The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to detoxify and regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, recover crucial substances that have escaped from the blood, and maintain a healthy immune system. It’s a complex system comprised primarily of vessels and lymph nodes working in cooperation to accomplish these tasks.

Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the pumping of the heart to circulate its blood flow, lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular units contracting throughout the body to propel the lymph. These contractions enable the lymph vessels to transport numerous substances (i.e., proteins, toxins, hormones, fatty acids, immune cells) to the lymph nodes, which can then eliminate the waste. The action of these muscular units can be hindered or stopped, however, due to fatigue, stress, emotional shock, cold temperatures, infections, lack of physical activity, age, chemicals or food additives. When the lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate and cellular functioning is significantly comprised. This opens the way to many physical ailments and hastens the aging process.

Lymphatic drainage is a hands-on technique designed to activate and cleanse this human fluid system. It’s origins can be traced to two traditions in particular: the published research of Frederic Millard, a Canadian osteopathic physician (1922) and Emil Vodder, a Danish massage practitioner and doctor of philosophy (1932). Over the years, methods based on the discoveries of these two pioneers have been honed, refined and explained. Today, lymphatic drainage techniques are employed as standard scientific practice throughout Europe and are gaining greater recognition and use within the American health care community.

Laurie Pryce
www.biodynamicbody.ca