One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is to control the volume of fluid circulating in the body. The interstitial fluid is vital to body cells. It brings moisture and nutrients, picks up waste products of cell metabolism, excess proteins, bacteria, viruses and inorganic materials such as chemicals and transports them to the organs of elimination.
At rest the lymph system will drain away about 1.2 to 2.0 ml of ‘dead fluid’ per minute. Some of the fluid is drawn back into the capillaries and this becomes lymph, which is absorbed into the lymphatic vessels and transported to the lymph nodes for filtering.
During activity the lymph system can drain away approximately 20 ml of ‘dead fluid’ per minute.
Poor lymphatic drainage results in excessive amounts of fluid in the tissues, which causes oedema and a strain on all the organs responsible for the excretion of fluids.
Because the lymph system does not have a pump like the heart, it can become sluggish and inefficient, particularly if we get little exercise and have a poor diet which places extra strain on the cells with waste products that are difficult to eliminate.
Even though the lymph system acts as a modern sewage plant, it is vital for the maintenance of life because when this system fails to function properly, excessive fluid and toxins build up in the body causing pain, loss of energy, infection and various diseases.
Lymphatic problems can be helped by using specific Lymphatic Drainage Massage techniques.
A word on Cellulite
Cellulite is an accumulation of water and toxic wastes in the connective tissue surrounding the fat cells, which in turn forms nodules. It starts with a build up of toxins which cause the body to react via water retention in an effort to dilute the toxins and prevent self poisoning. The tissue around the fat cells tends to harden, imprisoning the water and causing the unsightly bulges.
Cellulite is seen almost exclusively in women. The reason for this is the basic structure of the subcutaneous tissue.
As women age, the epidermis becomes progressively thinner and looser. This allows fat cells to migrate to this layer. The connective tissue walls between the fat cell chambers also becomes thinner, allowing the fat cell chambers to enlarge excessively.
• hormonal imbalance - puberty, on the pill, pregnancy, menopause
• poor blood circulation
• unbalanced diet
• stimulants e.g. coffee, tea, cigarettes, alcohol
• lack of correct exercise
• poor breathing
• constipation
• incorrect posture
It is thought that the more oestrogen present in the body, the more it seems likely that cellulite will develop. Keep in mind that cellulite is not a ‘disease’ per se., and while there is little that can be done about the amount of oestrogen circulating in the body it is possible to reduce the level of toxins that the body has to deal with by incorporating some techniques, such as -
• exercise
• massage
• diet
• aromatherapy
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Exercise
Exercise can be very effective once most of the cellulite has been eliminated. Although cellulite is partly caused by a sedentary lifestyle, vigorous exercise will not make the slightest difference to cellulite deposits that are already there. In fact, many forms of exercise, like high impact exercise such as jogging or aerobics places extra pressure on the joints and encourages the cellulite to harden and become even more compacted.
Massage
Massage, in particular Lymphatic Massage is very beneficial. The physical effects of massage improves circulation of the blood and lymph.
Dry brushing is also very beneficial for the circulation. Whether massaging or dry brushing, this should always follow the direction of the lymph flow toward the heart.
Diet
• low refined carbohydrates and fats
• cut out junk food - greasy - fatty - refined - sugary - salty
• cleanse with natural diuretic
• celery juice or lemon juice
• eat lots of green leafy vegetables and whole foods
• eat a limited number of foods at each meal
• avoid drinking fluids with, or half hour after meals
• drink purified water or mineral water, fresh vegetable or fruit juice
Aromatherapy
Use essential oils which are detoxifying, stimulating to the lymphatic system, hormone balancing and have diuretic properties. The essential oils must be used in massage and bath. While self massage may be necessary daily, regular professional Lymphatic Drainage techniques are recommended.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
This massage technique can be used when ever manual drainage of the lymphatic system is required. Post viral clients e.g. on-going colds and flu, glandular fever, ross river virus and others, those with toxic or chemical overload or just general sluggishness of the lymphatic system will benefit from this technique. The movements are different from the usual effleurage, petrissage, frictions, tapotement etc that are taught in other massage techniques.
The emphasis is on slow movements that "breaks up" underlying hardened or dense interstitial substances and encourages its movement into lymphatic vessels and from there to the main collecting lymph nodes and the thoracic duct or the right lymphatic duct to assist emptying of the lymph into the subclavian veins. As a general rule, these movements should be rythmic and should not cause pain.
It is always necessary to drink several glasses of water following lymphatic drainage massage as you may experience some nausea as "toxins" are released into the bloodstream. It is wise to keep on drinking water for several days.
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