The lymphatic system is an organ system that works alongside the circulatory system and is a key part of our immune system. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system is open, collecting excess interstitial fluid from the tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. This fluid, called lymph, contains water, proteins, waste products, and immune cells such as lymphocytes.
Lymph is a colorless fluid that forms in the body tissues and drains into the blood through a network of vessels and nodes. Lymph is composed of 95% water. It also contains proteins from our bloodstream, fats from digestion, white blood cells, dead cells, cancer cells, damaged cells, and pathogens.
Maintaining a healthy lymphatic system is essential for overall good health, as it helps balance fluids in the body and prevents edema and swelling. It is also part of our immune defense, as it filters lymph fluid, trapping bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells. It also produces lymphocytes to fight infections.
Once these components have been picked up from the tissue spaces by the lymphatic vessels, the fluid is referred to as lymph. Did you know that we have around 600–1,000 lymph nodes in the human body? They filter and concentrate lymph fluid. They trap pathogens and waste material, and they store white blood cells.
Lymphedema is a protein-rich swelling (edema) caused by a problem with the lymphatic system. This problem may be organic or functional in origin. Functional lymphedemas are reversible once the underlying cause is resolved. Organic lymphedemas are usually irreversible and are what this info refers to.
Lymphatic drainage massage and acupuncture are known to be very effective in treating swelling, edema, and lymphedema. The two techniques combined have shown strong results in reducing and, in some cases, completely resolving functional lymphedema.