, hormone imbalances, eczema and rashes, tonsillitis, muscle and joint stiffness, lymphedema, scar tissue, sinus congestion, sore throat

Working with a qualified professional can help you with your lymphatic health. If you have an impaired lymphatic system related to cancer, radiation, injury, or primary impairment, I recommend looking for a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). These professionals have completed 135-hour medical course.

In upcoming blog posts, I will dive more into other offerings in my studio and lymphatics and specific conditions.

Krysta Bryars