The Lymphatic System + Skin Health
Structure ~ Function ~ Flow
You may be wondering what the link is between your lymphatic system and healthy looking skin. The lymphatic system plays an integral part in your overall health and wellbeing, so as your skin is the largest organ of the body, the functioning of your lymphatic system is very important and signs that it isn’t working as well can at times manifest physically through the surface of your skin.
Lymph nodes and vessels of the head and neck area
The lymph nodes are small and almost bean-shaped. They are connected by a network of lymph vessels. There are lymph nodes behind the ear, in front of the ear and throughout the neck, from below the chin down to the shoulder.
What is The Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system has an essential role to play when it comes to your immune health.
It produces white blood cells to eliminate harmful pathogens
Filters out bacteria and toxins that can cause disease
Supports the digestive system by absorbing fatty acids from your gut and moving them back to your bloodstream resulting as fuel to your cells
Maintains fluid balance within the body through collecting, purifying and draining excess fluids so your tissues do not swell
This important system is responsible for supporting and protecting the body against infection and disease. It can be viewed as the sanitation and recycling system of your body which filters and removes excess waste.
Lymph flows in only one direction - towards the heart. This one-way drainage system moves fluid from body tissues into the blood circulation and removes any waste that cells make.
Unlike the cardiovascular system that has the heart to pump blood through the body, the lymphatic system relies upon movement from skeletal muscle action, respiratory movement, and contraction of the smooth muscle in vessel walls.
This is why daily movement, lymphatic massage, face and body brushing and breathing techniques all affect the way in which our lymph positively flows. All of which are invaluable to good lymphatic health.
Rivers of immunity
The lymphatic system is intricately weaved throughout the body, flowing like small rivers. When it flows smoothly we can feel vibrant and healthy if we feel the opposite our bodies are telling us there is an imbalance and the flow has become stagnated.
The lymphatic system is connected to every other system in the body, so conditions and symptoms that arise can be associated with other concerns like digestive health, energy levels, sleep patterns, skin health and how we ward off illnesses and infections.
Below is a brief overview of the lymphatic system;
Lymph vessels
A network of lymph vessels connects the lymph nodes together. These are found throughout the body, including in the neck (cervical), armpit (axilla) and groin (inguinal). The lymph vessels travel all the way down the limbs, reaching the fingers and toes. All of these vessels collect fluid from all different parts of the body and direct it towards a greater outlet: your bloodstream.
Lymphatic Fluid
A clear to pale coloured fluid that is formed from the waste fluid of your body’s cells. Fluid escapes out of your blood capillaries and joins the interstitial fluid - the fluid space between your cells, before it reaches the bloodstream (its final destination). Lymphatic fluid always moves from your extremities inwards towards your heart.
Did you know…
You have twice as much lymph fluid as you do blood.
Lymph nodes
The nodes are the filtering stations of this network. Most of them reside in the creases of your body (armpits, in the neck, abdomen, groin and knee). They are protected here, but as you go about your daily movement, activation of the lymph will happen. For example; simply bending, stretching and turning your neck.
Lymph nodes are where your white blood cells called macrophages and lymphocytes eliminate harmful substances before returning the fluid back to the bloodstream, where it will eventually be processed through the kidneys and liver and eliminates via bowel movements and urination.
How can I help support your skin health with lymphatic drainage techniques?
At The Skin + Wellness Room I provide holistic rituals that support the health of your lymphatic system while soothing your nervous system into a state of rest and relaxation.
Holistic Facial Rituals
Your skin is a direct reflection of your internal health - physical, mental and emotional states.
Lymphatic massage techniques help support inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
Encouraging the movement of lymph gently through manual lymphatic drainage can really improve the appearance of your complexion. A hands on massage approach where feather light, rhythmical pulsing and stroking moves gently encourage the direction of the lymph to flow where it needs to go. It feels very superficial yet provides effective results.
Crystal Gua Sha, facial reflexology, facial cupping and specially designed soft facial brushes can add another dimension to your facial experience, beautifully supporting the drainage process while feeling completely blissful.
These intricate lymphatic massage moves melt tension and stimulate an ideal environment for eliminating waste.
Another element I can layer within your facial is the Dermalux Red & NIR light therapy. This can stimulate lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, which boost immune system function.
Each facial will always be given with intention, creating a positive and compassionate space where you can learn to love and accept your skin.
Holistic Body Rituals
Manual lymphatic drainage massage can help support skin conditions like eczema, but can also help with digestive issues, the appearance of cellulite, to contour your waistline, aid in pre and post operative recovery and pre and post support for athletic activities like training for a marathon.
It will also have a positive effect on you mental and emotional health; calming anxiety, increasing energy and mental clarity while promoting good sleep, just to name a few.
When you book in for a holistic massage ritual we can discuss if using lymphatic massage techniques will help support any information you disclose on your discovery consultation. This can include any mental or physical health conditions you are currently experiencing.
We can even choose to incorporate breath work, visualisation, dry body brushing, body cupping, light therapy, and manual lymph drainage massage moves. Each ritual is bespoke for you.
Reflexology
A beautiful way to support your lymphatic health. I can customise your session with specific moves to cause an effect on the lymphatic system of the body.
Self Care Lymphatic practices you can include at home
After your rituals I can provide you with a customised treatment plan including self care techniques that you can do at home, these will help to support your lymphatic health in between your visits.
Here are some supportive elements that you can choose from to support your lymphatic self care routine;
Dry body and facial brushing
Meditation
Dancing
Rebounding (trampolining)
Yoga/pilates
Stretching
Swimming
Biking
Walking
Breath work
Take a bath with Epsom salts to help reduce inflammation and improve circulation and digestion
Staying hydrated (I like drinking warm water with a sprinkle of pink Himalayan salt in the mornings)
Adding anti inflammatory herbs to your diet (always consult a herbalist or certified naturopath)
Increase whole foods and reduce processed foods - as lymph flow can be slowed down by what you put in your body!
Remember…
The lymphatic system is a complex system to understand. This journal feature briefly outlines the benefits of lymphatic drainage and how to support it.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a holistic and safe approach, however, some conditions are contra-indicated. So if you are currently under medical supervision I always recommend contacting your consultant to discuss your options.