Mersai Health Clinic

The lymphatic system

This is a system of thin interconnected network of tubes known as lymphatic vessels, which are present throughout the body. A colorless liquid runs through this system in a similar manner to blood circulation and with a high content of lymphocytes or white blood cells.

Plasma tends to leak out of the smallest blood vessels known as capillaries and is then drained into the lymphatic vessels; at this point the fluid is known as lymph and is carried to the thoracic duct; the biggest lymph vessel, which then returns it to blood.

Lymph glands

Lymph glands are small bean shaped nodes; these can be felt under your arms, neck and groin area. Some lymph nodes/glands are harder to locate such as those in the abdomen, pelvis and chest.

Organs that are part of the lymphatic system

Spleen, Thymus, Tonsils and Adenoids are all part of the lymphatic system; that is, they all play an important role in the correct and efficient functioning of this vital system. For instance, the Spleen works as a filter of lymph, the Thymus produces white blood cells; the Tonsils and adenoids help protect the digestive system and lungs from viruses and bacteria.

Function of the lymphatic system

There are several functions carried out by this system in the body, namely; draining fluid from tissues into the blood stream, filtering lymph and blood and fighting infection.

• Draining fluid: As fluid leaks out of blood vessels during circulation, it provides nutrients to tissues and cells and carries waste products back to the blood stream. This is an ongoing process in the body.

• Filtering lymph: This is done by the lymph nodes; white blood cells seek and attack bacteria and viruses in the lymph as it passes through the nodes.

• Filtering blood: This is carried out by the Spleen; clearing unwanted old red blood cells and destroying them. They are in turn replaced by new ones made in the bone marrow. Bacteria and viruses are also cleared out by the spleen alongside other foreign particles.

• Fighting infection: This involves lymphocytes that produce antibodies and macrophages which take in foreign bodies and destroy them. This particular action of the lymphatic system is a major part of the immune system’s function.

What is lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is the name given to a therapeutic soft tissue treatment; it uses light or hard pressure (depends on the case) and long, rhythmic strokes to assist lymphatic flow and help get rid of toxins in your body.

What are the benefits?

As mentioned earlier, lymph is key to keeping your body healthy and your immune system working efficiently; improving its flow and drainage around the body is very beneficial in many ways:

- It is quite popular and very much effective for treating cellulite
- It boosts weight loss
- It helps the body fight infection and speeds up healing and recovery
- It helps reduce water retention
- reduces swelling, puffiness and blotches on the skin and can even help with stretch Marks
- And many more…

What to expect from the treatment

This treatment will take place in a warm room; this is important for better lymphatic flow and general relaxation. You will be asked to position yourself on a treatment table, covered by towels. The session should take an hour for a full body treatment and relatively less for a localised area.

Your practitioner may use plain or aromatherapy oils if necessary and you can expect a certain level of pressure from the stroking motions; this will be checked with you throughout the treatment for your comfort.