Know About

Lymphatic Benefits

WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, tissues, and organs that helps maintain fluid balance, filter waste, and toxins, and defend the body against infection and disease [1]. The lymphatic system traverses the body via a series of capillaries and larger vessels. Similar to the peripheral vascular system, it interacts with major organs (e.g. spleen, GI tract, tonsils, and thymus) and contains lymph nodes that are dispersed throughout the body where they monitor the status of the lymphatic fluid [2]. 

You may have noticed that when you start to get sick, the area between your neck and jaw becomes sensitive and swollen. That’s because your lymph nodes are swelling with fluid and white blood cells in preparation to fight off an infection. Similarly, you may have also noticed you become congested or swollen after an intense massage; this is because (1) the stimulation can release deeply held tissue toxins into the bloodstream and lymphatic system and (2) the massage may have included lymphatic techniques that activated the lymphatic system, making it more responsive to the newly released toxins. This short-term stress is usually a good thing if you stay hydrated and support your activated lymphatic/vascular system with whole foods and vitamins.

The lymphatic system is known as the “sewage system” of the body – maintaining fluid levels in the body by filtering fluids that leak out of the blood vessels [1]. But, that’s not all it does.

The main roles of the lymphatic system are to [1]:

• Manage fluid levels in the body
• Act in tandem with the immune system to respond to invaders like bacteria
• Dispose of cancerous cells and other cell products that may lead to disease
• Absorb fats from our diet into the intestines

Lymphatic System

Anatomy

The lymphatic system is an interconnected highway system of vessels, ducts, and lymph nodes that filter the body. Each of us has approximately 500-600 lymph nodes that swell in response to immunological stresses such as infection or harmful exposures to debris or other organisms [2]. 

Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are spaced out throughout the body in clusters – under the armpit or in the abdomen for example. The cluster of 40 or so lymph nodes under the armpit is also known as the axilla or lymph gland. In the lymph nodes are lymphocytes, which function in tandem with the immune system.

Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell for the immune system. The two types of lymphocytes come in two flavors: B and T lymphocytes [4]. B lymphocytes make antibodies and T lymphocytes kill tumor cells and help control the immune response [4]. Lymphocytes travel through the body by means of lymphatic vessels to perform their designated functions. 

Lymphatic vessels: Lymphatic vessels run throughout our body and carry lymph fluid back to the lymph nodes for filtration [1]. Lymphocytes can also travel through the vessels to fight infections. Lymphatic vessels are expertly designed to pulsate and prevent the backflow of lymph fluid. 

Lymphatic System

Leverage for Skin

Knowing the anatomy of your lymphatic system can help your skin – check out this article explaining how to leverage your lymphatic drainage for your benefit [5]. 

Utilizing your lymphatic system for skin health is known in the skin world as lymphatic drainage – this helps drain your skin from toxins and aids in the overall flow of lymph fluid through the system to be disposed of [6]. 

There is a specific type of facial massage called facial lymphatic drainage (FLD) which is a manual massage that can improve the quality of skin health. FLD is done by a soft pumping motion, moving lymph fluid from the face into the thoracic area in order to drain toxins. 

Lymphatic drainage has been told to [7]:

• • Slim and tone by eliminating toxins
  • Reduce acne and oily skin
  • Improve blood flow circulation
  • Strengthen facial muscles
  • Reduce the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles
  • Help even skin tone 

Sources:

1. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/lymphatic-system
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303087#definition
3. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/lymph-node
4. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/lymphocyte
5. https://beautologylab.com/blogs/lab-reads/how-does-our-body-release-toxins
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21199-lymphatic-system
7. https://pereaclinic.com/facial-lymphatic-drainage-15-benefits-of-lymphatic-drainage-on-face/ 

Lymphatic Massage

Benefits

1. Improved skin texture: increased oxygen and blood flow promotes the removal of toxins and reduce puffiness [3].
2. Reduced fine lines and wrinkles: Over time, continuous facial massage will stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity [4].
3. Enhanced absorption of skincare products: The massage can enhance the absorption of skincare products by improving circulation and promoting lymphatic flow.
4. Boosts immune system: The massage boosts the immune system by promoting the flow of lymph, which is rich in immune cells.
5. Alleviates allergies and congestion: The massage helps drain waste and toxins reducing allergy symptoms and sinus congestion 

Sources:

[1] Ozdowski L, Gupta V (2022) Physiology, Lymphatic System. InStatPearls StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL).

[2] Null M, Agarwal M (2022) Anatomy, Lymphatic System. InStatPearls StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL).

[3] Miyaji A, Sugimori K, Hayashi N (2018) Short- and long-term effects of using a facial massage roller on facial skin blood flow and vascular reactivity. Complement Ther Med 41, 271–276.

[4] Okuda I, Takeda M, Taira M, Kobayashi T, Inomata K, Yoshioka N (2022) Objective analysis of the effectiveness of facial massage using breakthrough computed tomographic technology: A preliminary pilot study.Skin Research and Technology 28, 472–479.