How the lymph system works, what causes a blocked lymph system and how blockages can affect your health.
The lymphatic system removes damaged cells and toxins from the body. It is a type of circulatory system that works alongside the cardiovascular system. A blocked lymph system can cause serious health issues and is usually an indicator of other types of body problems.
How lymphatic circulation works
Your lymphatic system has three main parts: lymphatic fluid, vessels to carry the fluid, and nodes to filter the fluid.
Lymphatic fluid is extra fluid from tissues and cells that contains proteins, minerals, fats, damaged cells, and toxins.
Lymph vessels are thin tubes that collect and transport the fluid to lymph nodes. Valves keep the fluid moving in the right direction.
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs that filter and clean the lymph fluid. Hundreds of nodes are located in clusters throughout the body, including the armpits, neck, chest, groin, and abdomen.
Once the lymph fluid is clean, it is pushed into the bloodstream.
Any waste products (urea and uric acid, excess water, carbon dioxide, salts and toxins) from the cleaning are sent to the kidneys and liver.
The more toxins move into the kidneys and liver, the faster the lymph system works. Lymphatic circulation will stop if the kidneys and liver don’t accept the toxins. Any toxins that cannot move into the kidneys and liver will be redirected and stored throughout the lymph system.
Exercise can improve lymph circulation. It contracts the muscles, which pushes the lymph fluid through the lymph vessels to the nodes.
Lymphatic circulation and inflammation
When a cell is damaged, it releases chemicals called histamines into the cellular fluid. The fluid and histamines are then flushed into the lymph system.
The histamines travel through the lymph system and activate white blood cells in the lymph nodes. After they are activated, the white blood cells follow the trail of histamines back to the damaged cells.
When they arrive at the damaged cells, the white blood cells determine what is causing the cellular damage, remove any dead cells, and make new cells.
Some of the histamines from the damaged cells will eventually come in contact with blood vessels. When they do, the blood vessels will relax and release nutritional fluid to feed the white blood cells. This increase in fluid in and around the damaged area causes swelling, also known as inflammation.
Lymph system problems
The lymph system stops functioning properly when 1) too many white blood cells have been activated, and 2) toxins and germs can’t move to and through the kidneys and liver.
When too many white blood cells are activated, lymphatic circulation slows down, causing a buildup of fluid, toxins, and germs, first in the feet and then in other body parts. A backed-up lymph system is often the cause of lymphoedema (swelling). The buildup can also cause pressure on tendons and nerves, leading to numbness.
This is why people feel better after a massage. Massage moves toxins faster through the lymph vessels and nodes to the kidneys and liver. It prevents too many white blood cells from activating simultaneously, keeps the lymph system moving and stops toxic buildup.
When the toxins are removed, the pressure on the tendons and nerves reduces, and the numbness disappears.
The lymph system will also back up if the toxins and germs it carries to the kidneys and liver aren’t accepted. Have you ever heard someone complain about pain in their left shoulder and leg? This is a sign that the kidney on the left side is inflamed and can’t absorb and remove toxins from the body. Most doctors will tell you the problem is arthritis. The term arthritis simply means joint swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Repairing a blocked lymph system with Chinese herbs
When cells are damaged, histamines are released, activating a type of white blood cell that travels to the damaged area and removes the dead cells. This helps the body repair the damaged area.
Sometimes, the damage is ongoing, especially if it is caused by a virus, fungus, or similar pathogen.
If it doesn’t go away after a few weeks, the histamines will activate another, higher-level white blood cell. This white blood cell’s purpose is to locate the pathogen damaging the cells and create antibodies to fight it.
Antibodies are tiny, custom-made proteins that attach to the surface of germs. Once the antibody learns how to eliminate the germ, you have lifetime immunity from that pathogen.
Chinese medicinal herbs help these white blood cells create the antibodies needed to fight germs. Because many of these germs end up in the kidneys and liver, the lymph system starts working again when they are removed.
Summary
- The lymph system removes damaged cells, toxins and germs from the body.
- It has 3 main parts: lymph fluid, lymph vessels and lymph nodes.
- The lymph system can stop working when too many white blood cells have been activated or the kidneys and liver won’t accept or get rid of the toxins and germs.
- A blocked lymph system can cause lymphoedema (swelling), numbness and other problems.
- Chinese medicinal herbs can help get rid of toxins and germs. After they are removed, lymph circulation will improve.
Is your lymph system blocked? We use specially formulated Chinese medicinal herbs to detox and repair the body. Our herbs are 100% natural, non-GMO, and processed using high-pressure extraction for maximum potency and effectiveness. This is a custom program tailored to your specific health needs and concerns. Contact us today at (213) 999 – 5577 or schedule a free consultation with Dr. Kwang to learn more about repairing a blocked lymph system.
