Download Module 6: Aromatic Lymphatic Drainage Technique

Module 3: The Lymphatic System
NB: This lesson initially covers information you learnt as part of Anatomy &
Physiology II.
The primary function of the lymphatic system is to protect the body against
infection and environmental hazards. Lymphocytes are produced and stored in
lymphatic tissues and organs ( tonsils, spleen, thymus) and distributed
throughout the body via lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system also:
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Collects and redistribute the excess fluid from peripheral tissues
Absorb and distribute fat soluble nutrients.
Lymph is initially collected in lymphatic capillaries. The walls of lymphatic
capillaries allow the movement of fluid and solutes into the vessels, but not out
of, facilitating the collection of excess fluid. Cellular debris, viruses and bacteria
are also collected by lymphatic capillaries. Lymphatic capillaries are generally
found with blood vessels.
As the lymph flows towards the trunk, the lymph flows into small lymphatic
vessels. These vessels have valves similar to those found in veins, this
preventing the backflow of lymph. Small lymphatic vessels are generally colocated with blood vessels, but are distinctive from blood vessels in colour (pale
golden) size (smaller) and have a branching pattern.
Superficial lymphatics collect lymphatic fluid from deep within the skin, mucous
membranes lining the digestive tract, and serous membrane lining the pleural,
pericardial and peritoneal cavities. Larger lymphatic vessels (deep lymphatics)
co-located with deep arteries and veins associated with
other organs, the walls of visceral organs, neck, limbs and
trunk.
Cisterna chili – a small collecting vessel for lymph prior to it
entering the left lymphatic duct. It is deep in the abdomen,
just above the navel.
Lymphatic ducts collect the lymph from the superficial and
deep lymphatics. A smaller, right lymphatic duct collects
lymph from the right side of the body superior to the
diaphragm, while the larger thoracic duct collects lymph
from the rest of the body. From these ducts, lymph is
dumped back into the circulatory system.
Lymphoid tissue contains lymphocytes densely packed into
a lymphatic nodule. Lymphatic tissue is found in the digestive system (mucosarelated lymphoid tissue, Peyer’s patches, and in the walls of the appendix. The
tonsils and adenoids are also lymphatic tissue.
Lymphoid organs include the spleen and thymus. These differ from lymphatic
tissue in that they are encapsulated in fibrous connective tissue.
Lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body and vary in size form 1-25mm.
Lymph nodes are found in the neck (cervical lymph nodes), axillary area, lingual
area, and in breast tissue.
Lymph flows through
lymph nodes and
removes up to 99% of
antigens, which are
then processed by
macrophages. Lymph
nodes also provide an
early warning system to
the presence of
infection or other
abnormality in
peripheral tissue.
A pale yellow fluid
called lymph flows
through the lymphatic
system. Lymph is
similar in composition to
blood plasma, except
that it has slightly lower
levels of protein and
cholesterol. The excess
fluid which leaks out of
the cardio-vascular
system at the arterial
end but does not get
reabsorbed at the
venous end is picked
up by the lymphatic
vessels, and now forms
the lymph fluid of the
lymphatic system.
When the lymphatic
system is working
efficiently, the lymph
that finally enters the bloodstream has been cleared of about 99% of the
impurities collected along its journey around the body.
The lymphatic system does not have a pump, so is circulated via muscular
compression and general body activity.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema occurs when lymphatic fluids accumulates in a limb, generally the
lower leg, causing the limb to become swollen. Because the lymphatic fluids are
not moving (stagnant), pathogens are not being filtered out and, if the condition
persists, infection may occur.
Tight clothing and shoes can cause temporary lymphoedama, which is quickly
fixed by removing the tight clothing/shoes. Some people experience a mild form
of lymphoedema on long haul flights and car trips.
Lymphoedema can occur when lymphatic tissue is removed, e.g breast cancer
surgery, or from some infections e.g filariasis, causing scarring of lymphatic
vessels, which leads to blockages.
Lymphatic Congestion
Lymphatic congestion occurs when the lymphatic system is not functioning as
well as it should, causing it to be sluggish or stagnant. This lymphatic congestion
could be caused by a number of things. Pockets of congestion can occur in the
lymph vessels if the fibrinogen and leukocytes in the lymph fluid clot, and then
adhere to the walls of the lymph vessels. There could also be too much protein
in the lymphatic channels. The protein builds up in the lymphatic channels if it is
not being reabsorbed effectively into the venous capillaries at the changeover
point between the venous capillaries and the arterial capillaries.
When the lymphatic system is functioning well there is a pressure gradient that
pushes the proteins into the interstitial spaces, and then the proteins are
reabsorbed into the venous capillaries (the proteins transport things in the blood,
including essential oils).
However, if these proteins are not efficiently reabsorbed, they may be too
numerous to be absorbed into the lymphatic vessels and cleared away. Thus
they may cause a blockage or congestion in the lymphatic vessels. So the
‘drains’ are blocked, and the fluid builds up, causing lymphoedema. Waste
products from cell metabolism (and any other toxins) can build up and cause
problems.
While the lymphatic system is not one of the 5 organs of elimination (skin, lungs,
kidneys, liver, large intestine), it does provide movement of toxins to these
organs for elimination.
Aromatherapy and the Lymphatic System
Aromatherapists, are able to combine essential oils with massage, or other
application methods, to stimulate lymphatic function.
Many essential oils have a beneficial action on the lymphatic system through
being diuretic, detoxifying, lymphatic stimulants, or circulatory stimulants.
Grapefruit, juniper berry and geranium are 3 essential oils which will aid
lymphatic circulation. There are other essential oils which are beneficial to the
lymphatic system. Always select essential oils with care and attention to
contra-indications and the usual care considerations associated with using
essential oils.
Generally a 2½% blend of essential oils in carrier oil is suitable, but this can be
reduced or increased to suit the client’s needs. Care may be needed not to
over-stimulate the system.
Contra-indications to using Essential Oils to Stimulate the Lymphatic
System
Contra-indications will depend on the relative condition of the client or the
condition of the area you are planning to treat. In some cases it may be
advisable for the client to get clearance from their medical practitioner
beforehand.
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Cancer or any malignancies, or clients undergoing chemotherapy and
radiotherapy. Advisable for the client to get clearance from their medical
practitioner beforehand.
High blood pressure that is due to major heart problems.
Major heart problems such as acute angina or cardiac oedema.
Low blood pressure
Acute inflammatory illness such as acute tonsillitis, colds, flu, viral or bacterial
infection, urinary tract infection, acute bronchitis, and allergic reactions
Thrombosis –medical clearance is essential.
Phlebitis – inflammation of the wall of a vein.
Any other severe medical problem (unless recommended by the client’s
doctor).
Varicose veins - work very lightly over the area, provided there is no pain or
inflammation, and the client is comfortable with this.
After abdominal surgery – apply your usual post-surgery guidelines.
Acute illness and/or infection
Burns, fresh scars, skin problems, or bruises
Kidney problems such as renal insufficiency or haemodialysis.
Gynaecological infections such as ovarian cysts or uterus conditions
When to use the Essential Oils to Stimulate the Lymphatic System
Essential oils can be used to:
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Stimulate a sluggish lymphatic system.
Address lymphoedemas - primary or secondary.
Improve lymph flow through scar tissue, and to soften scar tissue
Ease pain such as arthritis and rheumatism, and sports injuries – not in the
acute immediately after the injury is sustained.
Reduce cellulite
Ease toxicity - this would best be achieved with a review of diet and increased
water intake.
Oedema during pregnancy - keep your contra-indications in mind when
selecting the essential oils you use for this treatment.
Other Information
It is VERY important that you let your client know that they must drink at least 1.5
to 3 litres of water a day for at least one day following a treatment aimed at the
lymphatic system. This is water, not softdrink, fruit juice, tea, coffee, alcohol or
other beverages. It is plain water. If a client is not used to consuming this amount
of water, set them realizable targets e.g 1 x 200ml glass every 2-3 hours from
waking in the morning to going back bed at night. Explain that this may mean
that they urinate more.
You also need to advise your client that a little light exercise is necessary
following the treatment.
If the client does not drink adequate water or have enough exercise there is an
increased risk of side effects such as general flu like symptoms, nausea,
headaches or in extreme circumstances even vomiting.
You will need to explain why it is important to work on certain “sensitive” areas of
the body, such as the groin, armpits and near the breasts You should not
proceed in these areas unless your client has consented to you touching that
area – informed consent. You may choose to ask them to sign a consent form.