People with poor lymphatic circulation have a weak immune system. Immunity requires proper function and movement of lymph. Lymph, which begins as interstitial* fluid full of waste material discarded by the cells, is a somewhat yellowish liquid containing white blood cells which bathe the tissues and drain through the lymph into the bloodstream. These thin-walled vessels structured like blood vessels transport fluid, soluble molecules, and immune cells to the lymph nodes tasked with draining lymph.
There are about two quarts of lymph in an average size body. This is equivalent to one third the amount of red blood. Lymph is collected by capillaries and slowly moved to a large network of several hundred lymph nodes–small glands that filter waste materials–in order to be purified. Lymph returns to venous circulation via two major ducts in the chest.
The largest concentrations of lymph nodes are on the face and neck, underarms and groin area. The diaphragm, our largest muscle, activated during breathing, is the closest thing to a pump as it moves both water and lymph through the system.
Breathing, body movement and gravity are mainly responsible for the movement of lymph.
According to the Five Element Theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Earth energy drives the activity and movement of lymph. Earth is the energy of purification (of waste material. Congested lymph shows up in toxic skin presenting blemishes, acne, psoriasis and enlarged pores, indicating an Earth energy imbalance. When lymph is able to flow freely, skin becomes purified, normalized and radiant.
In addition to impeding immunity impaired flow of lymph also accelerates the aging process. At the same time, the intensity of the aging process itself affects the functionality and dynamics of lymph flow.
The consensus in the literature is that the function and capacity of the lymphatic system gets sluggish with age because of decreased lymphatic contractile pressure (the muscles that help circulate lymph lose mass and weaken) and pumping frequency (a decrease in lung capacity). Increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant activity associated with aging may also be factors. (Journal of Lymphoedema, 2017, Vol. 2, No. 2)
PHYTO5 skincare containing unique ingredients known to assist lymph movement include:
the entire Earth line by PHYTO5
wild guaiacwood and cypress sessential oils in Ageless La Cure Nourishing Cream
sweet orange essential oil in Ageless La Cure Extreme Hydrating Cream
calendula extract in Ageless La Cure soothing pink Clay Mask
You can keep your lymphatic system functioning properly by:
exercising and building and maintaining muscle strength and lean body mass; muscle contraction forces tiny one-way valves of the lymphatic system to open and close and push the fluid through the system;
walking (or rebounding); as a weight-bearing activity each step you take lightly pounding the ground, floor or pavement, creates pump-like gravitational pulls on the lymphatic system;
practicing yoga or stretching helps direct lymph through the deep channels of the chest;
practicing deep breathing; the act of breathing creates a lymphatic pump in itself helping to direct lymph through the chest; deeper more mindful breathing is the most important facilitator of lymphatic function while consistent shallow breathing leads to lymphatic congestion (for help with a proper breathing exercise, check out our blog on Six Breaths a Minute to Slow Aging and Its Causes here);
receiving a manual lymphatic massage from a licensed lymphatic massage therapist or receiving a facial** and full body drainage treatment performed by a PHYTO5 trained professional using the Biorhythmic Drainer;
PHYTO5's award-winning technology, the Biorhythmic Drainer, mechanically, rhythmically, and precisely reproduces the gentle movement of a manual massage focused on moving energy and fluids that are otherwise stagnant;
the well-known Japanese cosmetics company, Shiseido,** found in 2015 that impaired dermal lymphatic vessels are an integral cause of sagging skin** rather than collagen loss;
staying hydrated to help prevent lymphatic stagnation; lymph gets thicker and more sludgy when you’re dehydrated but will flow well when hydrated;
avoiding processed foods and bad fats; these can cause inflammation and lead to lymphatic system congestion;
eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables especially green vegetables because chlorophyll not only purifies the blood, it purifies lymph;
avoiding chemical laden skin and body care products, cleaning products and pesticides which impede the body from immediate detoxification (Ageless La Cure by PHYTO5 skincare is a pure choice);
learning how to resiliently respond to stress; the waste products of stress-fighting hormones are acidic and acidity leads to lymph congestion;
refraining from wearing tight fitting clothing including underwear and underwire bras because both restrict the flow of lymph;
avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking.
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Endnotes:
[The information in this article should not be viewed as medical advice as we are not medical professionals. We are sharing information and recommendations from and based on scientific publications and studies that are enumerated in the article’s endnotes. As always, when beginning any new program dedicated to health and which is new for you, first consult your physician.]
Large portions of this blog were originally published on our sister site at agelesslacure.com on September 19, 2019 under the title, “Look and Feel Younger Longer Tip #5: Keep the Lymph Moving,” but has been edited and updated with additional information for freshness and expansion.
* a space between structures
** In 2015, the well-known Japanese cosmetics company, Shiseido, found impaired dermal lymphatic vessels to be an integral cause of sagging skin. Before 2016, sagging skin was mainly attributed to collagen loss. Their press release states:
“Shiseido Co., Ltd., through joint research with Professor Nobuyuki Takakura of the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, has revealed for the first time that impaired function of dermal lymphatic vessels lead to accumulation of subcutaneous fat, which ultimately causes ‘sagging’ of the skin.”
Zolla, Valerio, et al. Aging-Related Anatomical and Biochemical Changes in Lymphatic Collectors Impair Lymph Transport, Fluid Homeostasis, and Pathogen Clearance. Aging Cell, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Aug. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4531072/.
Dr. Baumann, Leslie. The Connection Between Lymph and How You Look. Miami Herald, July 21, 2014. www.miamiherald.com/living/health-fitness/skin-deep/article1976385.html.