Meet Your Lymphatic System!

By Gina Moore. -

In conjunction with your immune system, the lymphatic system maintains a safe and healthy balance of fluids within your body. Both the superficial and deep lymphatic systems work together to remove toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. Lymph fluid contains white blood cells, proteins, and other substances... even tattoo ink!

Superficial Lymphatic System

Sitting just beneath the skin, the superficial lymphatic system is responsible for draining fluid from the skin and fatty layers underneath. It is composed of small lymphatic capillaries that merge into larger vessels. These vessels follow the pathways of veins and are especially concentrated where lymph nodes reside, like the neck, armpits, and the groin. This system is involved in the body's response to infection and inflammation, transporting antigens (viruses, bacteria, insect bites, tattoo ink, etc.) to the lymph nodes and initiating an immune response, if needed.

Deep Lymphatic System

The deep lymphatic system sits significantly deeper beyond the skin and is responsible for draining lymph from the muscles, joints, and internal organs. Unlike the superficial system, the deep lymphatic vessels follow the arteries and are located alongside the deep veins. This system consists of larger lymphatic vessels and a greater number of lymph nodes compared to the superficial system.

The deep lymphatic system plays a major role in moving lymph fluid from vital organs such as the lungs, liver, and intestines. It is also involved in absorbing fats and maintaining fluid balance by returning excess lymph to the bloodstream.

Comparison

While both the superficial and deep lymphatic systems are integral to the body's immune defense and fluid regulation, they differ in their anatomical locations, structures, and functions.  The superficial system is primarily concerned with draining the skin and tissues just below, providing an initial immune response, and dealing with localized infections or injuries. In contrast, the deep lymphatic system is responsible for draining internal organs and  muscles, and plays a more significant role in systemic immune responses and nutrient absorption.

The superficial lymphatic system is more vulnerable to conditions closer to the skin like lymphedema, while the deep lymphatic system can be affected by diseases such as cancer, as malignant cells may spread through deep lymphatic vessels to other parts of the body.

What is Lymphedema?Lymphedema is a medical condition where protein and fluid have backed up in the superficial lymph system, leading to swelling and potential serious conditions. Lymphedema can be caused by a birth defect in the lymphatic system ("Primary lymphedema"), or injury to the lymphatic system due to surgery, and/or removal of lymph nodes ("Secondary lymphedema).  But there is help available for individuals with this condition, including Manual Lymphatic Drainage. 

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a therapeutic treatment performed by gentle stretching of the skin.  The light pressure in MLD moves fluid just below the skin, and pushes it towards the lymph nodes to cleanse the fluid.  This helps clear toxins and debris out of the body that may have been hanging around for a while. Receiving regular MLD treatments is an excellent way to give your immune system some assistance in warding off illness, since it eliminates stagnant toxins and frees up your lymph nodes to only handle any virus or bacteria at the time of encounter.

MLD is part of a treatment program that can help manage lymphedema.  The gold standard for managing lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy, which includes MLD,  compression garments, simple exercises and skin care. Lymphedema can be managed and maintained safely by seeing a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and starting a Complete Decongestive Therapy program. 

For more information, contact Gina Moore, Certified Massage and Lymphedema Therapist:  licensed by the State of California (#22264) and accredited by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies.

Reach her at gina.b.moore@outlook.com or visit her website at tlcbodywork.com