This system of vessels and lymphatic tissue, including lymph nodes is found in most parts of the body, except the brain, nails, hair and joint cavities. It is a very important system and one that has had little attention paid to it until recently. The importance of a well-functioning lymph vessel system in maintaining health, removing wastes and pathogens, as well as fluid balance is of utmost importance.
This movie animation shows the initial lymph vessels taking up fluid and substances from the connective tissue and funneling it down the precollector, then collector lymph vessels, toward the lymph nodes. (courtesy of Prof. Neil Piller, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia) Vital_Essence
The lymph vessel system carries excess water, proteins and wastes from the connective tissue back to the blood stream. During the transportation process the lymph is cleaned, filtered and concentrated. Many immune reactions occur in the lymph nodes. If the pathways become congested, blocked, damaged or severed, then fluids can build up in the connective tissue leading to edema and fibrosis. Eventually cell pathology may begin. If there is damage in the connective tissue (e.g. burns, chronic inflammation, ulceration, hematoma), then the lymph vessel system must transport the damaged cells, inflammatory products and toxins away from the area. The quicker this can happen, the faster recovery will be.
Treatment is performed by certified Manual Lymph Drainage therapists who have undergone the four week, post-graduate, training program. Manual Lymph Drainage can be utilized in the treatment of many different conditions including: