THE WATER OF LIFE

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM JULES WILLCOCKS

01

An overview of the lymphatic system

02

Anatomy of the lymphatic system

03

What is Lymph?

04

The lymphatic system and immunity

05

The lymphatic system and digestion

06

Top tips for a healthy lymphatic system

07

Lymphatic drainage massage

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01 CHAPTER

AN OVERVIEW OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM In this E-book, we will be taking a close look at the vital and little-understood role of the lymphatic system and discover why it’s so vital for our health and wellbeing. THE IMPORTANCE OF LYMPHATIC HEALTH The lymphatic system sits alongside the body’s cardiovascular system, quietly helping to look after our wellbeing. Its function and the vital role it plays in preventative health is widely recognised by doctors in Europe and the Far East, but less so in the UK. The reason the lymphatic system is so important is because it performs three critical functions: It removes excess fluid (known as ‘lymph’) and waste products from the spaces between the cells and organs of the body. See Chapter 3 - What is Lymph? It supports the immune system by removing toxins, dead blood cells, pathogens and other potentially harmful waste. See Chapter 4 - The lymphatic system and immunity It promotes digestive health, in particular by helping the body absorb fats and fatsoluble vitamins from the gut, delivering these nutrients to our cells where they’re used as fuel. See Chapter 5 - The lymphatic system and digestion If a healthy lymphatic system becomes compromised due to illness or a poor lifestyle, it can lead to a range of issues, including water retention, poor skin tone, excess weight, cellulite, headaches, joint pain, fatigue and greater susceptibility to illness.

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HOW DOES THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM WORK The lymphatic system is vast. Like the blood circulatory system, the network of lymph vessels serves almost every cell in your entire body. Strung along those vessels – like pearls knotted on a string – are lymph nodes, which act as a filter to identify and remove anything identified as potentially harmful. As lymphatic fluid percolates through these nodes it becomes ‘cleaner’, as toxins and other impurities are removed. The main lymph node sites are located in what can be termed as the ‘hinges of the body’, namely: Neck: cervical lymph nodes Armpits: axilliary lymph nodes Elbows: epitrochlear lymph nodes Groin: Inguinal lymph nodes Knees: popliteal lymph nodes These are the sites that can most commonly feel enlarged or swollen when we are unwell and the body is fighting off infection, but there are other sets of lymph nodes located deep in the body. These include the chest (mediastinal), lungs (hilar) and of course in the gut – the largest concentration of lymphatic tissue in the body. While the heart sits at the centre of the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system has no central pump. Instead it relies on muscle movement, deep breathing and, sometimes, manual manipulation (or via a lymphatic drainage machine like the Body Ballancer®) to move the fluid. WHAT IF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DOESN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY? Stress, poor diet, pollution and a less active lifestyle are just some of the reasons why the lymphatic system can become blocked or overrun and when this happens, it can lead to a wide range of health issues. In extreme cases, if the lymphatic system isn’t working properly it can seriously affect immune function increasing the risk of contracting serious disease and infection.

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HOW TO KEEP THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM HEALTHY Having a healthy lymphatic system is vital for preventing illness and disease, and for keeping in great shape. A few things everyone can do to promote lymphatic system function includes eating a balanced diet (containing healthy fats), getting lots of regular exercise and avoiding external toxins – such as tobacco, alcohol, pollution, parabens (preservatives that can be found in a range of household and personal care products) as much as possible. See Chapter 6 - Top Tips for a healthy lymphatic system. To conclude this introductory chapter, here is a list of 10 fast facts about the lymphatic system: 1. It’s the least understood and most undervalued of all the body systems, yet if it stopped working we’d die within 24-48 hours. 2. It’s around twice the size of the blood-circulation system and manages almost double the volume of fluid daily. 3. Lymph fluid starts its life as plasma; the watery component that makes up over half our blood volume. 4. There are between 400 and 800 lymph nodes in the body that constantly monitor and filter the lymph to remove toxins, waste and pathogens. 5. Swelling of the lymph nodes (or glands) in your neck are an indication that the body is in the throes of fighting an infection. 6. The lymphatic system has been described as the ‘distribution network’ of the immune system and works seamlessly alongside it to fight bacteria, viruses and any other undesirables that make their way into the body. 7. Far from being a useless, dead-end tube, the appendix has recently been discovered to be an important part of the lymphatic system. 8. The gut is lined with millions of lymphatic vessels called lacteals that absorb the fats and fatty acids we ingest and transport them directly to the heart, where they enter the circulatory system as fuel. 9. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system is a one-way street with no pump, relying on movement, gravity and breathing to keep it flowing. 10. The lymphatic system is considered to be the most important body system in Ayurvedic medicine where it is known as 'rasa', or the WATER OF LIFE.

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02 CHAPTER

ANATOMY OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM There is much more to the lymphatic system than the network of vessels and nodes with which it is most commonly associated. Indeed there are several organs of the body that connect the lymphatic and immune systems together. Let’s start with one that many would not associate with the lymphatic system – bone marrow. BONE MARROW Red bone marrow is an extremely important part of the lymphatic system, as it produces lymphocytes – white blood cells that are responsible for identifying and destroying viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. B lymphocytes are responsible for producing antibodies to fight a specific virus, bacteria or antigen that enters the body. They mature in the red bone marrow before migrating through the blood to other lymphatic organs such as the spleen and lymph nodes where they await activation. This occurs when their specific antigen is picked up in the lymphatic fluid and detected in the lymph nodes. T lymphocytes are also produced by red bone marrow, but mature in the thymus gland before migrating to other lymphatic organs. They are primarily responsible for destroying infected body cells and may also help fight cancer. THE THYMUS The thymus is a soft, roughly triangular organ located in the thoracic cavity. As a gland, it produces a number of hormones, but its role in the immune and lymphatic systems is much more significant.

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The thymus is responsible for the maturing of the T-Lymphocytes produced by red bone marrow by teaching them to attack only viruses, bacteria and other pathogens rather than the body’s own cells. This is done in two stages. In the first stage, the immature T-Lymphocytes are exposed to foreign bodies – or ‘antigens’. Those T-Lymphocytes that react to these antigens are selected to survive and move onto the second stage. Stage two involves the maturing T-Lymphocytes being presented with the body’s own antigens. T-Lymphocytes that react to these test positive for autoimmunity which means that they will attack the body’s own cells. These are eliminated. The T-Lymphocytes that graduate from 'Thymus University' (a mere 2%), are released into the bloodstream where they will either circulate looking for trouble or take up residence in a handy lymph node awaiting their call to action. Interestingly, unlike most organs that continue to grow as we age, the thymus enlarges during childhood then starts to shrink with the onset of puberty, as the immune system produces most of its T-Lymphocytes during childhood. THE SPLEEN The spleen is located in the upper left part of the abdomen, protected by the rib cage and is the largest lymphatic organ in the body. As lymph nodes filter and clean lymphatic fluid, so the spleen does the same for our blood. It does this in two ways; the first is by managing the quality and to some degree, quantity of blood in circulation and the second is by fighting infection. Quality control: As blood flows into the spleen a quality control check is carried out, to detect any red blood cells that are old or damaged. These are then broken down and any useful leftovers – iron for example – will be stored for later use.

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The spleen also acts as a reservoir for blood storing approximately 1 cup (250ml), ready to be released if there is a significant loss of blood (after an accident or any other trauma for example). Fighting infection: However it is the spleen’s role in fighting infection that marks it out as a lymphatic organ. The spleen is made up of approximately 20% lymphoid tissue where our old friends, lymphocytes are produced and mature. When any invaders are detected in the bloodstream, the spleen will act much like a lymph node and will create an army of lymphocytes to weaken or kill the bacteria, viruses, or other organisms that could cause illness or infection. THE TONSILS Once thought of as an unnecessary and obsolete part of the anatomy, the tonsils are actually large clusters of lymphatic cells located in the pharynx – the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity – and in childhood they are our first line of defence against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens attempting to enter the body through the mouth or nose. There are in fact THREE sets of tonsils which each help fight infection and disease: The pharyngeal tonsils – or ‘adenoids’ are located at the base of the nasal cavity and they protect the lungs by producing lymphocytes to trap any bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the nose. The palatine tonsils are the oval shaped masses that protrude from either side of the throat behind the mouth cavity. They prevent infection of the oesophagus and digestive tract by destroying pathogens attempting to enter the body via the mouth. The lingual tonsils sit at the very base of the tongue, and comprise lymphatic tissue containing T and B Lymphocytes that will be activated when harmful bacteria and viruses are detected.

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Given their exposure to pathogens, it is not surprising the tonsils themselves are highly susceptible to infection and their removal (tonsillectomy) is still one of the most frequently performed childhood operations if recurring infection becomes problematic. However, the longer the tonsils can be retained, the better the opportunity the body has to develop immunity against the most common infections, making the tonsils less critical in the fight against infection and disease. THE APPENDIX The appendix is a pouch of lymphatic tissue that is attached at the end of the large intestine (cecum), located in the lower-right area of the abdomen. The appendix has often been seen more as a nuisance rather than an important part of the human anatomy, often leading to its indiscriminate removal. However, it has recently been identified as playing an important part in our immune response. Lymphatic tissue starts to appear in the appendix shortly after birth and reaches a peak between the second and third decades of life, decreasing rapidly thereafter and practically disappearing after the age of 60. During the early years of development, the appendix has been shown to function as a lymphoid organ, assisting with the maturation of B-lymphocytes by exposing them to the wide variety of foreign bodies (antigens) that are present in the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract thereby providing a degree of local immunity. Recent research has also found that lymphatic tissue encourages the growth of some beneficial gut bacteria that plays an important role in human digestion and immunity. According to the so-called ‘safe house theory’ the appendix protects a sample of this beneficial gut bacteria when certain diseases wipe them out from elsewhere in the GI tract. Once the immune system has rid the body of the infection, the bacteria emerge from the appendix and recolonise the gut. The appendix was often routinely removed and discarded during other abdominal surgeries to prevent the possibility of any later attacks of appendicitis. This is no longer the case, and in fact the tissue from a healthy appendix has been used in reconstructive bladder and renal surgery. As a result, the appendix is no longer removed if it is healthy.

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03 CHAPTER

WHAT IS LYMPH? Lymph is made up of a variety of substances, including proteins, salts, glucose, fats, water, and white blood cells, its precise composition depending on where in the body it comes from: In the lymphatic vessels of the arms and legs, it is clear and transparent, and its chemical composition is very similar to blood plasma (the liquid portion of blood), although it contains less protein than plasma. The lymph returning from the intestines is milky, owing to the presence of fatty acids absorbed from the foods we eat. This mixture of fats and lymph is called ‘chyle’, which is collected by distinct lymphatic vessels within the intestine called lacteals (see Chapter 5). THE LYMPHATIC JOURNEY Lymph starts its life as BLOOD PLASMA. Making up most of our blood volume, plasma is a clear straw-coloured fluid that carries red and white blood cells together with nutrients, salts, proteins and hormones to cells around the body that need them to function effectively.

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As blood flows through our arteries propelled by the pressure of each heartbeat, it eventually reaches the smallest of the blood vessels – the capillaries. These are the tiny, thin-walled vessels that actually deliver the oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body. Capillaries are also very ‘leaky’ and allow a certain amount of plasma to leave the circulatory system in order to bathe the surrounding tissues in this nutrient-rich fluid. This ‘escaped plasma’ is now known as INTERSTITIAL FLUID. THE LYMPHATIC JOURNEY The consumption of all these nutrients inevitably results in the formation of waste products that are returned to the interstitial fluid. Most of this (between 80-90%) and the debris it contains re-enters the bloodstream and the waste products are removed by our excretory organs - the liver, kidneys, skin and lungs. The remaining fluid containing larger protein-rich waste, toxins and pathogens is picked up by the extensive network of lymphatic vessels and is now known as LYMPH. The lymph will travel to the nearest collection of LYMPH NODES where any harmful micro-organisms including viruses, bacteria and cancer cells are eliminated. This process is covered in more detail in Chapter 4. The now clean lymph continues its one-way journey up the body where it re-joins the bloodstream via two large veins at the base of the neck – the left and right subclavian veins – where it once again becomes blood plasma, and the journey begins again.

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LYMPHATIC CIRCULATION LYMPHATIC CIRCULATION

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04 CHAPTER

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND IMMUNITY One of the many benefits of a healthy, well-functioning lymphatic system is improved immune function, but why is this so? WHAT IS IMMUNITY? Immunity is the ability to resist illness and damage from undesirables such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and moulds. The body has a number of protective methods for preventing these nasties from entering the body in the first place, or preventing them from taking hold if they do. This is called non-specific immunity. Specific immunity on the other hand gives us the ability to identify, destroy and remember very specific pathogens, enabling us to fight them over and over again, often without us knowing. In both instances, the lymphatic and immune systems work together seamlessly to combat infection and disease. NON-SPECIFIC IMMUNITY Non-specific or ‘innate’ immunity is the body’s first line of defence and aims to block the entry and spread of disease-causing agents. There are three stages: Physical non-specific immunity – the physical barriers that represent our first line of defence, usually performed by a part of our anatomy. They include: The skin: not just for goose bumps, sunburn and accumulating unwanted hair, the skin prevents the penetration of any unwelcome organisms living on its surface due to its thick, keratinised top layer – the epidermis. When unbroken, the skin is largely impervious to infection and water.

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Hair: particularly in the ears, nose, and eyes (brows and lashes), hair can trap or prevent the penetration of dirt and dust. Mucus membranes: lining the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts, these produce fluids that include tears, saliva and mucus that can flush the area of irritants. Evacuation: beloved of schoolboys the world over, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing and sneezing are often used by the body to expel unwanted and harmful foreign bodies. Non-specific chemical defences- these consist of a wide variety of substances found throughout the body. They include the extremely caustic hydrochloric acid that lines the stomach which – as well as breaking down the food we eat – also stops harmful germs and toxins from entering the intestines, typically those that cause us to regret eating the 10 day old prawns in the back of the fridge; tears, perspiration and saliva that contain enzymes capable of breaking down certain bacteria; and the sebum released through the skin’s hair follicles that provides a protective film that inhibits the growth of a number of pathogens. Antibodies - the third weapon in our non-specific arsenal, antibodies will attack and destroy all invaders in a generalised way, paying no heed to what those bacteria or viruses are. The process often starts with the inflammatory response, designed not just to make us feel hot, sore and uncomfortable, but to increase the blood supply to the affected area, at the same time flooding it with white blood cells. Also called leukocytes, white blood cells are basically immunity cells that are continually patrolling the body looking for a fight. When the body is in distress or under attack, they will flood the area devouring any suspicious looking micro-organisms in Pac-Man like fashion. SPECIFIC IMMUNITY Also known as the adaptive or acquired immune system, the specific immune system is triggered when a pathogen has managed to outmanoeuvre the significant number of obstacles that the non-specific immune system has to offer. The situation now requires a precise and targeted response against the invader, which will be carried out by highly specialised white blood cells known as lymphocytes.

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Lymphocytes acquire the ability to identify specific foreign invaders they have encountered before due to: a previous attack of an infectious disease vaccination being passed on by a pregnant mother to her baby through the placenta. Known as Natural Killer (NK), B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes, they will not only attack the specific pathogen, but will provide us with future immunity by recognising the same one again at a later date, often ridding the body of it without us even feeling ill. THE ROLE OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM The lymphatic and immune systems are interconnected to such a degree that a number of lymphoid organs are also main sites of the body’s defence, specifically the bone marrow, spleen, thymus and lymph nodes. It is in the bone marrow that the specialist infectionbusting lymphocytes are originally produced before heading off into the bloodstream and lymph nodes to await their call to action. This call to action will frequently come from the vast collection of lymphatic capillaries and vessels, which has been referred to as the ‘transport network’ of the immune system due to the critical role it plays in mobilising the body’s specific and non-specific defences. Lymphatic fluid entering this transport network is filtered through the lymph nodes, which also happen to be a major stronghold of the Pac-Man like leukocytes (or ‘macrophages’) we encountered in non-specific immunity. Any unwanted invaders picked up by the lymph – be they bacteria, viruses or dead cell waste – will be engulfed and digested in the lymph nodes. This activity can be so vigorous in the face of a significant infection that the nodes – or ‘glands’ can become swollen, something most of us have experienced from time to time..

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Should any passing invaders – which can include cancer cells – jog the memory of any resident lymphocytes, they will trigger a specific immune reaction and the lymphocytes will reproduce in large numbers, leaving the lymph nodes to be transported via the lymphatic fluid to other parts of the body to continue their immune response functions Mystery solved… So we can now understand why a healthy, free-flowing lymphatic system is essential to our overall health and well-being, and how a sluggish, compromised system will: Lead to a build-up of toxins and waste in the body tissues which may lead to illness and fatigue. Slow down the transportation of bacteria, viruses and other potentially dangerous foreign bodies to the lymph nodes to be attacked by their huge army of germ-busting macrophages and lymphocytes. Delay the replication of the specialist B- and T-lymphocytes needed to fight their particular foes as well as preventing their rapid distribution throughout the rest of the body. A healthy lymphatic system requires movement through exercise or specialist lymphatic drainage massage, good nutrition and lots and lots of water to keep it flowing freely. Head over to Chapter 7 for some simple exercises and activities to get your lymph moving! A final word: the lymphatic system and vaccine effectiveness The following quote from one of the UKs foremost lymphatic experts, Professor Peter Mortimer relates to the COVID vaccine, but is equally relevant to all vaccines:

For the vaccine to work against COVID a functioning lymphatic system is essential. The lymphatic system, and its lymph glands houses much of our immune system. Lymph is the fluid which carries immune cells to our lymph glands, and the lymph glands is where all acquired immunity against infections and vaccinations occurs. Hence, without a working lymph system we would not succeed in overcoming infections, such as Covid-19.

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05 CHAPTER

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND DIGESTION WHAT IS DIGESTION? Digestion – or more correctly ‘the digestive process’ – is the act of breaking down liquid and solid food into the microscopic substances that can then be transported in the blood to provide energy and nourishment to all parts of the body. Very simply, it can be summarised into four stages: Ingestion – the process by which we introduce food into the body via the mouth and the actions that take place, such as chewing, mixing with saliva and swallowing. Digestion– specifically covers the initial decomposition of the food and liquid ingested into a form that can be absorbed by the cells and tissues of the body. There are two types of digestion: Mechanical digestion – includes both the chewing and grinding of food by the teeth as well as the churning and mixing of the contents of the stomach, and Chemical digestion – refers to the action of digestive enzymes, acids, bile salts etc. which also begins in the mouth with action of saliva on food. Most of the chemical digestive processes however occur in the stomach and small intestine Absorption and assimilation – the process by which digested food is absorbed into the blood and lymph and then taken (or ‘assimilated’) into the body tissues. Elimination- the final stage of the digestive process, covering the excretion of waste products from the bowel as well as liquid waste from the blood via the kidneys and urinary tract.

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INTRODUCING THE LACTEAL Most of the absorption part of the digestive process occurs in the small intestine, which is lined with millions of minute finger-like protrusions called ‘villi’ which greatly increase its surface area, and therefore the rate at which absorption can take place. Each villi has its own capillary blood supply, together with a specialised lymphatic vessel called a LACTEAL. Water-soluble nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and certain vitamins and minerals pass into the blood stream through the capillary, where they are transported directly to the liver and onward to whatever organs and tissues of the body require them. This is not so with the remaining fats and fatty acids, which take a different route, instead being absorbed through the lacteals. The resulting mixture of lymphatic fluid and fats – a milky-white substance known as ‘chyle’ – is carried through the lymphatic network and into the largest of the lymphatic vessels – the thoracic duct and thenceforth directly into the heart. It is only at this point that the fats we have eaten enter the bloodstream where they can be used for energy or storage. This has a number of implications, one being the importance of keeping the gut uncongested and healthy, including making sure that our lymphatic system is clear of any blockages and flowing freely. By doing so, we will enable the millions and millions of villi to quickly and effectively absorb the nutrients we have ingested, But arguably the most significant implication regards the quality of the fats we eat. Since the bad as well as the good fats pass through the heart before they have benefited from the detoxifying process performed by the liver, the quality of the fats we eat comes into very sharp focus. It is for this reason that we are constantly being reminded to reduce consumption of processed foods that are laden with trans and saturated fats and instead eat the more healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats to be found in oily fish, nuts, avocados, unprocessed meats and extra virgin olive oil.

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06 CHAPTER

10 TOP TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR LYMPHATIC HEALTH Because the lymphatic system does not have a pump like the heart, it relies on muscle contraction to keep it flowing, so we have pulled together some super simple tips on how to get your lymphatic system moving without spending a fortune on massages or expensive equipment! Get active – If you fancy a bit of fresh air then gardening, walking (especially brisk walking while swinging your arms), jogging, or cycling are all perfect forms of exercise to liven your lymphatic system up. Simple activities such as dancing to your favourite songs, climbing stairs, and performing household chores is enough to get the lymphatic system moving.

Jump to it – Channel your inner child with a few minutes on a trampoline or a bit of vigorous skipping – both a really fun way to boost your lymphatic system, as well as providing a fantastic cardio workout.

Stand tall – Stretching also promotes muscle movement. Particularly useful are stretches that focus on the neck and shoulders. Neck rolls, head tilts, shoulder rolls and shoulder shrugs are four very simple but effective stretches for boosting lymphatic flow in this area.

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Chill out – Stress is one of the major causes of poor lymphatic health as it leads to an increase in the production of the hormone cortisol, which is known to affect lymphatic flow. Activities such as meditation, yoga, Pilates, practicing mindfulness and getting plenty of rest are key to combating stress and anxiety.

Take a deep breath – Breathing helps move our lymphatic fluid and increases the elimination of toxins and waste. All you need to do is breathe deeply in through the nose and hold for four counts, then exhale through the mouth for two counts. Repeat two or three times several times a day. You can do this either sitting or lying down. As you get better at this, you can increase the time – for example breathe in for a count of five, hold for a count of 15 and exhale for a count of 10.

Work those abs – Stomach crunches are also very effective due to the high concentration of lymphatic vessels in the abdomen. Lie flat on the floor with knees bent and feet flat to the surface and cross your arms loosely over the chest. Raise your head and shoulders up slightly and hold the position for a few seconds. Lower down slowly and repeat 8-12 times. Brush it better – Dry skin brushing is a great way to release toxins by stimulating the tiny lymphatic vessels that sit just below the skin. Best done first thing in the morning before showering, begin with the soles of the feet and brush with upward strokes as you move up the legs and towards the heart. Use the same method on your upper body, beginning with the hands up your arms. The routine should take you no more than 5-10 minutes. For best results, look to repeat 3-5 times a week.

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Put your best face forward – Jade rollers have been used for thousands of years to improve the skin’s health and radiance. Available now from most high street and online beauty retailers, jade rollers help stimulate lymphatic drainage whilst improving skin elasticity, reducing puffy cheeks, and under eye bags. After cleansing and toning, smooth a few drops of facial oil over skin. The oil helps the facial roller to glide across skin more easily, while the roller helps the oil absorb more effectively into skin to increase its benefits. Store the roller in the fridge for a short time before using for extra cooling effects. Eat well – Avoid adding to the detoxifying burden of your lymphatic system by avoiding sugary, processed additive-laden foods such as ready meals, fizzy drinks and confectionery. Try wherever possible to include as much fresh, organic, locally produced food as possible - but just cutting down on fast food, takeaways and mass-produced meals will be a great start.

Stay hydrated – Yes, this seems to be the answer to all ills, but when it comes to the lymphatic system it cannot be underestimated. As lymphatic fluid is made up of 96% water, even mild to moderate dehydration can have a significant effect, causing stagnation and congestion. And remember, we are already dehydrated when we feel thirsty so try not to wait until then to reach for the water bottle. Any of the above activities will help improve your lymphatic flow, but probably the most effective way to guarantee a healthy lymphatic system is through manual lymphatic drainage. With more and more celebrities and models such as the Kardashians, Jennifer Aniston, Paris Hilton, Lady Gaga, Chrissy Tiegen, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and many more extolling its virtues, the treatment is beginning to become more widely known in the UK. Read on to find out more about this highly specialised form of massage.

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07 CHAPTER

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE In this chapter we discover how lymphatic drainage massage – or lymph drainage therapy – can play an important role in keeping the lymphatic system in good working order by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about this highly specialised technique. WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE? The lymphatic system depends on muscle contraction and deep breathing to remove fluid and toxins from our body. But lymphatic drainage massage is another important way to keep the system running smoothly. Less well-known in the UK, lymphatic drainage is a specialised form of massage used widely in Europe, the Far East and other parts of the world to improve lymphatic flow. HOW IS IT DIFFERENT TO 'ORDINARY' MASSAGE? This is probably the most frequently asked question. By ‘ordinary’ massage, people tend to be referring to aromatherapy, sports massage, Swedish massage or any of the other – often quite exotic-sounding – massages available today in salons, clinics and spas. With these massages, a therapist is usually working on the muscles, and will often need to use deep massage techniques to reach the muscular layer. Lymphatic drainage massage, however, is targeting the delicate lymphatic vessels and nodes that sit just below the skin, which only require very light pressure in order to move fluid through.

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What this means is that if you suffer from water retention, bloating, cellulite or poor skin tone, using traditional massage may not give you what you are looking for. Lymphatic drainage is sometimes termed ‘massage’ because it involves hand movements on the skin but it is very different from therapeutic or aromatherapy massage which can cause friction to the skin and increase the blood supply. This, in turn, causes more lymph to be produced. Website of the Royal Marsden Hospital

IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE NEW? Lymphatic drainage massage was first promoted as a therapy in the 1930s by Dr Emil Vodder for treating the symptoms of sinusitis and chronic colds. He discovered that working on the swollen lymph nodes on the face and neck of his patients had a dramatic effect in decongesting the sinuses, eliminating inflammation and in many cases reducing headaches, migraines and even improving facial blemishes. He expanded his study of lymphatic drainage massage to cover the lymphatic vessels and organs of the entire body, discovering both health and aesthetic benefits: We should be clear that a poor functioning lymph circulation lowers our defence which opens the door to every infection such as catarrh, chronic colds, sinusitis, sore throat, angina etc. Unfortunately, this condition of congestion which can be traced back to a worsening and stagnation of lymph, also has a detrimental effect on one’s appearance. This is the deeper cause of a series of cosmetic flaws such as swelling, reddening, puffiness, bags under the eyes, pimples…etc. Stagnation of the lymph flow therefore has catastrophic results for all health and beauty; one must get the lymph circulation going again at all costs and this is achieved with the help of Manual Lymph Drainage. Dr Emil Vodder: Lymphatic drainage, a new therapeutic method, Paris 1936

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ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE? The short answer is ‘Yes’. In terms of manual lymphatic drainage massage, while the ‘Vodder method’ as developed by Dr Vodder is seen as the absolute gold standard, there are two other schools of lymphatic drainage massage: the Casley-Smith and the Foldi-Leduc methods. Both of these are almost exclusively used to treat serious medical conditions such as lymphoedema, lipoedema and fibrosis. Any manual lymphatic drainage massage offered in an aesthetic setting, such as a salon, spa or aesthetic clinic, will almost always be based on the Vodder method. HOW IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE PERFORMED? Historically, lymphatic drainage massage has been carried out manually by therapists trained in this very specific form of therapy. It involves using light pressure and long, rhythmic strokes to encourage the flow of lymph, thus helping the lymphatic system remove toxins and other harmful waste from the body. Lymphatic drainage massage can also be performed by compression therapy or 'pressotherapy' devices (see below). WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE? As we have seen in earlier chapters, the lymphatic system supports your immune system by removing toxins, getting rid of excess fluid and helping your body absorb vitamins from your digestive system. Unfortunately, the lymphatic system can often get blocked or overrun because of things like stress, illness and an unhealthy lifestyle and whilst a good diet and regular exercise are important, lymphatic drainage massage is a proven way to give your lymphatic system a serious boost, leading to a wide range of health, aesthetic and fitness benefits. These include:

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE (continued)? Reducing swelling caused by water retention Boosting the immune system to help prevent illness and disease Removing pathogens and toxins Improving digestion Helping you feel lighter and less bloated Aiding sleep and relaxation Improving body shape Reducing cellulite Improving skin tone Supporting faster muscle recovery to aid with exercise

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COMPRESSION THERAPY As mentioned above, lymphatic drainage massage has traditionally been carried out manually by highly specialised therapists; so specialised indeed, that they can be extremely difficult to find! However advances in a technology known as 'compression therapy' is starting to make this increasingly popular treatment available to a wider audience. Also known as ‘pressotherapy ‘ compression therapy, is an advanced form of lymphatic drainage massage that uses specially designed garments which gently inflate to precise, pre-set pressures. Still little known in the UK, compression therapy has a considerable medical pedigree that dates back to the 1950’s when the first machines were introduced to treat life-changing conditions such as lymphoedema and fibrosis, painful conditions that can cause swelling or excessive scarring. Over the years, these medical-grade systems have evolved into multi-use devices with sophisticated garments capable of delivering a consistent and highly effective lymphatic massage to the treated area. Compression therapy is now a well-known and accepted aesthetic treatment in many countries, capable of delivering impressive cosmetic benefits as well as improving overall health and wellbeing by enhancing the function of the lymphatic system. The Body Ballancer® is a ground-breaking compression therapy system that removes the need for a trained lymphatic drainage therapist. Instead, the Body Ballancer® uses clinically designed garments that fill with air to provide a powerful, consistent and effective lymphatic massage based on the proven principles of the Vodder method. It is often described as having a team of massage therapists working on the body simultaneously to flush out excess fluid, toxins and metabolic waste.

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©Jules Willcocks 2022

ABOUT THE

AUTHOR Jules is the founder of Body Ballancer Systems UK Ltd which provides state-of-the-art compression therapy systems to the health, wellness and aesthetic sectors and to individuals who are keen to improve or maintain their wellbeing. Jules gave up a career as a successful business consultant in order to promote the importance of lymphatic health in the UK after a chance encounter with a Ballancer system at a wellness spa in Spain in 2017. She believes the critical role the lymphatic system plays in preventive health care and immune system function is vastly underrated in the UK and is working hard to change that. She is fast becoming recognised as one of the UKs leading experts on the subject, having been interviewed on TV and radio and being extensively quoted in publications including the Telegraph, Harper’s Bazaar, Good Health Magazine and the Sunday Mirror. She was also recently featured in the ‘Women in Wellness’ series in Authority magazine. Since coming to the UK market in 2018, the Body Ballancer lymphatic massage system has received exceptional reviews in the health and wellness space and in 2021 was awarded the Hip & Healthy ‘Best Fitness Tech’ award and was shortlisted in the Top Santé and Health and Wellness in their body care and fitness award categories.

CONTACT JULES Email Address [email protected] Website www.bodyballancer.co.uk

The Water of Life ©Jules Willcocks 2022