All About The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system including lymph nodes & lymphatic system drainage
The Lymphatic System is a circulatory system and contains approximately 6 to 10 litres of fluid, compared to 3.5 to 5 litres of fluid (blood & plasma) in the venous system. The lymphatic system and cardiovascular system are linked together. Lymph nodes are stationed around the body tissues and organs. There are 400 to 700 lymph nodes in the body, half of which are located in the abdomen. There is also a high concentration of lymph nodes (170 to 200) in the neck. The lymph fluid, carrying its load, is directed into the nodes where it is filtered and purified. Via lymphatic drainage waste products such as toxins, bacteria, chemicals, and excess proteins are broken down so that they can be more easily handled by the organs of elimination including the liver and kidneys.
The lymphatic system includes vessels filled with lymphatic fluid that are found throughout the body. The lymph fluid transported by these vessels contains products such as toxins, bacteria, dead cells, excess proteins hormones and immunocompetent cells, carrying them to the lymphatic nodes. This stimulates the lymphatic vessels which carry substances vital to the defence of the body and removes waste product.
The healthy functioning of the lymphatic system can be hindered or stopped due to factors such as venous insufficiency, stress, chemical overload, (sport) injuries, age, lack of activity or food additives. These factors cause the circulation of fluids and, therefore, the cleansing process to slow down, which in turn compromises the health of the soft issue environment and opens the way to physical ailments.
"If the Lymphatic system did not act to evacuate the excess protein from around the cells, the body would suffer massive oedema, function complications and die within 24 to 48 hours" (Guyton, A.C, 1971)
For more information about the Lymphatic System, including lymph nodes and lymphatic system drainage, see one of the team at Hands On Lymphatics and Massage Therapy.
