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The Upper Body Lymphatic System
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The lymphatic system is the
third system of circulation in the human body [1st arteries, 2nd veins]. The
main functions are two, one being the mechanical aspects of waste removal at a
cellular and two, the immunological functions. For the purposes of this paper
we are going to focus on the mechanical part; however, the immunological part
automatically works better when you help the mechanical.
The lymphatic system is a complicated network of vessels, ducts, and nodes that
moves fluid between the cells and tissues, and distributes the infection
fighting and scavenging cells of the body. When functioning properly it
effectively cleanses the tissues and eliminates toxins from the body. These
functions are critical to vibrant health! We call it the "information highway
of the immune system" paving the way to maintaining life in humans and animals.
Lymph vessels can become "clogged" with protein deposits, leading to sluggish
flow (congestion) and impaired function The causes of lymphatic congestion
range from injuries and surgery, inactivity and poor diet, to emotional stress
states, environmental toxins, hormone imbalance, and normal aging processes.
When this state occurs the blockages cause a backup in the flow of lymphatic
fluid, resulting in swelling or edema in the tissues and in various kinds of
"symptom's." Consequently, toxic waste matter cannot effectively be released
from the body, nor can the immune system function at optimum performance. The
result is a wide range of dysfunction and disease.
Why is the lymphatic system so important in health and disease?
Because cellular function is critical to organ function, which is critical to
your overall health. Health care in the United States is focused on alleviating
symptoms rather then preventing disease. That seems to be changing.
Fortunately, at least prevention is gaining in public favor. The lymphatic
system draws waste, dead cellular materials, by-products of metabolism and
trauma and other undesirable debris from the tissues. It also collects
hormones, albumen and other blood proteins from the interstitial spaces and
dumps them.1nto the bloodstream at the sub-clavian veins in the upper trunk of
the body, from which, they are cleared out through the kidneys and liver. When
the lymph system gets obstructed the pressure rises and important substances
may fail to reach the cells. At the same time waste products are unable to pass
out of the interstitial spaces and can become toxic to the cells. Clearing the
lymph channels allows materials necessary to cell health to pass freely through
the semi-permeable membrane that separates the blood from the cell bed. When
all the cells are working appropriately, the person feels well, has plenty of
energy and is healthy. The body heals itself, and symptoms can disappear even
without specific symptomatic treatment.
Benefits
-Improves edemas, fibrotic conditions, and swollen lymph nodes. Some conditions
reported to have benefited from therapy include breast lumps, inflammation,
chronic pain, joint aches, allergies, sinus, respiratory problems, headaches,
prostate problems, hormone imbalance and chronic female conditions, dental
trauma and chronic problems, heavy metal toxicity, neuromuscular trauma, immune
and fatigue syndromes.
-Excellent adjunct to manual lymph drainage techniques to open lymph system and
improve fluid flow and accelerate detoxification of tissues.
-Reduction of pain due to lymphatic conditions.
-Prevention of breast and prostate problems.
-Pre and post athletic applications to increase performance and decrease muscle
and tendon strain.
-Provides relaxation, emotional balance, and feelings of well-being and
increased energy.
-For health conscious individuals and athletes for greater vitality,
performance, and cleansing, injury reduction
Is there any other major benefit of this type of therapy?
Yes. Two things not as yet mentioned are the flushing of pathogens from the
interstitial spaces and the benefits of changing pressure differentials. Many
people are suffering from conditions today that arise when their immune systems
become depressed due to stress. At that time, latent viruses, yeasts, and other
opportunistic pathogens can become active and bring with them a whole
constellation of symptoms. Some of these pathogens reside in certain tissues
such as nerve root ganglions in herpes, or pulmonary/naso-pharynx 1n the case
of epstein-barr virus. E.L.T. can help purge these tissues of such intruders so
that if immuno-suppression occurs the pathogens no longer exist in quantities
that can bring about disease symptoms. Even in AIDS, which often has swollen
lymph nodes as one of it's first symptom, seems to benefit from E.L.T..
Secondly, pressure d1fferentials are sometimes involved in symptoms that occur
before storms or on airline fl1ghts. Such symptoms result from the failure of
connections between cellular groups. The reason for that is because the lymph
system is the pressure equalizing system of the body and when one experiences
external pressure changes as mentioned above, the lymph system carries the
changes to the deepest layers of the body. In short, wherever swelling (edema),
pain or inflammation effects the tissue, Electro-lymphatic Therapy may be of
value in resolving the problem.
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