By: Dr. Leila Doolittle, DC
Many many of our clients feel chronically sick, have challenges getting to their optimal weight, have lots of unsightly skin changes, rapid aging, and poor detoxification because their lymphatic systems are congested, swollen, and not functioning properly.
The lymphatic system is a network of delicate tubes winding throughout the body’s tissues, intricately connected to surrounding tissue via a latticework of anchoring filaments. It drains fluid (called lymph) that has leaked from the blood vessels and capillaries into the tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream via the lymph nodes.
The benefits of having a healthy lymphatic system are far-reaching, and every system within the body is able to function better when it is working well, including weight loss and preventing and restoring wrinkled skin! Many strategies can be used at home to help stimulate good lymphatic circulation including things like Epsom salt baths, exercise, loofah and dry skin brushing, sweating, and bouncing on a small rebounder.
However, many of our clients benefit from targeted support of lymphatic drainage, especially with any kind of detoxification and/or IV protocols. We suggest everyone consider at least one lymphatic drainage detox per month to keep their lymphatic system working optimally. When on a detoxification regimen, the recommendation of frequency and add-ons may vary. The Lymph Circuit can also be very valuable for weight loss!! A poorly functioning lymph system traps toxins, which are then stored in fat leading to a vicious cycle of weight gain.
WHAT ARE THE KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?
- Defend against foreign particles and microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and protozoa.
- Restore any excess protein molecules and tissue fluid back to the systemic blood circulation
- Absorption of nutrients, fat-soluble vitamins, and fatty substances from the gastrointestinal tract to transport them to the venous blood circulation
- managing the fluid levels in the body
- responding to cancer cells
- transporting toxins out of the tissues
WHAT ORGANS ARE PART OF THE LYMPHATICS?
Lymphoid organs include the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels, the thymus, spleen, tonsils, mucous membranes, and the bone marrow.
The spleen filters and monitors the blood, producing and storing many white blood cells in wait for the first call to the body’s defense if a biotoxin or antigen is present. In addition to removing microbes, the spleen also destroys old or damaged red blood cells and can save a life by increasing blood volume quickly if a person loses a lot of blood.
The thymus filters and monitors blood content, producing T-lymphocytes that circulate around the body and give a rapid signal reporting any immune challenge or infection.
Bone marrow is also a primary lymphoid organ that generates lymphocytes.
Most of our digestive and respiratory systems as well as our mucous membranes of our sinuses are lined with lymphatic tissue. This is important as these systems are exposed to the external environment. (1)
The blood vessels are under constant pressure to help push nutrients, water molecules, and white cells into the body’s tissues. Every organ in the body generates a variety of byproducts that require elimination through the lymphatics to avoid toxic overload. The lymphatic vessels carry this lymphatic fluid to the vascular system where it is then carried to filtration organs to be eliminated through urine, bowel movements, or sweat. (2)
WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF LYMPH NODES?
Lymph nodes are the filters of the immune system and have many functions, but directly function to be the body’s first defense against infections and toxins. All lymph passes through at least one lymph node, where the potentially harmful foreign matter (i.e. bacteria or their byproducts) is mechanically sieved and neutralized by white blood cells (i.e. lymphocytes) of the body’s immune system. Viruses and cancer cells can also be trapped and destroyed in healthy lymph nodes. (3)
More lymphocytes are produced when you have an infection causing the lymph nodes to swell. There are between 600-700 lymph nodes in the human body, all working to maintain and monitor the interstitial milieu.
At the tips of initial lymphatic vessels, the cells have overlapping one-way flaps that allow for free absorption of protein, water, debris, and cells while preventing intra-lymphatic fluid from escaping back into the tissue. (4) If the lymphatic system is unable to drain appropriately due to being overloaded by byproducts, chemical toxins, or biotoxins, fluid can back up resulting in edema. (5)
HOW CAN CARPATHIA’s LYMPHATIC CIRCUIT HELP ME?
Due to this complex network requiring adequate functioning of the lymphatic valves in the vessels, clean lymph nodes, proper exchange of lymphatic fluid and venous circulation, and healthy toxin filtration and removal from the body, we have created a series of therapy modalities that synergistically improve lymphatic function all included in “The Lymphatic Circuit”.
WHAT’s INVOLVED?
During a one-hour intensive lymphatic activation and clearing session, a patient will have a combination of the following therapies to help activate each level of lymphatic detoxification and drainage:
- vertical and horizontal whole-body vibration therapy to help mobilize toxins from tissues and fascia (6)
- oscillatory percussion massage to all lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels in the direction of proper valvular drainage (7)
- activation of detoxification and filtration organs with far and mid-infrared laser light therapy low-level sauna and infrared jade mat (8)
- Infrared thermotherapy to lower extremities to help balance parasympathetic and sympathetic function (9) and the increased output of immune cells (10)
- binding and detoxification of toxins for better removal from body via oral tri-salts and binder herbal blends (11)
WEIGHT LOSS and SKINCARE Optional add-ons
- weight loss via ultrasound cavitation and cryotherapy (12)
- skin tightening via multi-nodal radiofrequency therapy (13, 14, 15)
- topical oxygen therapy for acne reduction increased collagen production, and hair restoration (16)
- reflexology massage to activate organ system meridians (17)
- visceral abdominal manipulation, vagus nerve and enteric nervous system activation (18)
WHAT SYMPTOMS CAN BE HELPED?
Patients report relief in the following list of symptoms:
- chronic fatigue
- brain fog
- insomnia
- cognitive dysfunction
- focus and concentration issues
- memory
- headaches and migraines
- chronic pain
- joint pain, stiffness, and dysfunction
- neuropathy
- digestive issues
- constipation and incomplete bowel movements
- diarrhea and loose stools
- slow digestion
- bloating
- acid reflux
- tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- dizziness and vertigo
- difficulty losing weight
- inflammation
- edema
- irritability and mood swings
- menstrual cramping
As you can see there are MANY benefits of having a healthy lymphatic system!. Consult with your practitioner for more information. Call our front desk to schedule a session. (214 553-5522) Cost $85/1 hour.
Additional charge for add on’s depending on the treatment.
For a deep dive into both DIY and advanced strategies for lymphatic health join my colleague Shivan Sarna- master patient advocate and educator at the upcoming Lymphatic Rescue Summit
Citations:
- Null, Manda. “Anatomy, Lymphatic System.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 21 July 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513247/.
- Functionally specialized junctions between endothelial cells of lymphatic vessels.
Baluk P, Fuxe J, Hashizume H, Romano T, Lashnits E, Butz S, Vestweber D, Corada M, Molendini C, Dejana E, McDonald DM, J Exp Med. 2007 Oct 1; 204(10):2349-62.
- Interstitial fluid, plasma protein, colloid, and leukocyte uptake into initial lymphatics.
Ikomi F, Hunt J, Hanna G, Schmid-Schönbein GW
J Appl Physiol (1985). 1996 Nov; 81(5):2060-7.
- Adair TH, Guyton AC. Modification of lymph by lymph nodes. II. Effect of increased lymph node venous blood pressure. American Journal of Physiology (Heart Circ Physiol ) 1983;245:H616–H22.
- Aukland K, Reed RK. Interstitial-lymphatic mechanisms in the control of extracellular fluid volume. Physiological Reviews. 1993;73:1–78
- Pastouret, Frederic et al. “Effects of Multidirectional Vibrations Delivered in a Horizontal Position (Andullation®) on Blood Microcirculation in Laboratory Animals: A Preliminary Study.” Medical science monitor basic research vol. 22 115-122. 14 Oct. 2016, doi:10.12659/msmbr.900654
- Godoy JMP, Valente FM, Azoubel LM, MFG Godoy et al. “Evaluation of Lymph Drainage Using Bioelectrical Impedance of the Body.” Phlebology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21576705/.
- Li K, Zhang Z, Liu NF, Feng SQ, Tong Y, Zhang JF, Constantinides J, Lazzeri D, Grassetti L, Nicoli F, Zhang YX. Efficacy and safety of far infrared radiation in lymphedema treatment: clinical evaluation and laboratory analysis. Lasers Med Sci. 2017 Apr;32(3):485-494. doi: 10.1007/s10103-016-2135-0. Epub 2017 Jan 26. PMID: 28127644.
- Yamamoto;Aso Y;Nagata S;Kasugai K;Maeda S;, K. “Autonomic, Neuro-Immunological and Psychological Responses to Wrapped Warm Footbaths–a Pilot Study.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18640631/.
- WL;, Engeset A;Sokolowski J;Olszewski. “Variation in Output of Leukocytes and Erythrocytes in Human Peripheral Lymph during Rest and Activity.” Lymphology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/609275/.
- Merino, José Joaquín et al. “The Long-Term Algae Extract (Chlorella and Fucus sp) and Aminosulphurate Supplementation Modulate SOD-1 Activity and Decrease Heavy Metals (Hg++, Sn) Levels in Patients with Long-Term Dental Titanium Implants and Amalgam Fillings Restorations.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 8,4 101. 16 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3390/antiox8040101
- Zhou, Bill et al. “The Effects of Low-Intensity Ultrasound on Fat Reduction of Rat Model.” BioMed research international vol. 2017 (2017): 4701481. doi:10.1155/2017/4701481
- Dayan, E, et al. “Multimodal Radiofrequency Application for Lower Face and Neck Laxity.” Clin Plast Surg, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 12 May 2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983756/.
- Dayan E; Theodorou S; Rohrich RJ; Jay Burns A; “Aesthetic Applications of Radiofrequency: Lymphatic and Perfusion Assessment.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33173697/.
- Sadick N; Rothaus KO; “Aesthetic Applications of Radiofrequency: Face and Neck Laxity.” Clinics in Plastic Surgery: U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27363770/
- Bennardo, Luigi et al. “Potential applications of topical oxygen therapy in dermatology.” Dermatology practical & conceptual vol. 8,4 272-276. 31 Oct. 2018, doi:10.5826/dpc.0804a04
- Yaqi H, Nan J, Ying C, Xiaojun Z, Lijuan Z, Yulu W, Siqi W, Shixiang C, Yue Z. Foot reflexology in the management of functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 Aug;40:101198. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101198. Epub 2020 May 8. PMID: 32891277.
- Silva, Andréia Cristina de Oliveira et al. “Effect of Osteopathic Visceral Manipulation on Pain, Cervical Range of Motion, and Upper Trapezius Muscle Activity in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2018 4929271. 11 Nov. 2018, doi:10.1155/2018/4929271