Arterial blood carries oxygen, nutrients to cells. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels with a very thin wall. At tissue levels, oxygen and nutrients enter cells as blood moves through the capillaries. Then 90% of fluids and waste products return venous blood to the circulation. A 10% of fluid that remains leaks from the tissues and goes to the lymphatic system like lymph. Larger molecules, such as some proteins, wastes, cellular debris, bacteria, viruses, and excess fat, which are too large to be carried by venous blood, remain and form lymph.
Lower body lymph travels up the neck, between the subclavian vein and joins venous blood. The lymph in the head and neck also drains into the junction between the internal jugular vein and the subclavian vein in the neck. Unlike blood, circulation has no pump to circulate lymph, but valves are present so that lymph flows in one direction. The forward flow of lymph is due to the pressure gradient created by muscle contractions and breathing movements. Along the way, the lymphatic organs filter and clean the lymphatic fluid that moves toward the neck.
Why do we massage the lymph nodes?
Lymphatic massage or lymph node massage is a special type of massage, made to move lymphatic fluid back to the heart, increasing lymph flow. The lymphatic system is a large system, most lymphatic vessels (70%) are located just below the skin. Using very light pressure in a circular motion, a lymph node therapist can stimulate lymph fluid to return to the heart through the lymphatic system. When doing the massage, do not limit the massage to the affected area, it is also important to massage the areas surrounding the affected area. Try a full massage if possible.
Lymph node massage is beneficial for anyone, should not be limited to people who have certain diseases that cause lymphedema (the causes mentioned above). Since lymphatic massage is a self-massage that can be easily done at home, everyone should try to do it.
The main advantages of lymphatic massage or lymph node massage are:
- Boosts immunity and protects against infections.
- Lymphatic massage reduces the toxic substances in the body by neutralizing them and removing the substances.
- Increase lymphocyte production thus improving the immune system.
- Relieves stress and anxiety.
How does lymphatic block occur?
Some people have primary lymphedema, where their vessels are unable to properly drain lymph due to blockage, damage or defect in the lymphatic system, so lymph is collected especially at the extremities.
Majority of lymphedema occurs due to secondary causes (called secondary lymphedema) that damage and disrupt lymphatic vessels.
Some of the causes of secondary lymphedema are:
- Treatment for cancer may include removal of some parts of the lymphatic system.
- Venous diseases
- Trauma and injury
- Inadequate lymph drainage occurs because
- The lymphatic system does not have a proper pumping system, it depends on muscle and joint movements.
The aforementioned causes may decrease lymphatic drainage further.
O fluido linfático consiste em água, resíduos tóxicos das células e outras moléculas maiores que não são transportadas pelo sangue venoso. A principal função do sistema linfático é remover os resíduos e transportar esse fluido para o coração. Ao contrário da circulação sanguínea, o sistema linfático não possui um mecanismo de bombeamento. O fluxo para a frente da linfa é devido ao gradiente de pressão criado pelas contrações musculares e movimentos respiratórios. Portanto, pode ficar facilmente estagnado devido a razões primárias e secundárias. Razões secundárias contam para a maioria das causas e inclui a remoção de partes do sistema linfático para tratamento de câncer, infecções, trauma, radioterapia, obesidade e imobilidade. Massagem linfática ou massagem linfonodal é um tipo especial de massagem, feito para mover o fluido linfático de volta para o coração, aumentando o fluxo da linfa.
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