As the blood circulates through the body, nutrients, waste, and gases are exchanged between the blood and the interstitial fluid. The pressure operating at capillary beds force fluid out of the blood at the arterial ends of the bed (basically the upstream), and cause most of it to be reabsorbed at the venous end (the downstream).
The fluid that remains behind in the tissue spaces, as much as 3 lts a day, becomes part of the interstitial fluid. This leaked fluid plus any plasma proteins that escape from the blood stream, must be carried back to the blood to ensure that the cardiovascular system has sufficient blood volume to operate properly. This problem is resolved by the lymphatic vessels, an elaborate system of drainage vessels that collects the excess protein-containing interstitial fluid and return it to the bloodstream.
Lymph Nodes are lymph organs which cluster along the Lymphatic vessels of the body. As the lymph is transported back to the bloodstream, it is filtered through the lymph nodes. There are hundreds of these small organs. They act as lymph filters. The nodes remove and destroy microorganisms and other debris. (Elaine N. Marieb, Katja Hoehn. Human Anatomy & Physiology p774)
Sometime tinny bits of this debris can get stuck in the lymph node causing the node to block and preventing proper filtration. Lymphatic drainage is a gentle and rhythmic treatment to stimulate the circulation of the lymph fluid around the body. This can help with the removal of waste and toxins from a sluggish lymph system. It can also be a boost to your immune system and help to reduce cellulite.
This technique is very light and relaxing, sometimes you may only feel a small amount discomfort when un-blocking the Lymph nodes. As the Lymph is just under the skin, the movements are soft and need to flow. Some side effects from the treatment can be smelly and brown urine, a feeling of trickling fluid down your body. Its recommended not to drink alcohol after the treatment.
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The lymphatic system consists of two semi-independent parts: A meandering network of lymphatic vessels and various lymphoid tissues and organs scattered throughout the body. The lymphatic vessels transport back to the blood any fluids that have escaped from the vascular system. The organs house cells which play essential roles in the body’s defence mechanism and its resistance to disease.
