The lymphatic system can be characterized as an auxiliary venous system, moving parallel to where it eventually joins with it. The lymphatic system performs its functions thanks to the contractions of the smooth muscle fibers and the movement of the skeletal muscles. The function of the lymphatic system is active during exercise, increasing flow. On the contrary, when the body is calm, the lymph flow is very slow.

Lymphatic System Functions

1. Filtering: Through these contractions-movements, the lymph moves to the lymphatics, goes to the lymph nodes, which empty the lymph into the cardiovascular system. The lymph nodes act as filters (filtration stations) for the lymph, and knowing their anatomical location is a key element of lymphatic massage to remove toxins from the body.
2. A healthy lymphatic system helps our immune system: It contributes to the body's defense by producing antibodies. The lymphatic system is involved in the defense of the individual against parasitic organisms, infections, because the main function of the lymph nodes is the production of lymphocytes and antibodies, which enrich the lymph, as it passes slowly through them. The lymph, passing through the lymph nodes, is filtered before being injected into the bloodstream, trapping germs and foreign substances from macrophages, T-lymphocytes or antibodies produced by B-lymphocytes. Antibodies strengthen the immune system and are useful for the body's defense against various pathogens.
3. The return to the bloodstream vascular system is part of the fluid, which is filtered through the blood capillaries to the intermediate tissues, but does not return all through the veins. The lymph follows a one-way path from the periphery to the heart, to which it is poured, and thus the restoration of the blood volume occurs.
4. Transports fats from the small intestine to the blood: Another important function of the lymphatic system is the transport of fatty components (in the form of chylomicrons) from the digestive system to the circulatory system. The fatty components of food are collected from the lymph vessels that surround the intestine, transported to the amygdala, and from there through the thoracic duct to the heart.

The founders of lymphatic massage are considered to be doctors Emil and Estrid Vodder, who invented the method in the 1930s, where they invented a technique where they managed to relieve their patients from chronic sinusitis. In 1936, after years of research, they introduced this technique to the medical world of France. They spent the rest of their lives spreading and teaching this method throughout the world. The technique which consists in the careful movement of the hands, to move the lymph, is taught until today.

I can not miss the reference to the lymphatic problems of the author Louise Hay, who states: "It is a warning that the mind must refocus on the essential points of life, love and joy."

Lymphatic Mutilation Methodology
Lymphatic massage is a gentle massage. Its purpose is to promote the natural drainage of the lymph, the fluid that removes metabolic wastes.

In lymphatic massage we use a certain degree of (mild) pressure, and the manipulations are performed with rhythmicity, which aims to stimulate the lymph circulation. Because the lymphatic system does not contain a pump, such as the circulatory heart, it easily falls into congestion and stagnation, which worsens if the person leads a sedentary life, does not eat properly or has a similar inherited predisposition.

* By Anastasia Maria Tricha