Lymphatic System Function: Drainage and Massage

How the Lymphatic System Functions to fight infection

A vibration plate increases lymphatic drainage by improving circulation.

The lymphatic system functions only when muscles move. Much like the blood vessels and arteries in our body, a fluid called Lymph runs all through the body.

This system is complex, and has three main missions. It carries away excess fluids in the body, it carries away fat and fatty acids to the circulatory system for removal. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, which can defend the body and fight infection. The lymphatic system’s function is vitally important to overall health.

The lymphatic system has been recognized by doctors for its importance to preventative healthcare. Lymphatic function supports every other system in the body, including the immune, digestive, detoxification, and nervous systems. Many believe that poor lymph health is the underlying cause of many conditions, from cellulite to cancer.

The lymphatic system has no central pump but depends on muscle contraction and manual manipulation to move fluid. Deep breathing or lymphatic massage may enhance movement of lymph through our bodies. But lymphatic drainage is best with movement of the body. Lymph nodes are located in the arm pits, the groin, and the upper body because they are constantly moving to maximize lymphatic drainage

As we age we become less active, and the normal stimulation needed by lymph nodes to pump lymph fluid around the body, filter it, rejuvenate it, and attack biological intruders is not as effective. Poor lymphatic drainage is one of the reasons that older people are more susceptible to illness.

WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?

Lymphatic drainage is a process of removing toxins, waste products, and excess fluids from the body through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s immune system and overall health. Whole body vibration machines are a popular tool for promoting lymphatic drainage, as they stimulate the lymphatic system through physical vibrations. In this article, we will discuss the best vibration machines for lymphatic drainage and how they can help improve your health.

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM: FLUIDS THAT CIRCULATE WITHOUT A PUMP.

Lymphatic fluid helps remove toxins and improve health.

Unlike the heart pumping blood, the lymphatic system has no pump and only circulates by movement. The muscle movement pumps lymph through lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes to collect harmful molecules such as viruses and toxins.

Lymphatic vessels only move upward to lymph nodes. These filter the toxins from the nutrients.The clean lymph then re-enters the bloodstream. When lymph nodes are overwhelmed, they can form lumps that can be felt in the groin, neck, and armpits. Body and muscle movements can reduce this swelling by keeping lymph moving and preventing blockage.

Essentially, the only way to circulate lymphatic fluid is to increase movement throughout the entire body. 

Lymphatic System Components And Their Function

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and organs that play a crucial role in maintaining the body’s immune system, fluid balance, and overall health. Here’s a breakdown of the different components and their functions:

1. Lymph vessels or the lymphatic duct: These are thin, tubular structures that carry lymphatic fluids  (also known as lymph) throughout the body. The lymphatic system relies on the movement of muscles and breathing to help propel the lymph through the vessels. These vessels carry damaged cells to be filtered out through the blood stream.
2. Lymph nodes: These small, bean-shaped structures act as filters for the lymphatic fluid. Lymph nodes contain immune cells (such as lymphocytes) that help to identify and fight off foreign invaders. Some invaders cause disease, such as viruses and bacteria. When lymphatic fluid passes through a lymph node, the immune cells in the node can identify and attack any harmful pathogens present.
3. Lymphocytes: White blood cells, called lymphocytes, are vital to the lymphatic system as they fight infection. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B-cells and T-cells. B-cells produce antibodies that can recognize and attack specific pathogens, while T-cells can directly destroy infected cells.
4. Bone marrow: This is the spongy tissue found inside bones that produces immune system cells. It produces white blood cells, or lymphocytes.
5. Thoracic duct: This is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, and it’s responsible for draining lymph from the lower body, left arm, and left side of the head and neck. The thoracic duct then empties into the subclavian vein, which carries the lymph back into the bloodstream.
6. Small intestine: The lymphatic system is also involved in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the small intestine. Lymphatic vessels in the small intestine, known as lacteals, absorb these nutrients and transport them to the bloodstream.

LYMPH NODES

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and organs that helps the body fight infections and remove waste products. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body and are usually located in groups.

Lymph nodes act as filters, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances that may be present in the lymphatic fluid. The lymphatic fluid, which is clear and colorless, circulates through the lymphatic system and eventually passes through the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes contain immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, which help to identify and fight infections.

When the body is fighting an infection, the lymph nodes can become swollen and tender. This is because the immune cells in the lymph nodes are actively working to remove harmful substances from the lymphatic fluid. In some cases, lymph nodes may need to be removed or biopsied to diagnose or treat certain medical conditions.

LYMPHATIC FLUID

Lymphatic fluid, also known as lymph, is a clear, colorless liquid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system. It is derived from the blood plasma and contains white blood cells, proteins, and waste products. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and organs that helps the body fight infections. it also helps remove excess fluids, waste products, and toxins from tissues.

Lymphatic fluid is transported through the lymphatic vessels, which are similar in structure to veins, but smaller in size. The lymphatic vessels are located throughout the body and drain lymphatic fluid from the tissues.

The lymphatic fluid is then transported through lymph nodes. These small sacs act as filters, removing bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances from the fluid. The lymphatic fluid is eventually returned to the bloodstream through the thoracic duct, which empties into the left subclavian vein.

The lymphatic system plays a critical role in maintaining the body’s immune system and overall health. It helps to identify and remove harmful substances from the body, including bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. The lymphatic system also helps to regulate the body’s fluid balance. It also helps with the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system.

When working properly, the components of the Lymphatic System help maintain a healthy immune system, remove excess fluid and waste products from the body, and facilitate the absorption of important nutrients.

Proper Lymphatic Drainage

When pathogens (such as viruses or bacteria) enter the body, they can be recognized by the immune cells in the lymphatic system. Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, fight infection by attacking toxins, cancer cells, bacteria and viruses. B-cells produce antibodies that can recognize and attack specific pathogens, while T-cells can directly destroy infected cells.

The lymphatic vessels serve as the conduits for lymphatic fluid and immune cells, carrying them throughout the body. The lymphatic system relies on the movement of muscles and breathing to help propel the lymph through the vessels.

When the lymphatic fluid reaches a lymph node, the immune cells in the node can identify and attack any harmful pathogens present. The lymphatic fluid is filtered through the lymph nodes, and any waste products or excess fluid are removed from the body.

The thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, and it’s responsible for draining lymph from the lower body, left arm, and left side of the head and neck. The thoracic duct then empties into the subclavian vein, which carries the lymph back into the bloodstream. This helps to maintain the fluid balance in the body and prevents the buildup of excess fluid that can lead to swelling or edema.

The lymphatic system is also involved in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the small intestine. Lymphatic vessels in the small intestine, known as lacteals, absorb these nutrients and transport them to the bloodstream.

Overall, the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s immune system, fluid balance, and overall health. The components of the lymphatic system work together in a complex and coordinated way to achieve these functions.

Possible Problems with the Lymphatic System

Sometimes the body struggles to function properly and the lymphatic system does not work property. Here are some problems that can reduce property lymphatic drainage:

As we age, how can we keep the lymphatic system working?

 As people age, discomfort or sedentary habits often limit the movement needed to circulate lymph. People need frequent, whole body movement to circulate lymph throughout the body to fight toxins and prevent swelling. Yet, often those who exercise regularly do not get enough whole body movement to fully drain the lymphatic system. Also, avoiding the worst foods for lymphatic drainage can help.

Vibration Plate Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage

 Any kind of exercise and movement is good for lymphatic drainage. Most of the time, though, people don’t get adequate full-body exercise that engages all of the muscles. That’s why whole body vibration plate exercises can make a difference. Whole Body Vibration training causes immune response in the lymph nodes, giving the body better defenses against illnesses.

Whole body vibration exercise also causes the lymph system to drain more efficiently.  An ideal vibration machine for lymphatic drainage will have a wide range of frequency and amplitude. The vibrations of the platform cause lymph nodes to wake up and do the work they are intended to do, especially in the aging body where lymph health is even more vital to overall health.

The area most susceptible to lymphatic blockage is the lower leg below the knee and down to the ankle. Gravity and human anatomy makes this area the least conducive to lymphatic system flow and so for many people, this is where a number of problems can exist. Neuropathy, muscle degradation, and bone mass depletion can take place and weaken the body significantly making it difficult to stand, sit, or walk easily.

In addition to standing on the vibration plate, you can also try using the machine to massage the lower leg while seated or lying in front of the platform. This will gently vibrate the calf muscle and lower legs, moving the lymphatic fluid away from the feet. The lymph will flow toward the quadriceps and hamstrings where the fluid can enter the blood stream and filtered out in the kidneys and the liver.

Because it exercises all of the muscles in the body at once, whole body vibration exercise can be ideal to improve lymphatic system function.

Lymphatic Drainage massage: an alternative to exercise

Some people with lymphedema, or who have swollen lymph nodes, have used massage, rather than exercise to improve lymphatic drainage. Although this can be helpful, it is not as effective as improving the body’s natural movements through whole body vibration.

Lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized technique used to improve the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. Lymphatic drainage massage using gentle, rhythmic strokes that encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid towards the lymph nodes. The massage focuses on specific areas of the body, such as the neck, armpits, or groin, where lymph nodes are located. The massage helps to improve lymphatic flow, which can in turn enhance the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

Lymphatic massage typically includes:

1. Massage: The massage itself involves using gentle, rhythmic strokes to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote the flow of lymphatic fluid. The therapist will typically use light pressure and gentle circular motions to move lymphatic fluid from the limbs towards the lymph nodes. The massage may also include stretching and other techniques to improve lymphatic flow.
2. Aftercare: After the massage, the therapist may recommend specific aftercare techniques to further promote lymphatic drainage. This includes drinking plenty of water, avoiding tight clothing, and avoiding sitting for long periods of time.

Overall, lymphatic drainage massage can be a helpful technique for improving lymphatic flow and promoting overall health and well-being. It can be done by a professional, or often by an individual at home.

However, lymphatic massage cannot fully replace actual body muscle movement. Whole body vibration activates 95% of the muscles in the entire body, creating a full-body circulation and lymphatic flow. This vibration therapy is better than massage because it uses the body’s natural muscle movement to ensure full-body lymphatic drainage. Massage alone can primarily target selected areas, but is not the same as a whole body exercise.

References

Vibration exercise machines improve your lymphatic health

“The vibrations created by a vibration exercise machine create small muscular contractions. This forces the fluids through the body in a way that is efficient, constant, and gentle enough not to cause any harm while being forceful enough to discard toxins and other potentially dangerous buildup.”

“ … Whole Body Vibration, facilitated by a machine, is able to help combat the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and rid the body of the toxins that it has stored.”

“In addition to acting as a catalyst for Lymphatic drainage, a vibration exercise machine also sparks the activity of the Lymph Nodes, which are key components of the immune system.”

“Though the loss is not drastic, using a vibration exercise machine allows the Lymphatic System to push stored fats out of the body, resulting in a healthier, leaner figure.”

Note: Research on the Lymphatic System is relatively new, and very little is available on whole body vibration and the Lymphatic System. Scientists are just beginning to understand the mechanisms of lympathic drainage, immunity, and it’s relationship with the central nervous system. This collection of articles highlights our current understanding of the lymphatic system. 

So far, we do understand that the lymphatic system does not have a central pump and requires movement in the body in order to circulate and drain lymphatic fluid. Whole Body Vibration exercise helps create this muscle movement and, as a result, seems highly likely to improve lymphatic drainage. Hopefully in the future, more research will specifically demonstrate this connection.