What is the Lymphatic System?
Often overlooked, the lymphatic system is one of the most important components of your immune system and overall health. Its primary function is to help protect the body against infection and various diseases by transporting a fluid called lymph, which is rich in white blood cells and helps to quickly direct immune response to the infection or area of damage. The lymphatic system is comprised of numerous arteries, veins, capillaries, and nodes that are distributed all throughout your body through which this lymph travels. Behind the scenes, your lymphatic system is constantly working to drain any cell waste and protect you against a whole range of illnesses; any blockages or issues with the normal flow of the lymphatic system can lead to increased vulnerability to diseases and infections.
The Connection to Pain
Like all other parts of your body, your lymphatic system is subject to malfunction. If anything goes wrong with your lymphatic system, it simply cannot provide the protection it usually does. One of the most common problems that can arise with your lymphatic system is congestion and swelling caused by a buildup of lymphatic fluid and a lack of normal drainage. This condition is known as lymphedema, caused by damage or malfunction of the lymphatic system or any of its structures, and this internal swelling can lead to many types of chronic pain and symptoms.
This lymphatic congestion is generally observable as swelling and puffiness in the face and neck, and sometimes in the limbs as well. In the case of extreme lymphedema, the skin may become so thick that it resembles elephant skin. Another reason you might feel pain is due to significant enlargement of one or more lymph nodes, a condition known as lymphadenopathy. These enlargements can block the normal lymphatic system flow or press against certain nerves and cause pain. This usually happens in response to infections and may have generalized effects in your lymph nodes in the rest of your body.
The condition often occurs as a result of rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, tuberculosis, HIV, or other diseases. In the case of lymphatic cancer, which arises from uncontrolled growth of the lymphatic system tissues, the congested and enlarged lymph nodes throughout the body can result in severe, chronic systemic pain and increased risk of infections.
Treatment for Lymphatic Congestive Pain
The body’s ability to detoxify itself well starts within the lymphatic system.
Our clinic has developed the "CoLymph Detox" treatment uniquely designed to cleanse and restore the colon and lymphatic system. The CoLymph detox is performed using gentle acupuncture treatment paired with the CoLymph Diet Therapy; together, this method helps remove built-up toxins and blockages from the intestines and lymphatic system, which reduces the risk of reabsorption of toxins and keeps a low level of inflammation in joints and muscles to reduce pain.
At our clinic, we strive to treat the root causes of chronic inflammation (and many other health issues) by targeting the gut; a huge amount of our lymphatic and immune system is found within our gut, so any imbalances there can result in other systemic issues. Thus, incorporating changes to one's diet is so important because what we eat and drink directly affects our gut health, and we believe healing starts from within.
Some home remedies you can use to keep your lymphatic system healthy include staying hydrated so that lymph fluids can flow more efficiently and staying active to encourage normal lymphatic fluid movement and drainage. Warm to hot showers are also encouraged to keep your body warm and help prevent stagnation of the lymphatic system.