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lymphatic system
lymphatic system

The Lymphatic System and the relationship to a Body Massage

It is probably safe to state that the average person is not fully aware of the various systems inside of their body and the functions they perform - unless they have studied human anatomy. The lymphatic system and it's 600 approximate nodes function to keep our bodies healthy by filtering out harmful invaders and to filter the lymph before it can be returned to the circulatory system.

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A therapeutic massage will help your body maintain proper blood circulation, body fluid balance, and immune functions (lymphatic system).

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Your lymphatic system maintains your health from foreign invaders such as viruses and harmful bacteria. But when that system becomes negotiated, so does your ability to mount a strong biological defense.

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The largest of the lymphatic organs is the spleen. It’s function and is responsible for filtering and storing blood and producing your white blood cells.

Understanding the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system contains vessels and nodes with lymph, a mixture of proteins, water, waste products, and immune system elements. Located throughout the body, lymph nodes process and filter all these harmful products and debris that are harmful to the human body. 

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The largest nodes are in the neck, groin, and armpits. They all work together to make sure "cleaned" lymph is transported back to the veins that carry blood toward the heart.

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A possible swelling might be caused by lymph fluid that has collected in the soft tissues. Posible causes for these genetic disorders are: injury, infection, cancer treatment, or surgery. This condition is know as lymphedema.

 

Symptoms of lymphedema include:​

  • Pain

  • Skin discoloration

  • Tissue swelling

  • Heaviness in the limbs

  • Weakness

  • Hardening or thickening of the skin

  • Recurring infections​​

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Chronic venous insufficiency is when the valves or walls of the veins that are in the legs don't perform correctly. This makes it difficult for the blood to flow back to the heart from the legs.‌ A massage can help increase the speed of blood flow in people with CVI.

The above information has been presented to establish the benefits of massage and how it helps the body maintain its immune systems.

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