Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a manual technique to support and enhance the lymph system. It is actually part of the immune system and circulatory system. As part of the circulatory system, it provides one way for the blood to leave the heart, and two ways for it to return, the venous system and lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a one-way system from your extremities toward your heart that carries waste and moves at a much slower pace. Did you know that the lymph is a system of vessels, ducts, and nodes? There is both a superficial network and deeper network that removes waste, transports large proteins and neutralize toxins. The people that could benefit from lymph drainage therapy could be anyone, but especially those with lymph systems that are not functioning well. There are usually two reasons for lymph function impairment. First, the mechanical system, (vessels, nodes, etc.) maybe injured or sluggish. This can be the result of surgery, radiation, scarring, disease or stress. The second reason is that there is too much fluid for the lymph system to process; a functional insufficiency. Many women have heard of “fluid retention”, but this also can be the result of a traumatic injury or disease. There are many applications for this technique. Lymph drainage therapy may activate fluid circulation, both lymph and indirectly stimulation of blood capillaries. It promotes removal of toxins and proteins and helps the re-absorbtion of edema. Lymph drainage therapy stimulates the immune system, either as a preventative action, or after the acute stage of an inflammatory process. The stimulation of the lymphatics tends to increase parasympathetic tone and diminish the “fight or flight” response. This can be very helpful in dealing with stress, depression and sleeping disorders. Finally, lymph drainage therapy can alleviate tissue-fluid stagnation and inhibits nociceptors (a nerve receptor) that trigger pain.