Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Part 1

                                               

     The Lymphatic system consists of all organs, glands, lymph nodes and lymph vessels located throughout the entire body. Functions of this immune system include defending the body against disease, cleansing the body of toxins and ridding the body of excess fluid. In addition, the Lymph acts as a secondary circulatory or transportation system carrying crucial information from the endocrine system throughout the body. Lymph fluid, also called interstitial fluid, bathes tissues and helps to deliver nutrients and oxygen to cells. A little known fact is that the lymphatic system is also responsible for absorbing fats and fat solulible substances from the digestive system.

     The Lymphatic system is a vast all encompassing circulatory system that has no pump, instead fluid is moved as a result of respiration and movement of muscles in the body. Challenges to the lymphatic system like: sedientary lifestyles, injury or traumas, surgery, illness, poor diet and issues like diabetes are stressors that may become symptomatic and lead to other problems if left untreated.

                                

     Lymphatic drainage therapy can provide additional support and aid in beneficial circulation and proper elimination of excess fluid. Lymphatic drainage therapy can encourage the immune system to function at a higher level, aid the digestive system in absorption and removal of fats and assists the lymph system as it maintains the volume of tissue fluid in the body keeping edema and swelling from becoming abnormal.     

*Clients are advised to consult their health care provider before beginning any new treatment.

About Kim Krost

Kim Krost is owner of Integrative Healing Institute® in San Antonio Texas. She is a licensed massage therapist and massage therapy instructor teaching a variety of wellness classes including Reflexology and Reiki. In addition to management of the Institute she has maintained a holistic bodywork practice since 1999 using Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Reflexology, and Natural Reflex Therapy®.

5 Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

What is the Lymphatic System?

Just under our skin lies an intricate system of tributaries that make up our lymphatic system. We commonly think of our bodies as bone, muscle, organs and skin, but our bodies are 60 – 70% water.

The health of our bodies depends largely upon the optimum function of the lymphatic system including: all of the organs, glands, lymph nodes and lymph vessels located throughout the entire body.

Lymph fluid, also called interstitial fluid, bathes tissues and helps to deliver nutrients and oxygen to our cells. The main functions of the Lymphatic System are:

• Defending the body against disease
• Cleansing the body of toxins and
• Ridding the body of excess fluid

Specially trained therapists are able to work directly with the lymph system.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT)

1. Reestablishing healthy flow patterns for:

• Stagnant fluid (noticeable under arms, around breasts, in midsection, in the neck, arms, thighs and ankles
• Edema (swelling) in skin muscles, joints and throughout the body

2. To Drain Toxins

• To promote tissue regeneration for scars, stretch marks or wrinkles; or where the client has had an injury, surgery and may also be used for anti-aging applications
• To reduce fat. Most every time fat content is present in the tissue, lymph vessels are available to help evacuate them
• To help eliminate protein-rich fluid (macromolecules) from extracellular tissue

3. To Stimulate the Immune System

Lymphatic drainage techniques have been found helpful for chronic and sub-acute inflammation processes including:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Auto Immune diseases
• Arthritis, bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, acne, eczema etc.

4. To Stimulate the Parasympathetic System

This can be very helpful for those dealing with stress, depression or sleeping disorders.

5. To Reduce Pain

LDT helps alleviate tissue fluid stagnation and inhibits type C nociceptors that trigger pain.