Image: BMT for lymphatic drainage
The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system and has many functions, but how well do you know of these functions and the role they play? Here we learn more about our body’s lymphatic system and how you can use Bioelectric Meridian Therapy to improve your lifestyle.
The lymphatic system is involved in many complex and diverse daily functions of the body. It is an extensive drainage network of lymphoid organs, lymph ducts, lymph tissues, lymph capillaries and lymphatic vessels that carry lymph and other substances throughout the body. These hundreds of lymph nodes are located deep inside the body, such as around the lungs and heart, or closer to the surface, such as under the arm or groin.
To summarise its role, essentially it is responsible for 3 Major functions of the body:
- Maintain the balance of our bodily fluid by returning fluid to the heart
- Help large molecules enter the blood
- Immune surveillance
When it comes to your body’s immune functions, the lymphatic system plays an integral role as it is the first line of defence against disease. The lymphoid organs remove foreign material in lymph from entering the bloodstream and act as lookouts in the immune system. When lymph drains to a nearby lymph node, pathogens are detected and allows the system to elicit an immune response and prevent the onset of illness and diseases from invading microorganisms.
The lymphatic system also helps to deliver nutrients to our tissues and remove waste. For example, Fatty acids get packaged into chylomicrons in the small intestines which are then too big to enter the bloodstream through the capillaries. So, they are dumped back into the blood at the thoracic duct via our lymphatic vessels instead.
In comparison to our circulatory system where the heart pumps blood around the body, our lymphatic system does not have a pump. Instead, the unidirectional flow of lymph is maintained by intraluminal valves and smooth muscles in lymph vessels that react to arterial pulse and skeletal muscle.
Since the lymph system must be pumped by the movement of our muscles, the less we move, the more stagnant our lymph system becomes. With modern lifestyle, pollution, diets low in nutrients and high in fats, sugars, additives, preservatives and, failing to drink enough pure water to assist our body to eliminate toxins, our lymphatic system becomes overloaded, congested and clogged. Fatigue, stress, infection, emotional shock, lack of physical activity or dehydration may also stagnate the flow of lymph. Consequently, as toxins accumulate, cells are unable to function properly, resulting in various metabolic and infectious problems.
Aside from impacting our metabolic system, when the nodes, ducts, vessels or lymph tissues become blocked, infected, inflamed or cancerous, the lymphatic system can become dysfunctional and result in various lymphatic conditions.
A common disorder of the lymphatic system is lymphoedema, a condition caused by a build-up of fluid in tissues that result in swelling. It generally occurs in arms or legs and is usually caused by removal or damage to lymph nodes. This failure to drain fluid properly causes the accumulation of protein-rich fluid combined with inflammation, adipose tissue hypertrophy, and progressive fibrosis, ultimately leading to reduced quality of life, functional impairment, and physical deformity. Further to this, many other problems result from a dysfunctional lymphatic system.
As we learn how important the lymphatic system is in taking care of our body’s various functions, it is pertinent that we make a conscientious effort in keeping our lymphatic system “healthy”. Aside from moderation in diet, doing regular exercises and proper hydration is important to promote good lymphatic circulation. Other than good lifestyle habits, there are various related therapies, such as Bioelectric Meridian Therapy, available to help achieve a healthier lymphatic system.
Bioelectric Meridian Therapy is a gentle, light touch, and non-invasive technique that works in the same way as a lymphatic drainage massage and stimulates the proper flow and drainage of the lymphatic system. The main difference is that Bioelectric Meridian Therapy can stimulate the lymph at a greater depth and will enhance lymph flow with far less therapy time.
There is an increasing focus on the study of our lymphatic system due to a greater understanding of its roles and involvement in various body functions. With more discoveries made on the lymphatic system, hopefully, more people from the general public will come to appreciate this underrated and underappreciated system in our body more and treat their lymphatic system better.
Below are examples of how Bioelectric Meridian Therapy can help circulate your lymphatic system and improve swelling.
Sources:
Article inspired by Hannie Hong (Oriental Remedies Group, Singapore), a registered therapist certified by the Lymphology Association of Asia
