Inside the lymph nodes are white blood cells, also called lymphocytes. These white blood cells attack and break down bacteria, viruses, damaged cells or cancer cells. The lymph fluid carries the waste products and destroyed bacteria back into the bloodstream. The liver or kidneys then remove these from the blood.
Breathing and other muscle movements help to propel lymph fluid and transport it through many filtration points known as lymph nodes. These lymph nodes contain collections of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that identify and help destroy harmful pathogens or toxins.
Upon encountering bacteria or damaged cells, lymph nodes destroy them and turn them into a waste product. When the lymph reenters the bloodstream, waste products travel to the kidneys and liver. The body then excretes waste products in the urine and feces.
Lymph contains primarily white blood cells (part of your immune system), but depending on where the lymph vessels are located in the body, it can also have proteins and fats as well. Toxins are also deposited from your circulatory system into the lymph vessels to be filtered by the lymph nodes.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage technique that facilitates lymph movement around your body. Lymphatic drainage massage is aimed at removing toxins, restoring your immune system's functions, and ultimately preventing a variety of health conditions.
Carbon dioxide is a waste product or toxin, and we get rid of it by breathing it out. Other organs that help remove toxins include the liver, skin, kidneys, intestines, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. In addition to breathing out, we remove toxic products through urine, feces, and sweating.
The lymphatic vessels drain into collecting ducts, which empty their contents into the two subclavian veins, located under the collarbones. These veins join to form the superior vena cava, the large vein that drains blood from the upper body into the heart.
Many have reported that they feel a feeling of tingling or flow of fluid under the skin, much like a small stream. Others report the feeling of being able to breathe deeply for the first time in a while because of the lymphatic flow in the sinuses. Other people feel rejuvenated, and others feel a deep relaxation.
Place you hand on your collarbone. Move your hand down your chest in half circles toward your underarm. Massage your chest to help reduce swelling. This massage will move the lymph fluid from your neck and chest to your underarm lymph vessels and nodes.
Manual lymph drainage, or lymphatic massage, does help with lymphedema swelling and encourages lymph flow out of the inflamed area, such as the legs. It's important to note, however, that this is not a detox treatment.
Dry brushing is thought to help the body release toxins through sweat. The course bristles on the brush stimulate the pores and open them up. This makes it easier for the body to sweat, which in turns reduces the amount of toxins flowing through the lymphatic system.
Three days is considered the minimum time it takes to flush out lymph vessels and nodes throughout the body.
The lymphatic system's role in weight loss is to absorb digestive fat from the small intestine and transport it through the bloodstream, where it can be used as energy or removed as waste. A poorly functioning lymphatic system can lead to noticeable weight gain and extra difficulty releasing weight.
Following surgery, it is essential to help the body drain any excess fluid that may have built up. This reduces the risk of infection and promotes healing. Lymphatic drainage is an important part of post-operative care following plastic surgery and can help aid in speeding up the healing process.
You can drain your lymphatic system with self-lymph drainage (SLD) massage, which involves gently massaging areas to move extra fluid from swollen areas to areas where lymph nodes are functioning properly. Your lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid your body of waste.
Collecting ducts: Lymphatic vessels empty the lymph into the right lymphatic duct and left lymphatic duct (also called the thoracic duct). These ducts connect to the subclavian vein, which returns lymph to your bloodstream.
When something disrupts your lymphatic system's process, lymph collects in your arms and legs, making them swell. A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues.
Breaking down toxins is a two-step process: first, the liver uses enzymes and oxygen to make toxins (particularly fatty ones) more water soluble and thus easier for the body to eliminate. Next, the partially processed toxins are combined with sulphur or amino acids so that they can be removed through bile or urine.
Drinking water is one of the best and fastest ways to flush out toxins from your system. Water transports toxins through your system via your bloodstream, making sure they're expelled from your body. Try to get the recommended 8 glasses of water per day (tip: herbal tea counts towards your water intake, too!).
Expect to have an increased need to urinate.
The whole purpose of a manual lymphatic drainage massage is to help balance fluid and remove waste/toxins from the body, and how does that happen, through your urine. The increased need to urinate is actually a really really good thing.