Lymphatic fluid

The OTHER circulatory system in the body.

Just below the surface of our skin lies a web of connective tissue called the fascia, and running through the fascia is networks of tiny vessels that contain our lymphatic fluid.

Even little kids tend to know about the heart and how it pumps our blood for us. But not many adults that I speak to know about the OTHER circulatory system in our body, the lymphatic system…unless they have an injury with swelling!

Waste removal

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to our trillions of cells. First it’s pumped out of the heart into the aorta that keeps branching off into smaller arteries, then arterioles, and then finally capillaries. It’s like the blood cells are first on a highway, then a major road, then a smaller road, finally a side street, and into a tiny lane that’s only one vehicle wide.

The body cells take what they need and trade gases with the red blood cells. “Thank you for the oxygen. Here’s some carbon dioxide for you!” and the red blood cells bring that back to the heart and lung system for disposal and to restock on oxygen. And round and around they go…

The red blood cells don’t pick up the metabolic waste that the cells excrete – just the CO₂. The “garbage” is just pushed out of the cell and it’s the lymphatic system that collects it and brings it back into circulation up near the heart (in a reverse analogy of lane, to side street, to bigger road, major road, and finally a wide highway).

So supporting the lymphatic system is a way to help move waste away from our cells so that they can function optimally.

Immune function

The lymphatic network is also home to many of our white blood cells (some of which are called lymphocytes!). If a cell is unhealthy, or has been damaged by infection then fragments may end up in the lymphatic system where the bits can be gobbled up by some key members of our immune team (the macrophages – or “big eaters”).

While breaking down a cell that was injured or killed by an infection the white blood cells will send a signal through the lymph to increase specific immune cells to fight off the infectious agent. That’s why tonsils and other lymph nodes will become large and tender when we’re ill. Those lymph centres have shifted into massive white blood cells and antibody factories in order to protect us.

How Can I Help My Lymph?

A healthy lymphatic system boils down helping the lymph to MOVE! It is a circulatory system without a pump so we must help it to keep flowing through:

• regular activity – squeezing and releasing muscles helps to move the lymph
• dry skin brushing – gently directs the flow of lymph under the skin back to the heart
• hydrotherapy – hot and cold water can both be effective in helping to “pump” the lymph

If you’re noticing swelling that can’t be explained by injury or infection then it’s time to give your lymphatic system some love!