For years Lymph vessels and nodes were referred to as “The Mystery System” of the body. Vessels under the surface of the skin, smaller than silk threads, are so tiny they are difficult to observe during dissection, so they went undetected.

As research techniques were developed and refined, scientists and doctors began to realize that the body contains a vast network of vessels, and more than 600 lymph nodes, strung together like a beautiful necklace of pearls.

The pearly chains of lymph nodes are spread throughout the body; a fine layer of lace surrounding each muscle, organ, and spread under the skin’s surface. 

 

 

Every cell in the body is a living organism, eating, drinking, and creating waste material. Buildup of waste materials will result in disease, swelling, discomfort, or pain.

Lymph collectors, at the beginning of each vessel, pick up proteins and cellular waste materials, and move them along the intricate one way system through the network of lymph nodes. 

Each lymph node has many tasks. White blood cells are stored in the lymph nodes, agents of your inner homeland security checkpoints. As lymph fluid filters through the nodes, any invaders, bacteria, or virus are attacked and destroyed.

 

Lymph nodes also act as filters, trapping and processing impurities, or helping to move them out of the body.

The lymph fluid, and waste materials, continue to move towards the neck area, where they are emptied into the blood stream through large veins. The blood stream carries these waste materials, along the one way system, to the liver and kidneys for processing and elimination.

Using gentle hand movements on the skin, a lymphatic therapist is able to assist the movement of fluid in the vessels, and encourage the lymph collectors and vessels, to do their job more quickly and efficiently.