Efficient lymphatic drainage is vital for good health and wellbeing.
Although most people are familiar with our blood circulatory system, our lymphatic system seems to be an unsung hero. Below I’ve explained what exactly what lymph and our lymphatic system is.
What is lymph?
Lymph is a clear(ish) fluid made of white blood cells and chyle (which is fluid containing fats and proteins from the intestines).
As blood circulates around the body, fluid leaks out from the blood vessels into the body tissues. This fluid, called ‘interstitial fluid’, is collected through lymph capillaries that run throughout the body and becomes lymph. Approximately 70% of the lymphatic capillaries are superficial capillaries, located near or just under the skin. The remaining 30% are known as deep lymphatic capillaries and surround most of the organs of the body.
Unlike our blood circulation, which has a heart to pump the blood around the body and return it via the lungs to the heart in a continuous cycle, the lymph does not have pump, so its upward movement depends on muscle and joint movement. Lymph flows in one direction via these capillaries to the lymph nodes, where it is filtered, before emptying into the subclavian veins (located near the base of the neck), where it mixes with our blood.
The white blood cells in lymph are made up mostly lymphocytes. These are responsible for fighting infections in the body and are known to destroy damaged or abnormal cells, keeping us safe from infection and diseases.
So, the lymphatic system not only acts as our waste disposal, removing toxins and dead blood cells, it also helps to fight off diseases such as cancer and keep us healthy.
The largest lymph nodes are located in the neck, armpits, groin and stomach. Often times it is possible to feel the enlarged lymph nodes in your neck/throat if you are fighting an infection.
Some of our organs are also part of the lymphatic system, including the thymus, spleen, tonsils and appendix. These are known as lymphoid organs. The thymus produces t-cells – a lymphocyte that plays a key role in immunity. The spleen filters the blood, detecting viruses and removing old and damaged red blood cells. Tonsils also help to fight infections and the appendix is thought to assist in maintaining a healthy gut flora, aid in the movement and removal of waste matter in the digestive system as well as producing B and T-cells that fight viruses and bacteria.
If our lymphatic system is compromised, the lymph can collect in our bodies. Many people will have experienced this when travelling long distance in an airplane. When the lymph is not being circulated efficiently it begins to ‘pool’ in our feet and hands, causing puffiness. This congestion of lymph means the protein in our blood is not being filtered effectively, leading to fluid retention and swelling. If this is allowed to continue over a long period of time, or becomes a chronic condition (for example after trauma or removal of lymph nodes), it is known as lymphoedema (spelt lymphedema in the USA) and can cause cellulite, fatigue, weight gain, cellulitis and reduced immunity to diseases.
Some common causes of lymphoedema are:
– A sedentary lifestyle. As the lymph needs muscular and joint activity to move it around the body, inactivity will cause the lympathic circulation to become sluggish.
– A poor diet and environmental pollutants are also known to affect our lymphatic circulation negatively.
– Trauma or surgery may damage the lymph nodes directly (for example, removal of nodes after a mastectomy), or damage to the skin tissues causing restricted capillary action.
– Pregnancy and poor kidney function
So, what are the benefits of lymphatic massage by Endermologie?
Endermologie, using a gentle, negative-pressure massage, actively promotes a healthy, functioning lymph system, increasing lymphatic circulation by 300% for up to 6 hours post treatment.
Healthy immune system
When efficient lymphatic drainage is restored, it allows a better flow of lymph through the lymph nodes and a satisfactory production of lymphocytes. These lymphocytes fight infections in the body and are known to destroy damaged or abnormal cells such as bacteria and cancer cells, keeping us safe from infection and diseases.
Detoxification
Although ‘detox’ has become a bit of a buzz word, it basically sums up the function of our lymphatic system which is to remove waste and deliver nutrients to nourish our bodies. A course of Endermologie is a perfect compliment to clean-eating and exercise, offering you to best outcome for your detox.
Increased energy
Lymphatic drainage with Endermologie can be a useful solution for people with low energy, as decreased energy may sometimes occur as a result of an illness caused by the retention of toxins in the body. With corrected lymphatic circulation, fluid retention will decrease, and toxins will be filtered and removed more efficiently.
Endermologie will also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which allows the body to feel relaxed and calm. An efficient parasympathetic nervous system has been proven to help decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure and aid digestion.
Relief of Fibromyalgia and Scleroderma
Clinical studies have shown show that Endermologie provides relief of the pain, fatigue, morning tiredness, work difficulty, stiffness, anxiety and depression associated with fibromyalgia. Endermologie has also been found to improve sleep patterns, posture and allow an increase in the range of motion and overall quality of life.
As Endermologie is a gentle massage, using negative pressure, it is usually easier to tolerate than other, deeper forms of massage. Most people with Fibromyalgia report that they find Endermologie more comfortable than manual massage.
Treatment of lymphedema after surgery, and in particular, mastectomy
In a recent study, Doctors stated “Endermologie therapy for a post-mastectomy upper limb lymphedema induced both objective improvement in the form of decrease upper limb swelling and subjective improvements in the form of decreased pain and improved the mobility of the affected limb. Upon the results of the current study Endermologie therapy can be recommended to patients with upper limb secondary lymphedema as a safe therapy without side effects.”
Muscle recovery and sports conditioning
Clinical studies have scientifically proven that Endermologie alleviates DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), relaxes muscle spasms, relieves muscle tension and increases functional mobility. Endermologie also helps athletes rid their bodies of the inevitable build-up of lactic acid caused by strenuous exercise.
Endermologie is also believed to achieve a quicker recovery from injury when combined with physiotherapy and is popular with elite athletes across a diverse range of sports.
Treatment of injuries and scars
Improved lymphatic circulation reduces swelling in the area around the scar and rejuvenates the skin tissues, including scar tissues.
Improved lymphatic drainage with Endermologie will also:
– Improve overall metabolism
– Improve the appearance of cellulite
– Assist in the breakdown and excretion of fat
– Reduce inflammation, therefore reducing pain and improving joint mobility
– Eliminate Water Retention in the body.
Note: If you believe you may have problems with your lymphatic system, it is best to visit your GP and explain your concerns.
