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2) Stimulation of the immune system: the passage of lymph in the lymph nodes stimulate the immune system (the humoral as much as well as the cellular immunity). The stimulation of lymph circulation activate antigen/antibody presentation and immune reactions.
3) Nervous system: stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation effect, antispastic effects -- muscle tonus -- , etc). The constant stimulation of the C-fiber mechanoreceptors has inhibitory effects (analgesi -anti-pain-action).
Did you know that?
• Your lymphatic system is actually a vital circulatory system with an extensive network of vessels throughout the body.
• Your body contains about 50% more lymphatic fluid than blood.
• Your lymphatic system contains over 600 collection sites called lymph nodes.
• These nodes are formed at the junction sites of the lymph vessel network.
• Your lymphatic system is responsible for supplying plasma-rich protein to your blood as well as carrying away toxins and other debris.
• Your lymphatic system is your primary defense against bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
• Most chronic (disease) problems occur at the junction of lymph vessels called lymph nodes.
• In men the inguinal nodes, in the crease of the groin, are the primary channel for release of accumulated lymph from the prostrate.
• In women the axillary nodes, located in the arm pit, are the primary channel for releasing accumulated lymph from the breasts.
• Cellulite is primarily blocked lymphatic fluid.
• According to the National Lymphedema Network, 30 – 40% of Breast Cancer survivors will develop lymphedema in their lifetime. Become knowledgeable, and reduce the odds.
• It is important to understand that lymph vessels do not have a central pump the way arteries have the pumping action of the heart. Lymph vessels are called to action, to transport lymph fluid, by direct stimulation to vessels in the form of stretching.
• The lymphatic system is designed to process a normal daily volume of fluid (averaging about 2 liters in adults) but the system is very resilient and can carry up to 10 times its normal volume when need arises from injury or infection.
• There are approximately 6 to 10 liters of lymph in the body, compared to 3.5 to 5 liters of blood.
• About 1.5 to 2 liters of lymph per day circulate throughout the whole body. Efficient activation of the lymphatic circulation can increase this number to 10-30 liters per day.
• The lymphatic muscular units contract in humans at a rate of about 10 cm/min or 3 in/min (Olszewski & Engeset 1979).
• The overall pulse rate in lymph can be 1 to 30/min.
• Swedish massage may cause serious complications if applied in lymphedematous tissues.
Benefits
•Lymphatic drainage is best for edema (swelling)
•Encourages lymph to flow more freely
•Removes blockages along vessels and within nodes
•Removes harmful toxins
•Stimulates the immune system
•Helps to clear Lymphedema and fluid retention
•Helps to clear cellulite
•Fats evacuate through lymphatic vessels
•Chronic pain reduced
•Circulation of lymph, blood capillaries, veins, interstitial liquids, and cerebrospinal and synovial fluids (indirectly) are activated
•Scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, and fracture or surgical-incision sites are improved
Positioning
•Neck and front of shoulder-Lie on your back with both arms
supported by pillows.
•Back of shoulder and upper arm-Lie on the side opposite the
shoulder and arm you want to work on. Use the hand of the arm you are laying on to work on the other shoulder and upper arm.
•Elbow, forearm, wrist-Sit down with both arms supported by pillows.
7 major regions
Cervical, Axillary, Inguinal, Pelvic, Abdominal, Thoracic, and Supratrochlear.
Main Lymph Areas
[1] Mastoid and Sub occipital nodes of the head
[2] Cervical lymph nodes of the neck
[3] Axillary lymph nodes under the arms
[4] Inguinal lymph nodes of the groin area
[5] Popliteal nodes behind the knee
Draining patterns
*Thoracic duct-left side of body and from the right side of the body below the chest and empties under left clavicle.
*Right Lymphatic duct-right side of the head, neck, upper chest and right arm and empties under right clavicle.
*Axillary area needs to be drained first, before you drain the arm.
*Inguinal area needs to be drained first, before you start on the leg.
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