Health Tip: The Lymphatic System. The lymphatic system, which can be described in part as our sanitation system, occasionally backs up, due to dietary indiscretions, a lack of water intake, and a general lack of exercise. Its drainage can be aided by a gentle self-massage using three or four fingers.

This massage is directed in a circular motion along the lymphatic channels, in the direction of lymph flow, as indicated in the illustration below. Evaluate the areas in which lymph nodes or lymphatic filters are concentrated by checking them for tenderness and/or swelling. A lymphatic massage can also be performed by a massage therapist trained to assist the function of the lymphatic system. See your local listings for details. The areas of lymphatic concentration are located in the following areas: along both sides of the neck; along the base of the skull at the top of the neck; under and around both armpits; the muscles across both sides of the chest; and in the inguinal or groin region on both sides of the body.

---------

From Chapter 9: The Immune System

Integrally linked to immune function is the lymphatic system. It also has a number of its own functions. The lymphatic system is an extensive system that infiltrates all the tissues of the body, and has been described as the body’s sanitation system. Lymph fluid travels through this extensive system carrying theremains of bacteria, virus, microbial parasites, and toxic wastes. The lymph tissue, especially the lymph nodes, filters out these waste products in order to keep them out of your blood.

As the accompanying illustration indicates, the lymph system and blood system are intimately connected, and have many similarities in function. In reality, these two systems function together as parts of a grand circulatory system.

The lymph system cleanses, and the blood system nourishes. The circulatory system has a pump—the heart—while the lymph fluid is squeezed out by the contraction of our muscles as we move. The lymph system uses the spleen to create cells for the immune system, and the circulatory system uses the spleen to rejuvenate and store the red blood cells that carry vital oxygen to all our tissues and cells. The basis of lymphatic fluid and blood plasma are essentially the same, and ultimately, lymphatic fluid is dumped into our bloodstream.

Lymphatic fluid travels through a series of one-way valves that purify the lymph so that it can eventually become the basis for our blood. However, if our lymph fluid gets too thick, our blood will too. If our body becomes too toxic, lymph fluid becomes sluggishly thick and doesn’t flow through our tissues as easily. This can cause a number of problems in the lymph system, as some of the debris in the lymph nodes begins to fester and breed harmful strains of bacteria and virus, which can weaken our immune system even more.

When we don’t exercise enough or drink enough pure water, and overconsume refined carbohydrates, dairy products, and other foods with a high gluten content, our lymph fluids become thick, slow moving and excessively toxic, which has a direct influence on how well the tissues of the body drain themselves of the toxic wastes created by normal cellular activities. When this scenario is in place, the toxic levels of the tissues gradually increase, our pH becomes too acidic, muscular activity becomes sluggish, our blood begins to carry too many toxins, and our immune system becomes significantly compromised.

Unfortunately, these conditions are all too commonplace in our society, which is why our lymph system needs to become a focus for cleansing, exercise, and repair.