The Importance of a Healthy Lymphatic System

A healthy lymphatic system is important for good health.
Working with the lymphatic system is an integral part of getting a patient out of pain and getting them well. The lymphatic system encompasses lymph fluid, ducts, nodes, vessels and organs.  The purpose of the lymphatic system is to carry lymph fluid between tissues and cells. Lymph fluid contains white blood cells, proteins, toxins, waste products, foreign particles, and chemical by-products. The lymphatic system's organs and glands consist of the adenoids, thymus gland, tonsils, appendix, Peyer's patches of the small intestine, and spleen.

The lymphatic system acts as a filtration system. Unlike a water filter, in which a filter can be changed every six months or so, our bodies do not have this as an option. Since we don't have the option of changing our filters, we have to work with what we have to keep this system functioning properly. The importance of keeping this system moving is to clear the body of toxins and to get rid of harmful microorganisms and waste from deep within the body.

If you are wondering how to keep the lymphatic system functioning optimally, this can be done in three ways. One is by working with the neurolymphatic points on the body, the second is with nutritional supplementation, and the third is through giving a patient homework.

The neurolymphatic points or Chapman reflexes were discovered by Dr. Frank Chapman, an osteopath in the 1930's. These points are located on the anterior and posterior sides of the body from the base of the neck down to the knees. Dr. Chapman discovered that rubbing these reflex points had a positive effect by increasing lymphatic drainage to specific organs and glands.

Dr. George Goodheart, the founder of applied kinesiology, also discovered the relationship between certain muscle imbalances and the neurolymphatic points. For example, if a muscle like the pectoralis sternal was weak, by rubbing the neurolymphatic point, which is located on the right side of the torso, the pectoralis sternal will strengthen. The organ relationship to the pec sternal is the liver, so this neurolymphatic point will also help with lymphatic drainage to the liver.

Oftentimes the neurolymphatic reflex points will feel tender and sensitive to the touch. After rubbing them for 30 seconds to one minute the tenderness/sensitivity will subside.

Nutritional supplementation can help the lymphatic system to work optimally. The key to an effective detoxification protocol is to make sure that the lymphatic system is taking the toxins that are being released by the body and moving them out into the blood. If the lymphatic system is sluggish, this can make for terrible detoxification symptoms and a person having a difficult time clearing problems.

Manjistha is a red root ayurvedic herb that helps with lymphatic drainage. It works like Liquid Plumber, keeping the pipes clean and fluid moving. Drainage-Tone, Lymph-Tone I, Lymph-Tone II, and Lymph-Tone III are lymphatic drainage supplements that help the lymphatic system to function, as well. The higher the number of Lymph-Tone (1 to 3) the more lymphatic support that the body requires.

For those that have severe lymphatic congestion, the following should be mandatory homework:

  • Trampolining is a great way to get the lymph moving, and I recommend they trampoline three times per week for 10-20 minutes.
  • I have them do a lymph decongestion technique on the neck, armpit area, groin and side of the legs, always moving towards the heart in the direction of the lymph fluid.
  • Taking an extremely forceful breath in and an extremely forceful breath out can also stimulate the lymphatic system.
  • Sipping hot water every 10-15 minutes for a couple of weeks can stimulate the lymphatic system.
  • Eating beets, pomegranate, cherries, and cranberries can help move the lymph fluid. Notice that all are red foods. 

Symptoms of lymphatic congestion:

  • Stiff joints in morning
  • Rings get tight on fingers
  • Dry skin
  • Water retention
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Skin sensitivity 
  • Headaches 
  • Foggy brain

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading Holistic Chiropractor in NYC specializing in holistic remedies for good health maintenance and prevention of disease. Visit his website at www.HolisticChiropracticCenter.com to learn more.

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