The Labyrinthine Lymph
Nurturing optimal function is key to longevity
While stopped at a signal on our way to Mass this past Sunday, I happened to glance over at an elderly Chinese couple who had crossed the street in front of us and were waiting at the stoplight. Andrea caught me smiling as I noticed the woman furiously slapping her backside with clenched fists. He said, “She’s moving her qi.” I chuckled, “Well, she’s moving something. I’m not sure her qi is back there, but it could be!”
It reminded me of a recent post I saw in which a Korean woman in her 70s shared memories of her grandparents hitting themselves under their armpits with a handmade knotted wooden tool to alleviate illness. More hitting and pounding. Hmm. Maybe these people know something…
A bit of history
References to lymphatic circulation in ancient medical practices go back several thousand years. Traditional Chinese Medicine focused on promoting blood flow and energy (qi) utilizing techniques such as body scraping and gua sha, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644.) Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, referred to this flow as "Rasa" and considered it a Vital Substance. Egyptians and Ancient Greeks referenced glands that channeled to the heart and formalized their understanding of the lymphatic system by dissecting corpses.
Western medicine began to grasp the importance of the lymphatic system in the 17th century and made great strides in the 1900s with the introduction of radiological lymphography, which revolutionized the study of the lymphatic system. Lymphoscintigraphy (nuclear medicine), magnetic resonance imaging, and near‐infrared fluorescence lymphography further improved visualization of the system.
What is it exactly?
I recently finished “Lymph & Longevity” by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Gerald Therone, who characterizes the lymphatic system as our body’s maintenance department, optimizing the health of all of our cells.
I’m totally fascinated by this incredible labyrinth of vessels, tissues, and organs (tonsils, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and lymph vessels). Basically, it is a double-duty circulatory system of lymphatic fluid that does two things: first, it carries antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and cells of the immune system that nourish, protect, and orchestrate the body; second, it transfers waste such as oxidized lipids, abnormal cells, damaged proteins, bacteria, and large-molecule toxins.
When functioning optimally, the system traps threats such as toxins and viruses, and shuttles them to your lymph nodes, where they can be neutralized and disposed of. (Now it makes sense why doctors check for swollen nodes around the neck.)
This two-way street of beneficial bioagents circulating around the body while injurious junk is being evacuated is absolutely vital to helping the body defend against disease, maintain blood pressure, and cultivate a strong, robust immunity. Dr. Gerald considers the lymphatic system a key factor in longevity and disease prevention.
Why don’t we hear more about it?
Considering this miraculous system’s long list of life-critical functions, you’d think you would hear every doctor and podcaster singing its praises from the rooftops… yet we don’t. It reminds me of when I was a teenager and I had unbelievably awful cycles complete with migraines, debilitating cramping, and a couple of bouts of ovarian cysts. Mind you, this was in the mid-seventies and very little was known—let alone understood—about the complexities of the female hormonal system, so doctors had very little relief to offer me. My male gynecologist even told me that he thought his wife was crazy when she would faint during her cycles…although he was waking up to the fact that there were real, physiological reasons for her symptoms. (I’ve had women doctors ever since.)
The hormonal system seemed like one of the last medical frontiers. Now, happily, research, testing, and many established biomarkers have led to a deep well of knowledge with treatments and management options, and more discoveries on the horizon.
In contrast, because its innate morphology and pathology are somewhat elusive, the lymphatic system is far less studied and understood. The hard-to-fathom, immeasurable network of vessels, approximately 600 lymph nodes, and other structures is complex and widely dispersed throughout the body, making it very difficult to accurately map and visualize, let alone measure, which is the key to testing, understanding, and mainstreaming.
Although most of the lymphatic system’s underlying mechanisms of function and drainage are still being investigated, technological advancements are hopefully leading to a more comprehensive understanding in the near future, which will bring heightened awareness, and, dare I say, respect and championing.
Building good flow
If our lymphatic system is sluggish, it cannot perform its critical functions of delivery and discharge. Additionally, if lymph fluid pools, it will become stagnant, which is unhealthy for the system and the surrounding area.
Unlike the cardiovascular system, which relies on the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system is pumpless (if that’s a word) and depends on physical movement, both internal and external, to move fluid. And because the system is intertwined throughout the body, weaving through the core and just below the skin, a variety of stimulation is necessary.
Breathe Deep breathing aids in activating the deep lymphatic system that runs through our core. This video by Dr. Kelly Sturm, a certified Lymphedema therapist, provides a well-done explanation of how and why.
Move Movement of all kinds revs the system; daily walking is very beneficial, as are exercises that contract the muscles, such as weight training, yoga, and pilates. Jumping mimics a pump, so calisthenics (jumping jacks), marching in place, jumping, or rebounding are effective.
Massage and brush Much of the vast network of lymph vessels resides just below the skin's surface, so manually stimulating the fluid is a viable method to encourage movement. Dry brushing has been a centuries-old favorite, as has gua sha, but you don’t necessarily need a tool—your hands can work just fine. Of course, I still love dry brushing as well for a variety of reasons.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a great tool for moving fluids and can be done on both the face and body. Techniques involve light tapping, massage, and stroking. (I’m unsure about hitting ourselves with a knotted stick, but the elders thought it worked!) This video by Dr. Sturm is a great all-over session, and there is “the Big 6” routine developed by Dr. Perry of Stop Chasing Pain, which you may want to try.
Nutrition Diet and hydration also affect the viscosity and purity of the lymphatic fluid, which influences the functioning of all body systems. Therefore, plenty of water throughout the day and a clean, whole-foods diet free from toxins will create the fluid for optimal flow. In other words, organic, unprocessed foods…think Mediterranean diet with an emphasis on fresh vegetables, fruit, and whole-sourced fiber.
Connecting the nodes
Last week, I included care and maintenance of the lymphatic system in Ageosophy’s Essential 10 longevity essentials because I believe it is critical to our overall health and well-being. The more I learn about it, the more I am in awe of its remarkable design and intertwined role in our body's essential functions. I will continue to sing its praises from the rooftops and brush, massage, move, and eat to live well, age great.