The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and it is considered to be the body’s “drainage” system. It does not get as much attention as the cardiovascular system, but actually the lymphatic system plays an important role in maintaining overall health and fighting diseases.

Parts Of The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system comprises of:

• -- The lymph -- the transport fluid of the system
• -- A large network of capillaries which transport the lymph
• -- Lymph nodes located at different parts of the body, mostly at the neck, armpits and groin, and their function is to filter the lymph
• -- The tonsils, thymus and spleen -- these produce white blood cells (lymphocytes, T cells and B cells of the immune system) important for the elimination of pathogens and toxins.

The vast network of lymphatic capillaries is parallel to the blood vessels, resembling a “tree” in the human body.

Functions

We have listed the most important aspects regarding the functions of the lymphatic system:

1.  Lymphatic vessels remove blood proteins and excess water from spaces around the body cells -- in this way the cells can receive critical oxygen. A congested lymphatic system results in oxygen-deprived cells, which can later lead to pain in some parts of the body and diseases.
2. The lymph fills the spaces between the body cells, it transports nutrients to the cells and also eliminates any unwanted materials from them, including dead cells, bacteria, heavy metals, fatty globules, and other waste products.
3. The main function of the lymphatic system is to remove the waste materials. The lymph circulates through the lymphatic system in the body, and carries the waste materials away from different parts of the body.
4. In the next phase the lymph nodes filter the lymph, neutralize and eliminate bacteria and other pathogens, and also neutralize and eliminate other toxins. The nodes then transport these materials to the bloodstream, so the lymphocytes can pass through.
5. Blood carries unwanted toxins to the kidneys and liver, responsible for the detoxification process, which are finally excreted from the body. Some of the lymph is transported straight to the large intestines, where it is excreted with the feces.

Lymph flows quite slowly, at a rate of about three quarts each day. Unlike the bloodstream and the heart with the function of a pump, the lymphatic system does not have this kind of a mechanism and uses other ways to keep the lymph circulating through the body, including general movement of the body, muscle contractions, lymphatic massage and other types of compression, as well as gravity.

If you are struggling with a disease, for example in cases of a cold, the lymphatic system increases its activity and the lymph nodes are often swollen due to the collected waste materials.

Holistic treatment regimens practiced by a lot of natural or alternative healthcare experts include reactivation of the lymph flow.

You should pay special attention to the lymphatic system, because it will sure keep you vital and help you fight even the most aggressive diseases.

7 Ways to Improve The Lymphatic Circulation

• Deep breathing -- numerous studies have shown that it is one of the best ways to activate the lymphatic system and keep the lymph circulating.
• Exercising -- regular body workout increases the rate of the lymph flow
• Trampoline bouncing
• Lymphatic massage
• Osteopathic/chiropractic lymphatic drainage techniques
• Dry skin brushing -- a session of light brushing which, if done properly, is equivalent to a 20-minute body workout, regarding the stimulation of a healthy lymph flow
• Reflexology/acupressure -- requires pressure and massage of the relevant reflex points/zones in order to revive the lymphatic system. Do not forget to focus on the area around the center of the top of the foot, or the area behind the wrist.

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