Immune Boosting Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Immune Boosting Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage 

The lymphatic system is finally receiving the accolades it deserves as more and more people recognize the profound ways in which this system aids our health and wellness to include acting as the primary detoxification pathway of our biology. 

Did you know that MLD facilitates a 30% increase in lymphocyte productivity? This correlates to a substantial increase in immune function. 

A lymphocyte is one of the subtypes of a white blood cell. Lymphocytes include B and T cells. T Cells are for cell-mediated cytotoxic adaptive immunity and B cells are for humoral, antibody driven adaptive immunity. They are the main type of cell found in lymph, which prompted the name "lymphocyte".

T cells make up 80-85% of lymphocytes in the blood. They can be found in lymph nodes, the white pulp of the spleen, and the thymus (hence the T). When an antigen attacks a cell, T lymphocytes are activated to destroy it (wouldn’t you like to have a 30% increase in these?!) T lymphocytes remain about 30 minutes in the blood circulation, about 5 to 6 hours in the spleen and 20 hours in the lymphatic system. 

There are 4 subpopulations of T lymphocytes: 

•  Helper T cells (CD4+) “help” activate B & T lymphocytes. They play a key role in the immune reaction. There are at least 2 types of helper T cells: 1) TH1 (inflammatory T cells) activate cytotoxic T cells, macrophages and inflammatory cells. 2) TH2 (helper T cells) activate B cells to antibodies. 
•  Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) kill infected cells or tumor cells, in particular by releasing cytotoxic proteins (lysosomal perforins). 
•  Suppressor T cells deactivate the immune response of helper T cells. T helpers may also be able to perform a suppressive action. This is a very important function for the proper performance of the immune system. 
•  Memory T cells hold the memory of the aggressor. 

THE LYMPHOID ORGANS 

The lymphoid organs hold a principal position in the immune response, having responsibility for the creation, growth, evolution, dissemination, and/or preservation of a considerable amount of lymphocytes. Generally, this preservation occurs in a unique variant of reticular connective tissue. 

We categorize lymphoid organs into primary or secondary lymphoid organs. The primary lymphoid organs function as locations for lymphocyte generation and maturation, notably, the bone marrow and thymus. Conversely, secondary lymphoid organs serve as reservoirs for lymphocytes and as sites for the neutralization or incapacitation of antigens. It is of note that, in a strict sense, the blood and lymphatic vessels do not fall under the category of lymphoid organs.

PRIMARY LYMPHOID ORGANS: 

BONE MARROW: It is the production site for the whole lineage of blood and lymphocyte cells. This is called hematopoiesis (Greek for “creation of blood”). Both B and T cells are made in the bone marrow, but only B cells “differentiate” in the marrow. 

THYMUS: The thymus is a bilobate (two-lobed) primary lymphoid organ, located in the anterior mediastinum very close to the heart. It is covered by a thin connective tissue capsule. Each lobe contains many lobules divided into a cortex and a medulla. The thymus abounds in lymphoid cells, macrophages and epithelial cells; the later provide the supporting framework. 

SECONDARY LYMPHOID ORGANS: 

  - Lymph nodes 

  - Spleen 

  -M.A.L.T (Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue): 

• Peyer’s patches
• Tonsils
• Vermilform Appendix
• And other locations throughout the body 
  
  

Lymph Nodes 

These are soft, ovoid organs lying along the course of lymphatic vessels. The lymph node is made up of many parts, but it is most important to understand that the nodes act as a clearing house. For instance, various types of T cells circulating in the blood enter the node though specialized endothelial venues. When activated by an antigen (bad guy) T cells divide to produce clones of activated or sensitized T cells which then join the body’s blood circulation. More troops to handle the invaders! 

Spleen 

This organ is sometimes likened to a “lymph node for the blood” because of the filtering and antigen-trapping functions it provides for the circulating blood. 

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT)

Most important to know here that 75% of all antibodies are produced by MALT, which are non-encapsulated clusters of lymphoid tissue found in numerous organs of the body. 

So suffice it to say... Manual Lymphatic Drainage stimulates specific and nonspecific immunity (covering all the bases!) It makes the immune system more efficient by increasing the circulation of lymphocytes and removal of toxins and antigens.

MLD also: 

•  Improves circulation and removes excess fluid
•  Stimulates neuromuscular responses
•  Improves muscle tone
•  Decreases cell swelling, positively affecting cellulite
•  Oxygenates cells 
•  Post injury/surgery: removes excess fibrin to reduce scar formation

Some ways we stagnate our lymphatic system: 

Tight clothing: As I prepare to take the fitters exam, which once passed, will provide me the certification to provide fitting for post-mastectomy bras, I am reminded of the importance of properly fitting garments. This can be any clothing, but in particular bras can be a nemesis for many women. Wearing properly or loose fitting clothing, wireless bras, or fitted compression optimizes lymphatic flow. Evenly distributed compression provides pressure against the lymphatic vessels and encourages them to drain vs uneven compression that restricts (think of the lines that your bra may leave when you remove it). 

Being sedentary: Movement is one of the primary things that encourages lymphatic flow. Rebounding is making a comeback (jumping on one of those mini trampolines will do the trick) but really any kind of regular exercise, particularly something full body that causes deep breathing is the ticket. 

Shallow breathing: Believe it or not, deep diaphragmatic breathing is one of the simplest and most effect ways we can move lymph. The abdominal region of the body is a very lymph rich area and when we take the deep breaths that push the belly out, we are effecting all of those nodes and vessels in a beautiful way. Breathe deep and often with focus, your entire well-being will thank you, starting with your lymph. 

Toxic skin care: Bring awareness to what you are putting on your skin topically. Skin is your biggest organ and what we put on it most certainly effects the way our lymphatic system is operating. Think clean, organic, do your research! 

Being de-hydrated: Get that H2O in, friends! The more the merrier, for most everyone. Staying hydrated means the lymphatic system flows like a fast moving river vs a stagnant creek that has little water volume. I’ll go a little science talk on you here regarding just one of the ways water functions in the lymphatic system. We have these long chains of sugars in the body: glycoaminoglycans (GAG).  These molecules present abundant negative charges which facilitate high osmotic activity (they attract water). They form enormous aggregates that give the extracellular matrix its gel-like properties. GAGs literally give the space between cells and fibers a lubricant-like viscosity (this is a very good thing!) This means they are responsible for providing much of the extracellular matrix space and help maintain the form and consistency of numerous organs in the body. They transport products of metabolism (think, garbage disposal) and participate in the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen to individual cells. GAGs cannot perform any of these functions without proper hydration. Stay hydrated!! 

Ways we flow our lymphatic system: 

Deep Breathing 

Movement 

Sauna/ Sweating 

MLD Session 

Dry Brushing 

Keep flowing and stay healthy, friends! 

Xoxo 

Lara Henderson, LMT, CLT