For most people, our lymphatic system is recognized as important but is so ill-defined that it goes unnoticed until a major problem arises. It is often relegated to a mere garbage dump that mediates between the body and the kidneys and large intestine.

While it does help clean up, it is much more complex than that. Many times, we are finding that lymphatic issues are the missing factor. For all practical purposes, your lymphatic system is your immune system. We ignore it at our peril.

Lymph is a vital portion of the fluid medium giving life to our cells. When blockages occur in the lymphatic vessels, needed circulation is reduced in that area and beyond.

When your body suffers injury or disease, there is always an immune, or lymphatic, response that can include heat, swelling, and sometimes pain. This is a focal point of attack, a front line for your immune system. Your body is trying to limit the damage in that area.

Many times excessive lymph build-up, with its characteristic swelling, is a temporary situation that resolves itself. When it doesn't, we call it edema. Edema then becomes part of the problem.

Lymphatic congestion reduces the body's ability to heal since there is reduced circulation in that area. Does Lymphatic Drainage then become necessary? We discuss this in Part II.

Copyright © 2003, Alt Med Ltd, Rapid City SD USA. Reprinted with permission.

Sources: Dr Cory Carter has been in private practice for 20 years, specializing in Lymphatic Drainage. Randy McCormick is a Certified Instructor in the Carter Technique of Lymphatic Drainage.

Next Lymph Article - To Drain or Not To Drain?

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