What is the Lymphatic System?
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a crucial part of your immune system and helps maintain fluid balance in your body. It consists of a network of vessels, nodes, organs, and tissues that work together to filter lymph, a fluid that contains immune cells, waste products, and other substances.
How it works:
1. Lymph production: Interstitial fluid, which surrounds cells, enters lymphatic capillaries, becoming lymph.
2. Transportation: The lymph travels through larger lymphatic vessels, which have valves to prevent backflow.
3. Filtering: Along the way, lymph passes through lymph nodes—small, bean-shaped structures that trap and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances.
4. Immune response: Lymph nodes contain immune cells such as lymphocytes that identify and respond to pathogens.
5. Return to circulatory system: Finally, the lymph is returned to the bloodstream via large veins, mainly near the neck.
Functions of the lymphatic system include:
- Removing waste and toxins from tissues
- Absorbing fats from the digestive system
- Transporting immune cells to fight infections
- Maintaining fluid balance in tissues
It is important to note that the Lymphatic System does not have its own pump like the Circulatory System. Here is how we can improve it ourselves;
1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep lymph fluid thin and flowing smoothly.
2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga, encourages lymph circulation by muscle movement.
3. Practice Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises increase lymph flow by promoting diaphragmatic movement, which helps massage lymph through the body.
4. Massage Therapy: Lymphatic drainage massage gently stimulates lymph flow and can help reduce swelling and detoxify tissues.
At Thrive we have 2 services to help support your lymphatic system to reduce fluid, stagnation and inflammation.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Body)
- Face Up Method (Neck, Face, Jaw)