LYMPATHIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
The main function of the lymphatic system is detoxification, but it also plays an important role in immunity. The human lymphatic system is, in a sense, the body’s second circulatory system. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus are all part of the lymph system.
Our lymph nodes are soft, small internal structures located in the armpits, groin, and neck, as well as in the center of the chest and abdomen. The lymph nodes produce immune cells that fight infection while filtering lymph fluid to remove foreign material. When bacteria or other immune threats are present in lymph, lymph nodes increase production of infection-fighting white blood cells, which can cause the nodes to swell.
For people who get too little exercise and eat too much processed food, the lymphatic system can easily be overtaxed – resulting in a body that is susceptible to infection and disease.
According to a lymph system article (http://www.jonbarron.org/article/optimizing-your-lymph-system) by Jon Barron of the Baseline of Health Foundation, lymphatic massage can increase the volume of lymph flow by as much as 20 times, vastly increasing the system’s ability to remove toxins and infectious materials. By manually stimulating the lymphatic system, you can:
-
Increase the carrying capacity of the lymph system, allowing it to process up to 10 times more fluid than normal.
-
Increase the flow through the lymph nodes, filtering out waste products, dead cells, excess proteins and toxins from the tissues.
-
Increase the production of lymphocytes, thereby increasing the body’s ability to fight infections.
-
Activate the parasympathetic response, producing a body-wide relaxation effect.
Sources:
http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/1200/Lymph-Drainage-for-Detoxification-
http://www.naturalnews.com/038162_massage_lymph_drainage_health.html
