The Lymphatic System is a drainage network of fluid, vessels and organs responsible for the elimination of cellular waste, bacteria, viruses, toxins, large proteins and foreign bodies. It also plays a role in the destruction of cancer cell. The lymph circulates moves through the lymph nodes, which act as purification centres.
The key lymphoid organs are the bone marrow and thymus. The secondary lymphoid organs include lymph nodes, lymphoid tissue, spleen, appendix, tonsils, adenoids and the small and large intestines. Their prime role is to act as a defence against aggressive agents entering the body as well as eliminate accumulated wastes.
What is surprising to many people is that there is as much as 10 litres of lymph in the body, vs 3.5 to 5 litres of blood in the system. On a daily basis around 2 litres of lymph circulate throughout the body. By having an efficient lymphatic circulation system can increase lymph circulation from 10 to 30 litres per day. The lymphatic system has to rely on muscular contraction to be its pumping mechanism as it is not connected to the heart. The lymphatic system has millions of one-way valves, which ensure that lymph fluid flows only in one direction only, upward and away from gravity.
There are up to 1,000 nodes in the human body, and more than 50 percent are located in the abdomen. They act as important processing and collection centres called lymph which is critical to:
- filter and purify the lymph circulation
- destroy toxins and cancer cells
- Produce lymphocytes and monocytes.
Because of the important of Lymphatic System, vessels need to stay clear and fully functional. If they become clogged the flow can stagnate or even stop. Contributing factors can include fatigue, lack of physical activity, stress, infection, emotional shock or dehydration. This reduced lymphatic flow allows toxins to accumulate and cells are unable to function properly. This can result in a range of metabolic and infectious problems.
There are number of ways to improve lymphatic drainage.
- Using a trampoline can stimulating the lymph flow. It is sometime called “Lymphocizing”. The up-and-down bouncing causes the one-way valves to open and close simultaneously increasing lymph flow many times over.
- Message can improve circulation and lymph flow. This will enhance the immune function and correct various disorders of the muscles and nerves. There is an advanced technique called Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) which is gentle pumping to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow.
- Drinking sufficient amount of water will prevent dehydration which can slow and stagnate the flow of lymph.
- There are homeopathic drainage products and programs designed to resolve lymph-related problems. The most well know remedy is Baryta iodata. This homeopathic remedy also known as Bar-I, is made from Barium iodide which is an inorganic compound with the formula BaI2. This white solid compound exists both as an anhydrous (contains no water) and hydrated (contains water) form. When heated, hydrated barium iodide dehydrates and the anhydrous salt can be obtained.
An efficient lymphatic system can aid in weight loss by aiding waste elimination.