Lymphatic System

If my Lymphatic System is off balance, that's when I feel the effects of it (when it's not working). My lymph nodes swell up and are painful when the system is not working adequately. Yoga breathing, physical movement and a stress-free lifestyle are proactive toward lymphatic imbalance.

Protection against infection and disease

The Lymphatic System is the body’s drainage, composed of lymph nodes and ducts that transport watery fluid called lymph. Its purpose is to protect me against infection and disease as it operates as part of the Immune System. I seldom get sick so I must be doing something right. I give my lifestyle, that is induced by Ashtanga yoga, credit.

From a nutritional standpoint, drinking warm water and lemon first thing in morning balances pH, detoxifies and hydrates the Lymphatic System as it helps rid the system of toxins. I do this before my morning coffee without thinking, while I'm half asleep. It's my balance.

Working together with the Cardiovascular System, the Lymphatic System delivers nutrients to cells and removes metabolic waste. A one-way system, it brings lymphatic fluid from the tissues and brings it to circulation in the blood for use. The Immune System is closely related, specifically responsible for the body’s response to foreign microorganisms and molecules. The Immune System operates through cells of the Lymphatic System.

Pumping lymphatic fluid

What toxins are filtered out in the Lymphatic System? The lymph fluid, derived from blood, exerted by the heart, is unable to pass proteins and microorganisms (fats digested in the Digestive System) directly into blood capillaries, so they remain in high concentration in the lymph. Edema (accumulation of fluid) can occur if lymphatic vessels are blocked as in the case with an infection, a delay in blood movement through the veins or during inflammation. Protein present draws water out to contribute to swelling. The answer is to get the fluids moving again…

Toxins and inflammation

The Thymus lymphoid organ, located in the throat region, contains the supportive T-lymphocytes (basic Immune System cells that migrate to the lymph nodes, responsible for the lymph’s filtration before entering bloodstream). The Thymus is also considered a gland since it produces and secretes hormones which help to mature the T-lymphocytes.

Yoga asanas, vinyasas and breathing help to pump this precious fluid. It's a healthy system for people who exercise. Stopping the body’s movement causes some stagnancy in the system. The Lymphatic System doesn’t have an organ to pump the lymph flow.

Pump your own lymphatic fluid

Lymphatic massage is a method employed to help get the lymph fluid to pump more easily throughout the body, and afterwards, drinking water is important to flush out all of the toxins which were massaged out. The Lymphatic vessels are mostly on the front side of the body. A lymphatic massage is a slow, light-pressured gentle massage on these vessels and nodes, which not only keeps the lymph moving but also opens up a sensual, creative power in me.