What is The Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system, commonly known as "the garbage disposal system" of the body, is a central component of the immune system and protects the body by draining and filtering out waste. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body’s immunity to disease. It is a complex network of fluid-filled tubes that continuously bathes our cells and then carries away the body's "sewage"– toxins, waste products of metabolism, globules of fat, excess liquid – to filters called lymph nodes, where harmful substances are trapped and neutralized.

Why is it important to your health to maintain your Lymphatic System?

When your lymphatic system is blocked or clogged, a condition of stagnation occurs that promotes fatigue and ill health. Some of the common symptoms include lumps and bumps under the skin, pain and swelling.

How does the lymphatic system become clogged or blocked?

Unlike the circulatory system, the Lymphatic System has no pump to keep fluid flowing. The causes of lymphatic congestion range from injuries and surgery, inactivity and poor diet, to emotional/stress related states, environmental toxins, hormone imbalance, and normal aging processes. Congested blockages cause a backup in the flow of lymphatic fluid, resulting in swelling or edema in the tissues. Toxic waste matter cannot effectively be released from the body, nor can the immune system function at optimum performance. A wide range of dysfunction and disease may occur.

What are lymph nodes?

All the small and medium-sized lymph vessels open into lymph nodes which are situated in strategic positions throughout the body. The lymph drains through a number of nodes, usually 8 to 10, before returning to the blood. These nodes vary considerably in size: some as small as a pin head and the largest are about the size of an almond.

An enlargement of these nodes is common in inflammation and malignant disease. As a result, palpation (feeling) of the neck, armpits and the groin area is an important part of clinical investigation. Lymph from the head and neck passes through deep and superficial cervical nodes.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Anything we can do to encourage vital and active lymph drainage is an important component of health. In the 1930’s, a therapeutic technique known as manual lymph drainage was developed in Europe. Through delicate massaging techniques it is highly effective at reducing lymph-based disorders; however, the process is very labor intensive. Lymphatic massage can be rigorous to the client as the therapist has to virtually squeeze the lymph through the lymphatic pathways, oftentimes leaving the client exhausted and sore for days.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

An easier Electro-Lymphatic Drainage Method is available to assist those who need increasing lymph flow. Since bodily fluids are conductors of electricity, in conjunction with specific frequencies, electricity and sound is used to break down congested lymph using a Lymphstar Pro, the state of the art electro-sound lymphatic drainage instrumentation.

Electro-Lymphatic Drainage is a one-hour accelerated method of cleansing and detoxifying the lymphatic system. Breaking down congested lymph fluid is painlessly achieved in a two-step process using the Lymphstar Pro.

Step One:  While the client rests comfortably on a massage table, a conductive cream is applied to the body. To increase electrostatic tension and stimulate lymphatic drainage, high frequency, electro-sound therapy is used via a hand-held Lymphstar Pro.

Step Two:  Lymph is directed manually along the limbs and torso *always in the direction of the ducts) with two probes of a micro-current stimulator on the Lymphstar Pro, delivering a frequency-specific signal. This stimulates the lymphatic system and increases circulation, proper elimination, detoxification, cell nourishment and immunity.

Each session ends with a 10-15 minute effleurage massage to encourage lymph fluids to flow and 5-10 minutes of safe, quiet relaxation before getting up from the massage table.