Why do you need to improve lymph circulation? This allows you to strengthen your immune system, get rid of swelling, and ensure regular elimination of toxins.
People are looking for ways to disperse lymph if they encounter certain problems. Inflammation of the lymph nodes, rapid weight gain, frequent colds are signs that this issue needs to be addressed.
Fortunately, the methods for overall health improvement and lymph circulation are largely the same. Many methods are available at home.
Physical exercise, eating healthy foods and fresh vegetables, normalizing metabolic processes with the help of a bath and massage help get rid of problems with the lymphatic system. But wearing tight clothes, sedentary work and an inactive lifestyle aggravate them. Sometimes doctors may prescribe medications to stimulate lymph flow. Read more about all this in our article.
Lymphatic system brief description
The lymphatic system is sometimes referred to as the circulatory system, but it has its own organs and internal fluid - lymph. In the embryo, this system develops already in the sixth week, and in the ninth week vessels and nodes begin to appear. The main functions of the lymphatic system are to cleanse the body of toxins and protect it from foreign bacteria. The lymphatic system consists of organs (bone marrow, spleen, thymus), capillaries (they collect fluid), vessels (fluid from the capillaries enters there) and lymph nodes (they accumulate everything that was collected by the capillaries and vessels).
Medicines effective in treating lymphedema
Medicines for lymphostasis can improve the patient’s condition, but do not eliminate the pathology itself. The drugs are prescribed exclusively by the attending physician in a dosage that will be effective and safe in this particular case.
For lymphostasis the following are used:
- painkillers (painkillers for lymphostasis are indicated in case of pain syndrome);
- phlebotropic agents;
- diuretics (diuretics);
- antibacterial drugs (in case of infection);
- anticoagulants;
- ointment for lymphostasis (used for local treatment of ulcers and tissue inflammation).
The drugs allow you to remove excess fluid from the body, which helps reduce swelling. The drugs improve microcirculation of fluids in blood vessels (blood and lymph) and normalize blood clotting. As the inflammatory process develops, antibacterial agents actively fight the infection, which prevents its spread throughout the body.
How does the lymphatic system work?
The lymphatic system works according to the following principle: intercellular fluid (also known as lymph) flows through the body and washes the cells, feeding them with the necessary substances, and the cells, in turn, give it waste products and toxins. Then all this “garbage” continues to flow, first through small capillaries, then through larger vessels, and finally enters the lymph nodes, which serve as a kind of filter in which all these substances are neutralized.
Lymph nodes play a vital role in cleansing the body. Just imagine how many viruses and bacteria are destroyed by our immune system. And how many toxic substances enter our body through air and food! And all this happens every day. All these harmful substances are sent to the lymph nodes for cleaning. From there, the lymph comes out already cleansed and neutralized. It is in the lymph nodes that lymphocytes and antibodies are produced, which guard the body’s defense against various infections.
The lymph also receives dust particles from the lungs, destroyed and tumor cells, and it removes all this into the excretory system. Moreover, thanks to the lymphatic system, excess water and salts are removed from the tissues.
Types of lymphatic drainage massage
To restore systemic lymph flow, experienced doctors at our clinic use manual techniques and modern hardware methods.
Manual lymphatic drainage massage is characterized by high precision of targeted action. This is a more delicate procedure that requires responsibility and professional skill. During the session, the massage therapist uses various techniques to influence problem areas:
- Point lymphatic drainage. It is performed in the projection of the lymph nodes - the main filters of the lymphatic system.
- Deep, intensive treatment of muscle tissue, lymphatic trunks, ducts and vessels. Allows you to accelerate lymph circulation, improve hemodynamics, increase the tone of vascular walls, eliminate cellulite and fat deposits.
- Surface pressure. Sliding circular, transverse and longitudinal movements along a certain trajectory, soft, painless pressure on the tissue - stimulates the work of the smallest lymphatic and blood capillaries, arterioles and venules.
Manual lymphatic drainage takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Zhelezny Sergey Nikolaevich
Chiropractor
Privolzhsky Research Medical University
25 years of experience
How to carry out the procedure
The doctor performs all movements smoothly, in the direction of lymph circulation. To facilitate gliding, special oil products are used, which enhance the effect of the procedure. A wellness session consists of five stages:
- removal of contaminants from the skin in the area of intended exposure;
- massage oil treatment;
- rubbing the problem area;
- use of massage techniques;
- cleansing the skin of oil, and applying a cosmetic product (anti-cellulite gel, moisturizing or nourishing cream, etc.).
For a quarter of an hour after the session, the patient remains in a horizontal position.
Hardware methods for working out the lymphatic system
The complex of hardware methods of lymphatic drainage includes:
- Vacuum effect. The technique is similar to classic anti-cellulite massage, which uses simple vacuum jars or a compressor with a flask. Soft tissues are drawn into the jar (vessel). This creates an area of low pressure where blood, lymph, and intercellular fluid rush. As a result, the circulation of biochemical fluids accelerates and metabolism increases.
- Pressotherapy. A more complex technique based on the principle of differential pressure. The patient is dressed in compression equipment, consisting of several chambers isolated from each other. Consecutive compression of the chambers in several modes provides wave-like pressure on the tissue, stimulation of lymph flow and blood circulation.
- Microcurrent drainage. The procedure uses low-pulse electrodes, under the influence of which muscle fibers contract, pushing lymph through the vessels.
According to indications, a correlation effect of manual techniques and hardware methods is possible.
What is lymph stagnation?
Lymph is extremely important for the health of our body. Now imagine that it has stopped moving through the body and removing all filtered debris from the body. All toxins and harmful substances remain in the body in their original form, nothing neutralizes them, and they begin to poison your body, because nothing fights them. The body tries to resolve the failure in its system, and all the waste begins to come out from completely different places. This may include acne on the skin or an allergic rash, increased sweating with an unpleasant odor, and the color and general condition of the skin may worsen. Often, unpleasant symptoms on the skin indicate stagnation in the lymphatic system. Also, weak lymph outflow affects body weight, since excess fluid accumulates in the body and the metabolic process slows down. If the functioning of the lymphatic system is disrupted, swelling of the lower extremities (here it is a matter of gravity) and face may appear.
If you notice symptoms such as general weakness, which is not motivated by anything, a sharp decrease in body weight, loss of appetite, or a slight increase in temperature, then these signs may indicate a malfunction of the lymphatic system.
You should also pay attention to the condition of the lymph nodes. You can inspect them yourself. See if they are enlarged or if they hurt when palpated? How mobile are they? Has the skin tone over the lymph node changed?
Why do you need lymphatic drainage massage?
The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage include the activation and redistribution of lymphoid fluid, stimulation of metabolic processes, and strengthening of cellular and humoral immunity. The doctor’s task is to eliminate the consequences of a malfunction of the lymph flow and delicately force the lymphatic system to work the way nature intended it to. Lymphatic drainage helps remove harmful products of cellular metabolism from the body, accelerate lymph circulation, lose weight, improve skin condition, and strengthen the immune system.
The list of indications for lymphatic drainage massage includes:
- hemodynamic disturbance;
- early varicose changes in the vessels of the lower extremities;
- decreased firmness and elasticity of the skin;
- swelling of the arms, legs, face, neck;
- skin defects - scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, scars, hematomas of non-traumatic origin, changes in the structure of the subcutaneous fat layer - cellulite;
- fat deposits;
- soft tissue injuries (rehabilitation period);
- muscle weakness;
- visible stagnation of lymphoid fluid of the upper and lower extremities.
Lymphatic drainage massage produces a complex effect - cosmetological, therapeutic, preventive. After a course of physiotherapy, the skin is rejuvenated, looks smooth and toned. Morning puffiness and bruises under the eyes disappear. Excess weight goes away, the figure acquires clear contours. Pain and heaviness in the legs cease to bother you, and the overall tone of the body increases. Immune defense is restored, which helps to resist infectious diseases, which is especially important during the difficult period of the pandemic. The aesthetic and therapeutic results of lymphatic drainage massage are immediately noticeable. To maintain the active functioning of the lymph flow, treatment and preventive procedures are recommended to be carried out regularly.
Causes of lymph stagnation
The most common cause of lymph stagnation is insufficient activity during the day and a sedentary lifestyle. After all, it is the muscles that pump lymph. If you have a sedentary job where you sit for 8-9 hours in the office, have you noticed how exhausted you are and you don’t even have the strength to move, although you are not physically tired? The reason for this fatigue lies in the stagnation of lymph. The muscles did not contract, the lymph did not move throughout the body, did not rid it of toxic substances and, as a result, the body was poisoned by them.
Physiotherapy for lymphostasis
Physiotherapy shows high effectiveness for lymphedema with numbness. Physiotherapy includes various types of procedures that normalize the flow of lymph and blood through the vessels. Among the most effective elements of physiotherapy are:
- laser therapy;
- magnetic therapy;
- hydromassage;
- pneumomassage;
- acupuncture;
- Su-Jok therapy (for lymphostasis it is used as an additional remedy, refers to acupuncture methods);
- taping (for lymphostasis can be used only after agreement with the attending physician).
Physiotherapy methods also include gymnastics. To treat lymphostasis, special exercises are being developed to improve lymph flow. The intensity of the exercises is increased gradually to prevent overloading the patient. Particular attention should be paid to physical education, since this is one of the most effective methods of treating lymphostasis. Regular exercises will cure the disease without medication and are a good preventive measure.
Typical symptoms of lymphostasis
Lymphostasis is a disease that occurs when the outflow of lymph is impaired and is characterized by swelling of one or two legs. This disease has three forms: mild, moderate and with complications.
The mild form is characterized by passing swelling of the extremities. Swelling may appear after a hard day of work or physical activity and usually subsides with rest. You may not even notice it.
With moderate severity of the disease, the swelling no longer goes away after rest and is characterized by the following symptoms:
- the skin is stretched and compacted;
- painful sensations in the limbs;
- convulsions;
- if you press on the swelling, a dent remains.
Complications of this disease include infectious inflammation “erysipelas”, hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, lymphorrhea. The most dangerous complication is a malignant tumor - lymphangiosarcoma.
To diagnose this disease, the doctor does:
- Ultrasound of the veins to determine whether fluid has accumulated in the subcutaneous tissue;
- lymphography (a contrast agent is injected into the vessel to track its movement on an x-ray);
- lymphoscintigraphy, which helps determine the condition of the lymph nodes and the degree of obstruction of lymph outflow.
To prevent illness, it is necessary to monitor and care for the skin, and treat all wounds on time.
Swelling with lymphostasis: treatment
People's reviews about this disease are only negative. Lymphostasis significantly worsens the quality of life, and in its advanced form can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis). Lymphostasis often occurs after surgical operations during which lymph nodes or vessels were deformed. Such operations are usually performed to treat cancer. Also, lymphostasis can be caused by injury, an inflammatory disease, or a metabolic disorder (lymphostasis in diabetes mellitus).
Lymphostasis can affect various areas of the body:
- hands;
- Hands;
- stomach;
- face;
- legs;
- ankle
Which doctor treats lymphostasis? At the first signs of pathology, you should immediately consult a doctor:
- vascular surgeon;
- phlebologist;
- lymphologist.
Treatment of lymphostasis must begin immediately. The earlier treatment is started, the greater the chance of restoring normal lymph flow. At an early stage, more conservative methods of therapy are used (physiotherapy, gymnastics, massage). In advanced cases, surgical intervention is used, which can lead to additional problems.
What should you avoid?
It is not recommended to do lymphatic drainage exercises during pregnancy and lactation, oncology, inflammatory diseases, thrombophlebitis, lymphadenitis and lymphadenopathy. Licorice root is also often mentioned in folk recipes for dispersing lymph. But people with high blood pressure are not recommended to take it, so be careful.
It is possible to improve the functioning of the lymphatic system and speed up the outflow of lymph only if you approach this problem comprehensively. Therefore, in the “Flourish” marathon, in order to successfully cleanse the body and restart the lymphatic system, everything is worked out from the face to the thoughts. To achieve visible results, you will have to try hard, and not just work for 2-3 days. Interesting? Then read more on the marathon page.
How to prepare for lymphatic drainage massage
There is no special preparation for the health procedure. To increase the effectiveness of the result, doctors advise following simple rules:
- Avoid dishes with a high content of animal fat on the eve of lymphomassage;
- refrain from eating 2-3 hours before the session;
- reduce the number of drinks you drink before bed;
- choose the afternoon for lymphatic drainage;
- drink warm water immediately before the procedure.
Before and after a lymphatic drainage body massage, you are not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages (of any strength).
Zhelezny Sergey Nikolaevich
Chiropractor
Privolzhsky Research Medical University
25 years of experience
Treatment of lymphostasis in Moscow
Treatment of grade 1-3 lymphostasis in Moscow is successfully performed at the Yusupov Hospital. The hospital has created conditions similar to a sanatorium in terms of the treatment of lymphostasis. The patient can undergo treatment on an outpatient basis or in a comfortable hospital, depending on the complexity of the disease and the patient’s wishes. The best doctors in Moscow who have extensive experience in treating such diseases work with the patient.
At the Yusupov Hospital, a comprehensive diagnosis of lymphostasis is performed, which will include ultrasound and other necessary examination methods that will help to accurately paint a picture of the disease. The Yusupov Hospital uses the latest equipment from world manufacturers, which is highly accurate. Highly qualified doctors, as well as modern equipment, allow us to achieve the best results in the treatment of lymphostasis of any degree.
You can make an appointment with specialists, clarify information about the work of the rehabilitation center and other questions of interest by calling the Yusupov Hospital.
Diet for lymphostasis
If there are signs of lymphostasis, nutrition is indicated that allows you to reduce excess weight, improve lymph circulation, and eliminate stagnant processes in tissues. A diet for lymphostasis involves not only the consumption of certain foods, but also the exclusion of some. A patient with lymphostasis must adhere to the following basic nutritional principles:
- the diet should include a large amount of plant and animal proteins;
- you should eat foods rich in fiber;
- food must be taken in small portions, but often (about 6 times a day);
- it is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of fluid;
- limit salt;
- exclude coffee and alcohol from your diet.
How to improve lymph flow
The best prevention of lymph stagnation is a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Drink more water
Maintaining the necessary hydration is extremely important to ensure that lymph actively moves through the vessels and drains properly. Lymph is approximately 95% liquid, which is why it is so important to drink plenty of clean water throughout the day. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of lymphatic stagnation. But what is important is that it is quite easy to eliminate this cause. The average daily water intake for a healthy adult is 30 ml per kilogram of body weight. It is also very easy to check whether the body is suffering from dehydration. To do this, you need to pay attention to the color of your urine. It should be straw color. If it is darker, you need to increase the amount of fluid consumed. If you find it difficult to drink so much water in its pure form, you can add a slice of lemon, some herbs or a few fresh berries. But it is important that it is water, and not juices or other drinks.
Move more
Along with maintaining hydration, daily exercise is very important for proper lymphatic flow. Any physical activity speeds up your breathing rate, improves blood circulation and stimulates you to consume more fluid, and together these factors help pump lymph through the system, preventing its stagnation. To improve the movement of lymph through the vessels, it is most useful to engage in sports walking, running and jumping. Although less active yoga is also beneficial for the lymphatic system. Twisting and stretching exercises cause tissue contraction and thus promote proper lymph flow. It is very important to exercise daily for people who have a sedentary job. Inactivity is one of the most common causes of lymph stagnation.
Dry brush massage
This technique has been known for centuries and has been used in Eastern medicine since ancient times. These days it is experiencing a surge of unprecedented popularity. Massaging the body with a dry brush with stiff bristles improves blood flow and prevents lymphatic stagnation. But it is important to do all movements from the bottom up towards the heart.
Sauna
If there are no contraindications, it is useful to visit a bathhouse or sauna to improve lymphatic drainage. When the body warms up, blood circulation and lymph movement improve. In addition, while a person is in the sauna, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, that is, the body goes into relaxation mode. And it is also good for the lymphatic system, since stress is one of the culprits in slowing down lymph flow.
Pay attention to nutrition
The best foods for the lymphatic system are fruits, vegetables, and nuts and seeds. Raw vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants and enzymes that help the body break down and eliminate toxins faster. All plant foods are important for the lymphatic system, but leafy greens hold a special place in this group. Such foods contain a lot of chlorophyll, which improves the functioning of the lymphatic system.
Regarding seeds and nuts, they contain omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which, among other benefits, also help cleanse the lymph of toxins. But it is important to understand that seeds and nuts are best consumed raw. Fried or glazed will not produce the desired effect.
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Practice breathing exercises
Breathing exercises have many benefits. One of them is improving lymph outflow. If you devote 10-15 minutes to breathing exercises daily, this will speed up the movement of lymph through the vessels. During deep breathing, pressure is created on the lymphatic system and thus the fluid in it moves upward.
