The Lymphatic System is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. It plays a critical role in the immune system, trafficking antigens to the lymph nodes for removal from the body and transporting lymph, a clear or milky white fluid that carries infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body.

          While the heart continuously pumps blood through the circulatory system, the lymphatic system relies heavily on the contraction of muscles to transport fluid through the lymph vessels. Sedentary lifestyles pose a particular challenge to maintaining a healthy lymphatic system.

          Lymph capillaries are located just beneath the skin, only one mm deep, and cover the entire surface of the body. The vessels carry the fluid to the lymph nodes, which filter out toxins and activate the general immune system if infection is detected. There are over 600 nodes throughout the body, found in clusters, especially in the neck, armpit, groin area and deep within the belly. Once filtered, the lymph system returns the fluid to the blood stream.

          In a typical day the body processes two to four liters of lymph fluid. With a full-body lymphatic treatment, that filtration increases as much as five fold!

Lymph vessels and nodes