The lymphatic system is spread out throughout the entire body and is part of your immune system and circulatory system. It is made up of lymph nodes, tissues, and organs such as the spleen, tonsils, bone marrow, and thymus gland. Lymph nodes can be felt around your head, neck, inguinal area, and armpit. Often, when you are sick with a cold you might feel some swollen lymph nodes in your neck and jaw, and this is a normal response as the lymphatic system helps fight infections. It is also responsible for getting rid of waste in the body and absorbing digested fat.
So to understand how the lymphatic system works, let’s talk about the tonsils. When you ingest food, your tonsils act as a security check at an airport. They check for any dangerous viruses, bacteria, etc that pose a threat to your body. If something is found, then your tonsils will activate an immune response. It is like a natural oral vaccine!
What happens when there are blockages in the lymphatic system?
Then there is an accumulation of infections, heavy metals, toxins, and cell debris. When this happens, this can lead to inflammatory bowel diseases, food intolerances or sensitivities, arthritis, autoimmune disease, and other chronic diseases. In conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease – both inflammatory bowel diseases – scientists have found swollen mesenteric lymph nodes, and slow lymphatic drainage, which suggests that the lymphatic system plays a large role in optimal gut health.
What are ways to support the lymphatic system?
- Dry Brushing
- Trampolines or Vibration plates
- Exercising
- Sauna
- Herbs: Calendula, Fouquieria, and Ceanothus
- Lymphatic Massage
As always, if you need a personalized approach to creating a treatment plan for your health and wellness, give us a call.
