Lymphatic System & Manual Lymphatic Drainage
What is the Lymph System: according to Dr. Emil Vodder it is the origin of life. The lymph is the nutrient liquid for the very first collection of cells, just as it is for that living palace of millions of cells: the complete human organism.
There is no pump for the lymph like the heart and lungs. It has a valve system that prevents back flow. Passes through the whole body, stomach, spinal cord, brain, ear, etc. into flooded areas (edema & lymphedema) and dry areas where life functions slower and cells degenerate because the lymph were the source of their renewal.
So the lymph vessel system is like the sewage system that eliminates waste produced by the working cells and carries them to the Lymph Nodes which get rid of them. The Nodes are the filters whose function is to hold back and destroy the harmful substances, poison, and bacteria. A node continually produces white blood cells. Which are the defenders of the body against invasion and activity is heightened during infectious diseases. Generally the battle is finished in the lymph nodes. “Bacteria themselves are not the decisive factor solely the surrounding territory.
Of the fluid which escapes from the capillaries into the tissues, a certain amount passes back through the capillary wall via diffusion. Return is more difficult than its escape flowing to constant stream of oncoming blood which fills the capillaries. (blood pressure)
Excess fluid which cannot return directly into the bloodstream is collected and returned to the blood by a 2nd set of vessels which forms the Lymphatic System. Lymph is the carrying medium between the tissue cells and the blood.
Poorly functioning lymph circulation lowers our defense thus opening the door to infections, chronic conditions like colds, soar throats, etc. This can be traced back to stagnant lymph. Stagnant lymph also affects a persons appearance causing swelling, puffiness, reddening, bags under eyes, pimples, couperose skin etc. MLD cleanses the lymph, the swelling goes down, and problems become eradicated.
Skin - the perpetual youth of the cell depends on lymph fluid. If the cell activity stagnates then the cells will degenerate, age and die. If it is constantly renewed the life flourishes and the cells divide. Wrinkle and tired skin can regenerate itself it becomes fresh and elastic.
ENTER MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE to the rescue of regeneration of cells and recycling and clearing of debris.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Is a systematic, light touch ttherapy that:
provides DEEP RELAXATION: lowers Sympathetic Nervous System output by allowing the Parasympathetic Nervous System to take over and engage thus improving sleep, digestion, respiration, and regeneration of tissues
is ANALGESIC: Reduces pain by stimulation of mechano receptors which block the receiving signals of NOCI the pain receptors thereby overriding pain. The pain and touch receptors fight for the same space in the spinal cord.
is an IMMUNE BOOSTER: removes waste from the tissues & prevents build up of congestive materials. Activates the lymphocytes:
B Lymphocytes: are the antigen/antibody reaction produce antibodies
T Lymphocytes: activate the T cells (also called T lymphocytes) are major components of the adaptive immune system. Their roles include directly killing infected host cells, activating other immune cells, producing cytokines and regulating the immune response.
T Cells are major components fo the adaptive immune system. Their roles include directly killing infected host cells, activating other immune cells, producing cytokines and regulating the immune response.
So basically MLD aka Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps the immune system, helps release stagnation and swelling, and helps clear the skin of congestion. MLD is a multi purpose technique that helps the body, helps immunity, and helps create smooth skin tone, more refined features, and a healthier glow.
And I can’t remember where I found these photos, my computer took a crap and I lost a lot of information. :-/ If these photos look familiar please let me know.