What is it?
Essentially the lymphatic system is the rubbish recycling plant for the body. Anything your body can’t use or recycle is either ejected or broken down within this system, to prevent infection and disease taking hold. Much like your neighbourhood sewer system, if the lymphatic drainage system isn’t functioning properly, you will get a blockage and the system works poorly or fails altogether – making you ill (or feel bloated or ‘toxic’).
What does it do?
The lymphatic system consists of organs such as the spleen and tonsils, tissues called lymph nodes, and connecting tubes that run within the same sheaths as veins and arteries throughout the entire body. It performs functions relating to the reduction of excess fluid and the generation and movement of antibodies to fight infection and disease.
How can I improve it?
Visiting a manual therapist such as an Osteopath is a great way to kick start your immune system by simplified lymphatic drainage treatment. This type of treatment has been found to be beneficial for women with menopausal symptoms such as oedema or a sense of fatigue. During a 2017 study, women reported feeling lighter in the legs or just feeling “better” following such treatment. It is not just for these women however, men and women of any age could feel a great benefit from this type of treatment.
Simplified lymphatic drainage treatment works to open up the lymphatic channels in a specific way to enhance drainage and not overload any part of the system. Your lymphatic system will be ‘woken up’ with gentle and rhythmical movement techniques whilst you lay comfortably on a treatment couch. The only thing you will be asked to do is drink pure water before and after the treatment in order that your body can get the most benefit from it.
How do I maintain my lymphatic system?
Self improvement of the lymphatic system can be fulfilled by gentle movement of your body. Use of all of the major joints in the body such as knees, hips, shoulders and elbows as well as movement throughout the thorax will encourage fluid movement. Larger lymph node clusters gather near these joints and movement of the muscle groups around them will encourage massage of the lymphatic vessels and fluid flow.
Knees and hips: gentle walking using long, deeper strides
Elbows and shoulders: move arms in wide circular movements gently rotating the shoulders and dropping the forearms outward to open up the elbows
Thorax: gentle twisting and flexing of the torso to encourage use of all angles available to the abdominal muscles
What can you do for me?
If you are feeling a little tired and lethargic after the recent seasonal festivities or generally just not quite right, a lymphatic drainage treatment could be just what you need. Call or text 07402 124852 for an appointment.
Shelley James
M.Ost
#osteopathinaylesford