Lymphatics and the Immune System
Help Your Lymph Glands and Ducts Remove Toxins Naturally
Oct 30, 2008
We hear plenty of talk about the "immune system"… but what is the immune system, really? The strength of the body's immunity depends on a combination of factors that relate to our genes, activity level, diet - and just about everything else. The immune system includes many of the cells of the bloodstream as well as the ability of your spleen, thyroid, liver, pancreas, intestine and more to keep your body in a healthy balance and to fight off toxins and invaders. Where is the key to it all?
An important aspect of the human immune system – and the most overlooked in Western medicine – is the system of lymph glands and vessels that make up the lymphatic system.
The Role of the Lymphatic System in Immune Health
The lymphatic system is a secondary part of the circulatory system. Lymphatic vessels carry "overflow" fluid from the bloodstream, as well as lymphocytes and other white blood cells which make up a substantial part of the immune response.
The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, tonsils, and parts of the digestive system. In fact, there are roughly twice as many lymph vessels in the human body as blood vessels. The lymphatic system is key in triggering the immune response when the body is exposed to viruses or other invaders.
How to Strengthen the Lymphatic System
The biggest limitation or weakness of the lymphatic system is that it has no pump of its own. Unlike the cardiovascular system, there is no central heart to force lymph to move through the lymphatic vessels. In order for lymph to move and toxins to be cleared from the body, the lymphatic system depends on pressure from the blood vessels and muscular movement.
A stagnant lymphatic system leads to lymph nodes that are congested and to more susceptibility to colds and viruses. The following may be helpful in supporting the movement of the lymphatic system and improving immunity.
Activity and Exercise
One of the best things you can do for your lymphatic system is to be more active. Almost any activity encourages the flow of lymph. Movement of the muscles also exerts pressure on the lymphatic vessels and keeps them moving.
Bouncing on a trampoline or rebounder is one of the best forms of exercise for the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic Massage
One of the best ways to support the lymphatic system is by massaging neurolymphatic points located all over the body, in areas where the lymph nodes are concentrated.
Touch for Health and Energy Medicine highlight the locations of the key lymphatic reflex points and how these can be massaged gently but firmly to strengthen the flow of lymph and the immune integrity of the lymphatic system.
Donna Eden (of Energy Medicine fame) describes lymphatic massage as "pleasant" in the sense that "it hurts so good." In general, if there is any soreness not related to an injury or strain, the lymph nodes are probably somewhat congested (think of the soreness of the overstressed lymph nodes in your throat during a cold or flu). Gently massaging the sore areas daily can help break down the congestion and will usually relieve any soreness or pain as well as improving the efficacy of the immune system.
Reference
Eden, Donna with David Feinstein, Energy Medicine for Women. New York: Penguin, 2008.
