- Back -                       The Lymph System

 Blood is not the only liquid that flows in the human body  - there is another, known as LYMPH.

 The lymph flows in a network of channels, the LYMPH VESSELS, constituting a lymph stream comparable with the blood stream.   Lymph is formed in the body tissues, and is derived from the blood.   The blood conveys the nourishment to the body tissues, but does not come directly into contact with the cells, remaining confined within the blood vessels, even when these become minute capillaries within the tissues themselves.   How does the nourishment reach the cell?   In the spaces between the cells and capillaries, a liquid forms, which is a mixture of water and nutritive substances.   The nutritive substances pass through the capillaries, along with the liquid element of the blood (plasma),   in which they are contained.   This interstitial fluid is lymph which, after having completed its task if conveying nourishment to the body tissues, returns to the blood stream via the lymph vessels:   these vessels thus constitute a circulatory system, in the fullest sense of the word.

 The lymph in the lymph vessels, which has already given up its nutritive substances to the body tissues is between 92% and 95% water, the rest being composed of proteins, amino acids, fats, mineral salts, and other substances, in the dissolved state.   The lymph stream passes through lymph glands located at specific points in the body; these glands, ovoid in shape, serve as filters for the lymph.

 The lymph glands are usually found in cluster which can be felt externally by palpation.   They are identified by the names of the areas of the body in which they are to be found: cervical lymph glands, (on the sides of the neck); underarm lymph glands ( in the armpits) and groin lymph glands.   Since the number of channels leaving the lymph glands are always less than those entering, the lymph is channelled into a progressively smaller number within the lymphatic system.   The most important of these is the thoracic duct, into which is fed the lymph from the entire lower half of the body.

 By acting as lymph filters, constitute a barrier against all harmful substances, and germs trying to reach the blood stream, from any part of the body tissues.

 Just as the nutritive substances pass from the blood stream to the body tissues via the lymph, so the substances formed in the body tissues normally reach the blood only via the lymph vessels. 

The lymph acts as a very useful ‘road block’.   Furthermore, the lymph glands perform another very important function:- they produce the lymphocytes, which are a specific category of white blood cells.   On entering the blood stream, these lymphocytes in turn perform an essential defence function; they produce the antibodies which combat germs and their related toxins, thereby increasing resistance to infection. 

However, lymph flow is rather slow, because there is no equivalent of the ‘cardiac pump’ to stimulate flow.   The flow and action within the Lymphatic System is dependant on muscular movements and contraction and it follows therefore that if this can be stimulated significant benefits will result particularly in people who have a sedentary lifestyle or are overweight.

 During sleep, lymph flow is partially stopped; it is also retarded by tiredness, cold, stress and nervous tension.   Lymph circulation becomes even slower when body waste accumulates and the lymph becomes viscous. 

 Stagnant lymph circulation symptoms :- 

•  A  feeling of tiredness and a sense of heaviness in the limbs. 
•  Dry appearance to the skin, atrophy of subcutaneous tissues (3rd layer of skin).
•  Bags under the eyes,
•  Premature wrinkles.
•  Cellulite in the back of the legs.

 Lymph drainage treatment benefits

Lymph drainage is the basis for internal cleansing treatments and is a means of improving circulation.   The skin, body tissues, muscles and glands are regenerated.  The skin becomes softer, more beautiful, more healthy and younger looking in both the face and body.   Lymph drainage even remoulds the figure, because of the more even distribution of body fluids.   

Lymph drainage treatment will be most effective when taken in conjunction with a slimming treatment, exercise session or toning table course and a healthy diet.

ps  -  The CACI electro stimulation treatment is quite painless, the body pads induce a 'mild twitching' sensation into the various muscle groups.

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