What the Lymph?

Lymphatic Drainage massage seems to be all the hype right now, but I wonder if people are hopping on what happens to be the “trendy” wagon or if they really know just what a gem this service really is? Let’s discuss what the lymphatic system is, how it correlates with skin health & organ function, what lymphatic drainage massage is and how it can benefit you and your loved ones!

I attended esthetic school, maintained all my required hours through the state of California Board of Cosmetology – passed my exam and proudly obtained my Esthetic License… BUT, wait! While I was provided with the foundation necessary to be let free as an income earning baby esthetician, I quickly realized I certainly wasn’t as educated as what was really necessary. I really enjoy expanding my knowledge base and mastering my craft, it really is part of what I’m here in this world to do. I attend webinars, workshops and partake in advanced certification courses, allowing me the ability to really personalize my client’s experience in my treatment room.

I gained priceless knowledge and experience working for several years, immediately after licensure for a Master Esthetician but quickly realized her and I had different niche’s. I then really began craving the knowledge and experience to really master, navigate and align with my purpose and path in this career. I set out looking for every learning opportunity both paid and free that could nurture my skillset and in doing so, effortlessly found a love for the lymphatic system and it’s direct connection to every single organ – including the largest – our skin.

What is the Lymphatic system, and what role does it play in the health of our skin?

The Lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid called lymph back into your circulatory system (your bloodstream) and is of fundamental importance, for the normal maintenance of fluid balance with-in tissues. The Lymphatic system has the primary function of transporting the white blood cells through out the body, making it the epicenter of the body’s immune system. White blood cells expel toxins, cellular waste and other unwanted materials, kill cancer cells and fight infection.

There are 4 important roles of the Lymphatic System:

1. Produce, store & transport white blood cells to destroy pathogens in the body
2. Maintains fluid levels in the body. – Excess fluid is drained through the capillaries and into the lymphatic system which filters it and returns it to the blood
3. Absorbs fats from the digestive tract & transports it to the blood
4. Works as a defense system to the body protecting it from foreign invaders

The Lymphatic network is comprised of hundreds of lymph nodes housing over a third of them in the face and neck. Lymph running through out the entire body drains into two collecting ducts located at the base of the neck near the clavicles, and when lymph fluid is able to drain properly it will gather in the face. When excess fluids and toxins are trapped with in the body, it cause skin to look dull and bloated leading to other skin inflammatory conditions & can appear as:

1. Rashes
2. Rosacea
3. Sensitive Skin
4. Acne
5. Congestion
6. Puffiness
7. Dry Skin
8. Irritation
9. Redness
10. Wrinkles
11. Saggy Skin

Because there is no pump to circulate lymphatic fluid through out the body, it relies on things like smooth muscle contraction, healthy gut movement & deep breathing to keep things flowing freely. When the Lymphatic system becomes stagnate or congested, waste materials build up and becomes toxic to the body. Lymphatic congestion can appear in many ways including the following:

1. Brain Fog
2. Cold Hands and feet
3. Weight gain
4. Dry, itchy skin
5. Stiffness
6. Bloating
7. Swollen Glands
8. Fatigue
9. Water retention
10. Cellulite
11. Sinus infections, sore throat, colds, ear issues

The Lymphatic system is directly affected by the Sympathetic Nervous System, which has the function of stimulating and mobilizing the body’s energy resources, it is also known as the “Fight or Flight” response. The Sympathetic Nervous System is activated when the body needs exercise, needs to move or get things done, or when there is danger or perceived danger. Deadlines, stress and feelings of fear, anger, worry, sadness & other negative emotions can activate the Sympathetic Nervous System.

Shallow breathing & poor digestion as a result of stress, are two major causes of congestion & stagnation. Stress causes an overproduction of Cortisol by remaining in a constant state of “fight or flight” causes overstimulation to the Sympathetic Nervous System and can remodel lymphatic vessels and even lead to the spread of cancers. The network of lymph vessels which work closely with the digestive system are located close to the villi in the gut and are known as the GALT or (gut associated lymphatic tissues) and surround the digestive tract. The villi are is where necessary nutrients are absorbed from the intestines, the lymphatic system in this area assists in keeping out harmful toxins and bacteria. Too much Sympathetic Nervous system stimulation disrupts gut mobility and can easily congest the GALT.

Healthy lymph flow relies on smooth muscle contraction (muscles innervated by the Parasympathetic Nervous System.) The Parasympathetic Nervous System (healing & repairing) conserves energy to restore the Boyd’s natural functions. It is also known as the “Rest & Digest” or “Feed & Breed” state and is activated by connection, intimacy, love, relaxation & a sense of belonging. When lymph is flowing properly the body is cleansed naturally from the inside out providing a natural glow, increasing immunity, improving digestion & overall health.

Here are some ways you can improve the lymph flow through the body including the face:

1. Move lymph through massage, self massage, dry brushing, yin yoga, stretching, leisure walking & dry brushing (always brush TOWARD your heart).
2. Stay hydrated. Lymph is 95% water.
3. Relax. Parasympathetic Nervous system regulation enhances lymph movement though smooth muscle contraction, gut movement & deep breathing.
4. Eat naturally red foods like pomegranates, cherries, cranberries & beets. Enzymes and antioxidants contained in these fruits and vegetables help break down toxic build up.
5. Avoid ingredients such as red meat, soy, dairy, carbonated drinks & processed foods which can aid in inflammation of the gut constricting lymph flow.
6. Dress in loose fitting clothing. Tight clothes like bras, tight jeans and briefs can restrict the flow of lymph. This is especially true while sleeping, as the body detoxifies the most at night.
7. Encourage intestinal movement & maintain a healthy digestive tract.
8. Breathe deeply and LAUGH. Deep, slow breathing relieves tension and moves the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to propel lymph.

When your skin responds to painful, traumatic or uncomfortable touch- the “fight or flight” response is initiated, taking blood flow from digestive organs and sending it to the large muscles of the body. Digestion slows and breathing becomes shallow and quicker and bursts of energy are sent to the brain as the body prepares to “defend or run”. All of this slows the flow of lymph, eventually resulting in undesirable skin conditions like inflammation, congestion and dull lifeless skin. Remaining in this state also decreases the body’s natural ability to repair or heal itself. Prolonged stress is the number one cause of disease and aging.

The lymphatic system is the epicenter of our immune system comprising of several organs and vessels which work around the clock to protect our VITALITY. The skin is a huge extension of our nervous system, containing thousands of receptors which respond to touch, sending signals to the brain. When the touch is calm such as massage or a hug, it activates the “rest and digest” state or the Parasympathetic Nervous System. When this system is working optimally, deep breathing is initiated, blood pressure & temperature drop, the pulse slows, your food is easily digested and your immune system is able to destroy toxins, cancer cells, bacteria and other waste.

The body will do exactly as it’s meant to do by healing, repairing and detoxifying itself when the lymphatic system is functioning properly. For your skin, this means your body is removing toxins and other things which lead to skin aging, discomfort and irritation- leaving you with healthy, glowing skin full of life!

Resources

1. Jackie Van Ruler. “The Flow Method.” Mind Body Institute Manual.
2. Lisa Levitt Gainsley, CLT. “The Book of Lymph” The Anatomy of the Lymphatic System. 2021.
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21199-lymphatic-system