Lymphatic system – an integral part of the vascular system, which drains tissues through the formation of lymph and conducts it into the venous bed (additional drainage system).
Up to 2 liters of lymph are produced per day, which corresponds to 10% of the volume of fluid that is not reabsorbed after filtration in the capillaries.
Lymph is the fluid that fills the lymphatic vessels and nodes. It, like blood, belongs to the tissues of the internal environment and performs trophic and protective functions. In its properties, despite its great similarity with blood, lymph differs from it. At the same time, lymph is not identical to the tissue fluid from which it is formed.
Lymph consists of plasma and shaped elements. Its plasma contains proteins, salts, sugar, cholesterol and other substances. The protein content in lymph is 8-10 times less than in blood. 80% of the formed elements of lymph are lymphocytes, and the remaining 20% are other white blood cells. There are normally no red blood cells in lymph.
Functions lymphatic system:
Tissue drainage.
Ensuring continuous circulation of fluid and metabolism in human organs and tissues. Prevents the accumulation of fluid in the tissue space with increased filtration in the capillaries.
Lymphopoiesis.
Transports fats from the site of absorption in the small intestine.
Removal from the interstitial space of substances and particles that are not reabsorbed in the blood capillaries.
Spread of infection and malignant cells (tumor metastasis)
Factors ensuring lymph movement
Filtration pressure (caused by the filtration of fluid from blood capillaries into the intercellular space).
Constant formation of lymph.
Availability of valves.
Contraction of surrounding skeletal muscles and muscle elements internal organs(lymphatic vessels are compressed and lymph moves in the direction determined by the valves).
Location of large lymphatic vessels and trunks nearby blood vessels(the pulsation of the artery compresses the walls of the lymphatic vessels and helps the flow of lymph).
Suction action of the chest and negative pressure in the brachiocephalic veins.
Smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymphatic vessels and trunks .
Table 7
Similarities and differences in the structure of the lymphatic and venous systems
Lymphatic capillaries– thin-walled vessels, the diameter of which (10-200 microns) exceeds the diameter of blood capillaries (8-10 microns). Lymphatic capillaries are characterized by tortuosity, the presence of narrowings and expansions, lateral protrusions, the formation of lymphatic “lakes” and “lacunae” at the confluence of several capillaries.
The wall of the lymphatic capillaries is built from a single layer of endothelial cells (in the blood capillaries there is a basement membrane outside the endothelium).
Lymphatic capillaries No in the substance and membranes of the brain, cornea and lens of the eyeball, spleen parenchyma, bone marrow, cartilage, epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes, placenta, pituitary gland.
Lymphatic postcapillaries– an intermediate link between lymphatic capillaries and vessels. The transition of the lymphatic capillary to the lymphatic postcapillary is determined by the first valve in the lumen (the valves of the lymphatic vessels are paired folds of the endothelium and the underlying basement membrane lying opposite each other). Lymphatic postcapillaries have all the functions of capillaries, but lymph flows through them only in one direction.
Lymphatic vessels are formed from networks of lymphatic postcapillaries (capillaries). The transition of a lymphatic capillary into a lymphatic vessel is determined by a change in the structure of the wall: along with the endothelium, it contains smooth muscle cells and adventitia, and in the lumen there are valves. Therefore, lymph can flow through the vessels only in one direction. The area of the lymphatic vessel between the valves is currently designated by the term "lymphangion" (Fig. 58).
Rice. 58. Lymphangion is a morphofunctional unit of a lymphatic vessel:
1 – segment of the lymphatic vessel with valves.
Depending on the location above or below the superficial fascia, lymphatic vessels are divided into superficial and deep. Superficial lymphatic vessels lie in the subcutaneous fat above the superficial fascia. Most of them go to the lymph nodes located near the superficial veins.
There are also intraorgan and extraorgan lymphatic vessels. Due to the existence of numerous anastomoses, intraorgan lymphatic vessels form wide-loop plexuses. The lymphatic vessels emerging from these plexuses accompany the arteries, veins and exit the organ. Extraorgan lymphatic vessels are directed to nearby groups of regional lymph nodes, usually accompanying blood vessels, often veins.
Along the path of the lymphatic vessels there are The lymph nodes. This is what causes foreign particles, tumor cells, etc. are detained in one of the regional lymph nodes. The exceptions are some lymphatic vessels of the esophagus and, in isolated cases, some vessels of the liver, which flow into the thoracic duct, bypassing the lymph nodes.
Regional lymph nodes organs or tissues are lymph nodes that are the first on the path of lymphatic vessels carrying lymph from a given area of the body.
Lymphatic trunks- These are large lymphatic vessels that are no longer interrupted by lymph nodes. They collect lymph from several areas of the body or several organs.
There are four permanent paired lymphatic trunks in the human body.
Jugular trunk(right and left) is represented by one or several vessels of small length. It is formed from the efferent lymphatic vessels of the lower lateral deep cervical lymph nodes, located in a chain along the internal jugular vein. Each of them drains lymph from the organs and tissues of the corresponding sides of the head and neck.
Subclavian trunk(right and left) is formed from the fusion of the efferent lymphatic vessels of the axillary lymph nodes, mainly the apical ones. It collects lymph from the upper limb, from the walls of the chest and mammary gland.
Bronchomediastinal trunk(right and left) is formed mainly from the efferent lymphatic vessels of the anterior mediastinal and superior tracheobronchial lymph nodes. It carries lymph away from the walls and organs of the chest cavity.
The efferent lymphatic vessels of the upper lumbar lymph nodes form the right and left lumbar trunks, which drain lymph from the lower limb, walls and organs of the pelvis and abdomen.
A non-permanent intestinal lymphatic trunk occurs in approximately 25% of cases. It is formed from the efferent lymphatic vessels of the mesenteric lymph nodes and 1-3 vessels flow into the initial (abdominal) part of the thoracic duct.
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Rice. 59. Basin of the thoracic lymphatic duct. 1 – superior vena cava; 2 – right brachiocephalic vein; 3 – left brachiocephalic vein; 4 – right internal jugular vein; 5 – right subclavian vein; 6 – left internal jugular vein; 7 – left subclavian vein; 8 – azygos vein; 9 – hemizygos vein; 10 – inferior vena cava; 11 – right lymphatic duct; 12 – cistern of the thoracic duct; 13 – thoracic duct; 14 – intestinal trunk; 15 – lumbar lymphatic trunks |
The lymphatic trunks flow into two ducts: the thoracic duct (Fig. 59) and the right lymphatic duct, which flow into the veins of the neck in the area of the so-called venous angle, formed by the connection of the subclavian and internal jugular veins. The thoracic lymphatic duct flows into the left venous angle, through which lymph flows from 3/4 of the human body: from the lower extremities, pelvis, abdomen, left half of the chest, neck and head, left upper limb. The right lymphatic duct flows into the right venous angle, which brings lymph from 1/4 of the body: from the right half of the chest, neck, head, and from the right upper limb.
Thoracic duct (ductus thoracicus) has a length of 30-45 cm, is formed at the level of the XI thoracic – 1st lumbar vertebrae by the fusion of the right and left lumbar trunks (trunci lumbales dexter et sinister). Sometimes at the beginning the thoracic duct has extension (cisterna chyli). The thoracic duct is formed in the abdominal cavity and passes into the chest cavity through the aortic opening of the diaphragm, where it is located between the aorta and the right medial crus of the diaphragm, the contractions of which help push lymph into the thoracic part of the duct. At level VII cervical vertebra The thoracic duct forms an arc and, going around the left subclavian artery, flows into the left venous angle or the veins that form it. At the mouth of the duct there is semilunar valve, preventing blood from entering the vein from the vein. IN top part The thoracic duct flows into the left bronchomediastinal trunk (truncus bronchomediastinalis sinister), which collects lymph from the left half of the chest, as well as the left subclavian trunk (truncus subclavius sinister), which collects lymph from the left upper limb and the left jugular trunk (truncus jugularis sinister), which carries lymph from the left half of the head and neck.
Right lymphatic duct (ductus lymphaticus dexter) 1-1.5 cm long, is being formed at the fusion of the right subclavian trunk (truncus subclavius dexter), carrying lymph from the right upper limb, the right jugular trunk (truncus jugularis dexter), collecting lymph from the right half of the head and neck, the right bronchomediastinal trunk (truncus bronchomediastinalis dexter), bringing lymph from the right half of the chest. However, more often the right lymphatic duct is absent, and the trunks that form it flow into the right venous angle independently.
Lymph nodes of individual areas of the body.
Head and neck
In the head area there are many groups of lymph nodes (Fig. 60): occipital, mastoid, facial, parotid, submandibular, submental, etc. Each group of nodes receives lymphatic vessels from the area closest to its location.
Thus, the submandibular nodes lie in the submandibular triangle and collect lymph from the chin, lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, palate, lower eyelid, nose, submandibular and sublingual salivary glands. Lymph flows from the forehead, temple, upper eyelid, auricle, and walls of the external auditory canal into the parotid lymph nodes, located on the surface and in the thickness of the gland of the same name.
Fig.60. Lymphatic system of the head and neck.
1 – anterior ear lymph nodes; 2 – posterior ear lymph nodes; 3 – occipital lymph nodes; 4 – lower ear lymph nodes; 5 – buccal lymph nodes; 6 – mental lymph nodes; 7 – posterior submandibular lymph nodes; 8 – anterior submandibular lymph nodes; 9 – lower submandibular lymph nodes; 10 – superficial cervical lymph nodes
There are two main groups of lymph nodes in the neck: deep and superficial cervical. Deep cervical lymph nodes accompany the internal jugular vein in large numbers, and superficial ones lie near the external jugular vein. In these nodes, mainly in the deep cervical nodes, there is an outflow of lymph from almost all the lymphatic vessels of the head and neck, including the efferent vessels of other lymph nodes in these areas.
Upper limb
There are two main groups of lymph nodes in the upper limb: ulnar and axillary. The ulnar nodes lie in the cubital fossa and receive lymph from some of the vessels of the hand and forearm. Through the efferent vessels of these nodes, lymph flows into the axillary nodes. The axillary lymph nodes are located in the fossa of the same name, one part of them lies superficially in the subcutaneous tissue, the other in the depths near the axillary arteries and veins. Lymph flows into these nodes from the upper limb, as well as from the mammary gland, from the superficial lymphatic vessels of the chest and the upper part of the anterior abdominal wall.
Thoracic cavity
In the chest cavity, the lymph nodes are located in the anterior and posterior mediastinum (anterior and posterior mediastinal), near the trachea (peritracheal), in the area of the tracheal bifurcation (tracheobronchial), at the gates of the lung (bronchopulmonary), in the lung itself (pulmonary), and also on the diaphragm (upper diaphragmatic), near the heads of the ribs (intercostal), near the sternum (periosternal), etc. Lymph flows from the organs and partially from the walls of the chest cavity into these nodes.
Lower limb
On the lower limb, the main groups of lymph nodes are popliteal and inguinal. The popliteal nodes are located in the fossa of the same name near the popliteal artery and vein. These nodes receive lymph from part of the lymphatic vessels of the foot and leg. The efferent vessels of the popliteal nodes carry lymph mainly to the inguinal nodes.
Inguinal lymph nodes are divided into superficial and deep. The superficial inguinal nodes lie below the inguinal ligament under the skin of the thigh on top of the fascia, and the deep inguinal nodes lie in the same area, but under the fascia near femoral vein. Lymph flows into the inguinal lymph nodes from the lower limb, as well as from the lower half of the anterior abdominal wall, perineum, from the superficial lymphatic vessels of the gluteal region and lower back. From the inguinal lymph nodes, lymph flows into the external iliac nodes, which are related to the pelvic nodes.
In the pelvis, the lymph nodes are located, as a rule, along the blood vessels and have a similar name (Fig. 61). Thus, the external iliac, internal iliac and common iliac nodes lie near the arteries of the same name, and the sacral nodes lie on the pelvic surface of the sacrum, near the median sacral artery. Lymph from the pelvic organs flows mainly into the internal iliac and sacral lymph nodes.
Rice. 61. Lymph nodes of the pelvis and the vessels connecting them.
1 – uterus; 2 – right common iliac artery; 3 – lumbar lymph nodes; 4 – iliac lymph nodes; 5 – inguinal lymph nodes
Abdominal cavity
There are a large number of lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity. They are located along the blood vessels, including the vessels passing through the hilum of the organs. So, along the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava about lumbar region spine up to 50 lymph nodes (lumbar). In the mesentery small intestine Along the branches of the superior mesenteric artery there are up to 200 nodes (superior mesenteric). There are also lymph nodes: celiac (near the celiac trunk), left gastric (along the greater curvature of the stomach), right gastric (along the lesser curvature of the stomach), hepatic (in the area of the hilum of the liver), etc. Lymph from the organs flows into the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity. located in this cavity, and partly from its walls. The lumbar lymph nodes also receive lymph from the lower extremities and pelvis. It should be noted that the lymphatic vessels of the small intestine are called lacteal, since lymph flows through them, containing fat absorbed in the intestine, which gives the lymph the appearance of a milky emulsion - hilus (hilus - milky juice).
Entepreneur
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Address: 86033, Ukraine, Kiev region
TIN 2988711087, KIEV DEPARTMENT. GRU PAT CB "PRIVATBANK", KIEV,
MFO 321842, code 2988711087
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Among all types of massage Special attention I am attracted to lymphatic facial massage. This facial rejuvenation technique has been passed down from generation to generation in Japan since ancient times. However, he gained widespread popularity after the publication of a book about him, which long time took first place in the “top ten books.” It was written by the famous Japanese stylist – Yukoko Tanaka.
Lymphatic drainage system of the face and neck
Before we begin to describe the technique, it is necessary to understand what the lymphatic system of the face and neck is.
It is represented by many capillaries, medium-sized vessels and nodes. Its main function is to filter lymph fluid coming from various structures of the face and neck, cleansing it of viruses, malignant cells and bacteria.
The lymph nodes of the head include:
- mastoid;
- parotid;
- submandibular;
- occipital;
- facial;
- mental nodes.
Lymph nodes in the neck include:
- jugular;
- thyroid;
- retropharyngeal and supraclavicular;
- as well as deep cervical nodes.
For correct execution lymphatic massage, you need to know that the parotid nodes are located in front of the upper edge of the ear, the jugular and deep cervical nodes are in front of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, in the region of its middle and lower third.
Indications and contraindications
Indications for performing Japanese lymphatic facial massage:
- Sagging skin on the lower part of the face, or so-called jowls.
- Omission upper eyelids(ptosis).
- Dry skin.
- Violation of blood microcirculation in the skin of the face and neck.
- Expression and senile wrinkles (superficial and deep).
- Vivid expression of nasolabial folds.
- Flabby and dry skin, due to decreased tone of blood vessels in the skin and underlying muscles.
- Unhealthy skin tones (pallor, sallowness, presence of pigment spots).
- Expressed subcutaneously fat layer on the neck and face, especially in the cheek area.
- Pastiness or swelling.
- Double chin.
- Not clearly defined facial contour.
- Seasonal vitamin deficiency (in particular, deficiency of vitamins E and A).
However, this type of massage also has its own contraindications:
- Age (such procedures are not recommended for persons under 16 years of age).
- Fresh wounds and other injuries in the face and neck.
- Inflammatory and infectious diseases skin (acne, rosacea, furunculosis, demodex, pityriasis rosea, psoriasis, strepto- and staphyloderma, etc.).
- Fresh rhinoplasty.
- Diseases of the lymphatic system (lymphostasis, tumors).
- High blood pressure.
- Acute infectious diseases, predominantly of viral etiology.
- Depressive states.
- Spicy and chronic pathology ENT organs (tonsillitis, otitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis).
- Tendency to thrombosis.
- Pregnancy.
- Diseases of the circulatory and cardiovascular systems.
Execution technique
Before you start directly performing the massage, you should remember the following unwritten rules: lymphatic drainage exercises for the face and neck area are recommended to be done manually, without using any improvised means (mesoscooters, special balls, etc.).
The skin should be moisturized and pre-cleaned. Can be used cosmetic oils(with caution for people prone to allergic reactions).
The video below will demonstrate the technique of performing lymphatic facial massage.
Facial massage Japanese method, which is called "Zogan" or "Yasahi", allows women to maintain a beautiful and tightened skin for a long time. The main direction of movement is from the middle of the face and neck to the edges, and then upward (that is, along the lines of the lymphatic system of the face).
Lymphatic forehead massage
The Japanese self-massage technique involves using two or three fingers from each hand (usually the ring, middle and index fingers). Three fingers from both hands should be pressed to the conventional central point of the forehead, mentally count three seconds and, with moderate pressure, move them to the temporal areas. After that, turn the palmar surface of the hand at a right angle downwards and run your fingers along the lateral edges of the face towards the ears, and from them to the supraclavicular fossae.
Exercises to eliminate puffiness around the eyes
The main condition is that massage movements run along the fibers of the circular muscle of the eyes. In the area of the upper eyelids - from the inner to the outer corners of the eye, in the area of the lower eyelids - vice versa.
Extend your arms, bent in elbow joints, V different sides, that is, parallel to the floor and lift them up - towards your face. The soft part of both middle fingers can be easily drawn from the outer to the opposite edges of the eyes along the lower eyelids. Then, moderately increasing the pressure, “draw” a semicircle along the upper part of the orbital socket towards the outer corners, and linger at the temporal point for three seconds. Make the first movements again to complete the circle.
The next stage is to change the direction: movements along the lower part of the eye socket go from the inner edges to the outer, after which you should again hold your fingers on the point in the temple area for three seconds and easily move them to the earlobe.
Massage exercises for the face area against wrinkles around the mouth
Place the third and fourth fingers at the conditional central point - the dimple on the chin. Using moderate pressure, circle your mouth with your fingers and finally bring them together above the lips, applying moderate pressure to this area. Then follows both ring fingers raise it up a little nasal septum and again hold in this position for three seconds. Finally, move both hands away from your face.
To reduce cheek volume
Place your fingers in the depressions near the wings of the nasal passages and make 5 arc-shaped movements in the directions: up and down. Slowly move your fingers to the upper third of the bridge of the nose, perform smoothing movements along the back of the nose, directed towards the buccal-nasal fold. Move your fingers towards the external auditory canals.
Maxillary region, area of zygomatic arches and corners of the mouth
Press your fingers to your chin and move them around your mouth. Direct your movements to the corners of both eyes, and easily spread your arms to the sides - to your temples.
Exercise to improve skin tone of the lower third of the face and cheeks
Place the palm of one hand on the side lower jaw. With the other hand on the opposite side, draw a line from the mandibular angle to the inner point of the eye and hold. Then, with light pressure, bring the line to the ear. Repeat the same technique with the other part of the face.
Massage exercises to strengthen the midface
Place the palm surfaces of your fingers on your cheeks. Press on the nostrils and move your fingers to the temporal area.
For face lift
Fix the base of the palmar surface of the hand under the chin, position the fingers so that they are directed towards the ear. With pressure, move your hand from the center of the chin to the earlobe. Repeat the same movement on the other side.
Elimination of nasolabial fold
The thumbs of the hands should be placed under the chin, and the rest will clasp the nose. With pressure, spread your palms to the side - towards temporal bones, and hold them for three seconds. The final step is to move your hands along the edges of the face to the hollows above the collarbone.
Lymphatic drainage for wrinkles in the forehead area
Three fingers of the hand make zigzag movements from left to right and vice versa, thereby smoothing the skin of the forehead. Finally, repeat the first exercise.
The video of lymphatic facial massage, which is posted below, will help you understand the technique in more detail.
Two rivers of life flow in our body, very closely connected with each other, but, nevertheless, quite autonomous. One of them is the “red river”. This is blood and the circulatory system. The other is the “white river”. This is lymph (from Latin lympha - clean water, moisture) and the lymphatic system. When we talk about lymph, we mean that clear liquid, which stands out from small wounds and is popularly called ichor.
Those. in popular memory, fixed and stored in the language, it is called “almost blood.” In which there are simply no red blood cells (red cells). Because of this, the color of the lymph is not red, but yellowish-transparent.
These two rivers - white and red - are equal in our body both in importance and in length. But if the similarity in extent and branching is clearly visible to the naked eye to any layman on any diagram (see figure below), then not everyone knows about their equivalence and equivalence in the life activity of our body.
Lymphadenitis
And before we talk about lymphadenitis, which, like a compass, indicates disturbances in the smooth flow of the “white river,” we will try to eliminate the “white spots” in our ideas about the lymphatic system - its elements, purpose and functions.
It is known that our body consists of a great many cells, which are independent, autonomous living organisms. All these cells are located in the “world ocean” of intercellular fluid (ichor), which washes them. This “world ocean” makes up approximately 30% of a person’s body weight, i.e. in some cases it reaches up to 50 liters! Why so much? But because the intercellular fluid performs several functions in our body at once.
On the one hand, this is nutrition: each cell receives the oxygen it needs for its life, nutrients, vitamins and microelements delivered into the intercellular fluid by blood capillaries.
For this purpose, thin lymphatic capillaries exist in the intercellular and intertissue cracks and slits. In the lymphatic capillaries, the intercellular fluid becomes lymph. The main purpose of lymph consists in using its pressure to wash away into the lymphatic capillaries and ducts the cells that have died as a result of the vital activity of the body, as well as bacteria, viruses and toxins.
Lymph is very similar to blood plasma and it circulates through the lymphatic system much more slowly than blood through the circulatory system. Lymph, like blood, contains leukocytes (white blood cells), which are responsible for immunity and are called lymphocytes.
Dense networks of lymphatic capillaries merge into large lymphatic vessels, which are present in all parts of the body, with the exception of the central nervous system, bones, cartilage and teeth. Then the lymphatic vessels unite into two huge lymphatic ducts.
Lymph from the entire body, except the right half of the neck and head, flows into one of them - the thoracic duct. The remaining lymphatic vessels from the right half of the head and neck form the right duct. As a result, all the lymph from our body ends up in the veins. Every minute from the thoracic duct into the vein flows from 4 to 10 ml of lymph. During the day, 50% of the protein circulating in the blood and 60% of the total plasma volume is filtered from the capillaries into the lymphatic system, and from there it goes back into the blood.
Since the lymphatic system is a system of purification, filtration and immunological processing, it also has “fine and coarse filters” from all impurities and dirt. These are lymph nodes. In the body of each person there are from 400 to 1000 lymph nodes ranging in size from the head of a pin to a nut (0.1 to 2.2 cm). They are located in groups along the lymphatic vessels every 3-5 cm.
Most of the filter-lymph nodes are in the lymphatic vessels, which carry lymph from the small and large intestines, kidneys, stomach and lungs. Those. in those places where the penetration of invaders - viruses and microbes - is most likely.
There are several entrances to the lymph node, but there is only one exit. By the way, due to the fact that the lymphatic system carries out very serious and complex work to restore order in our body, only 1.5-2 liters of lymph circulate through the lymphatic system at a time.
In the lymph nodes, bacteria and other foreign particles entering from the vessels are filtered and destroyed, and the lymph leaving the node captures lymphocytes and antibodies to deliver them to the sites of infection. For this purpose, macrophages and lymphocytes live, train and work in the lymph node (the number of lymphocytes in the body is more or less constant, but depending on the state of health it can increase or decrease). 
Sometimes during a fight with germs, toxins and other enemies of our body, the lymph nodes become enlarged, because more lymphocytes are needed to fight. As they say - everything for the front, everything for victory. With inflammation in the lymph nodes, there is always a battle for life and death, there is always a struggle between good and evil, in which lymphocytes die in the thousands and good does not always defeat evil... It’s a matter of immunity. And if the immune system is weak, then we end up with lymphadenitis - bacterial inflammation and enlargement of the nodes of the lymphatic system. The flow of lymph from the affected organ is temporarily blocked, it swells and becomes painful.
There is a common belief that 80% of what we do is harmful to our health. How bitter the meaning is contained in this phrase can be easily seen in the example of our behavior in relation to the lymphatic system alone.
So, The lymphatic system is a system for establishing order in our body and removing toxins and poisons from it.
For the lymphatic system to work effectively, you need to remember just four rules:
- Poison can only be dissolved in water and nothing else.
- The poison can only be removed through the mucous membranes, because they do not have a solid protective barrier of the epidermis.
- The rate of excretion depends on the speed of movement of lymph through the lymphatic vessels.
- Cleansing the body and, accordingly, the movement of lymph occurs in the direction from bottom to top.
It would seem that nothing could be simpler! But now let's see how we put these truths into practice.
Of the nearly one hundred thousand living creatures on planet Earth, only humans drink anything other than water (milk in mammals is food, not drink). There is an axiom: than more people eats, the more he must drink. But for the most part, people drink when they already begin to feel thirsty. But thirst is already the 4th or 5th sign of dehydration.
When your mouth is dry, this is already deep dehydration. Now remember how you usually quench your thirst? Kvass, sweet carbonated drinks, compote, juice, tea, mineral water. But none of these drinks will quench your thirst. No, the desire to drink will disappear for a while. But thirst - like the body’s need for water - will not disappear anywhere. Water is a universal solvent.
Our cells only need water in the same way that you can, for example, wash your hair or swim with water. Not juice, not coffee, not kvass, and not even milk - but only water. If we are told that a person needs to drink 1.5-2 liters of liquid per day, then here we are talking mainly about water.
80% of poisons and toxins are not found in the intestines, kidneys or liver, but in the intercellular fluid. If a person wants to cleanse his body, then he needs to get rid of all this “acidified” intercellular fluid. To cleanse the lymph means to liquefy it by adding clean water, and not consume excessively salty and sweet foods, which “lure” out of the cell the water that did get there. Just as salt sprinkled on a cut piece lures out the juice. fresh cucumber, and sugar sprinkled on fresh strawberries.
Now a little about the second simple rule. Any poison and debris is removed and released from our body using all kinds of secretions. For example, alone salivary glands– a powerful detoxification organ (up to half a liter of liquid with toxins is removed through saliva). Sputum, genital discharge, runny nose, loose stool– all this is a forced option for cleansing the body of waste and toxins.
However, thanks to certain stereotypes imposed by advertising and other means, there is an opinion that everyone needs possible ways fight all secretions. But this is fundamentally wrong, because... Such a “struggle” not only does not eliminate the causes of the disorders, but also does not allow the body to cleanse itself, thereby only aggravating the process of the disorder.
For example, the main amount of airborne infection is eliminated through the nose. And we are persistently offered to remove nasal discharge with all sorts of drugs. If your child periodically has a runny nose or chronic rhinitis, there is an opinion that the adenoids are to blame for everything and they need to be removed. But adenoids are lymph nodes. They increase only when there is an infection in the body and the lymphatic system actively fights it. The adenoids were cut off - they removed their protective line!
Or, for example, sweat glands, which are especially numerous in armpits. Within a day, up to 50% of poisons are eliminated through the sweat glands in the skin. The armpits are the main drainage from the mammary glands. We are encouraged to take all measures to ensure that we never sweat. The use of super-strong antiperspirants has become such a habit that they are sometimes used immediately after getting out of the shower and even on weekends. But if the poisons cannot exit through the sweat glands in the armpits, they will go to the nearest place - to the mammary gland, providing conditions there for the appearance of mastopathy.
There is no separate heart for the lymphatic system. The movement of lymph is carried out due to the contractile activity of the lymph nodes when impulses are given through nerve pathways, as well as due to the movement of muscles located adjacent to the lymphatic ducts; movement is ensured by fluid pressure and the physiological activity of the organs surrounding the lymphatic vessels. The muscle contracts and the lymph is pushed through. But if the muscles around the lymphatic vessel do not work, where will the lymph flow?
Hence the main cause of problems with cleansing the body - stagnation and damage to the lymph from muscle immobility. Only active movements, muscle contractions, and gymnastics can make the lymph move. And any. Ideally, movements should be harmoniously distributed between all muscle groups and be accompanied by a slight increase in heart rate and sweating. Only in this case physical activity can be considered effective.
Those 6-8-10 hours that are usually spent standing at the counter or sitting at the computer are not considered an effective load, because there is no distribution of the load across all muscle groups. And the feeling of fatigue that occurs is often a sign that the lymph is stagnant. When you feel tired, move around, drink water (!), do hidden exercises - and the fatigue will surely subside.
Everything that is associated with edema in the body, as a rule, relates to the lymphatic system. Swelling in the legs, arms, eyes, lower back, joints - this is all, as a rule, stagnant lymph.
A good workout for the lymphatic system is a sauna. The intercellular space can be in one of two states that transform into each other - thick (gel) or liquid (sol). Lymph, if it is very clogged, is a very thick gel. 
Normally, lymph should be relatively liquid. The process of transition from one to another is most quickly affected by temperature. In the steam room, the intercellular fluid liquefies, and after jumping into the pool it turns into a gel. In addition to the sauna, lymph stimulants that thin the lymph can be currant leaf, licorice root, yarrow, rose hips, oats or up to 1.5-2 liters of water per day.
Lymph moves in one direction - from the tissues, from bottom to top. From the fingertips to the thoracic lymphatic duct. This is dictated by the fact that the task of the lymphatic system is to collect fluid from tissues and then drain the purified fluid into the bloodstream.
All lymphatic vessels have valves that prevent lymph from flowing back. The valve allows the rising lymph to pass through and immediately slams shut, preventing the lymph from flowing back.
Massage helps speed up the movement of lymph in the lymphatic vessels, increasing the outflow of tissue fluid. But you need to massage only in the direction of lymph movement - from bottom to top. And even if you rub your feet yourself, the movements should be from the tips of your fingers to your hips, in one direction. How do we usually get a massage? Correct: from top to bottom, i.e. AGAINST the flow of lymph - which means that lymphatic flows are disrupted. And by squeezing or squeezing too hard, you can destroy the valves in the lymphatic vessels!
Failure to comply with these simple rules, leads to the fact that the lymphatic system is simply no longer able to fully carry out its work. And then there are signs that the lymphatic system is suppressed and does not work. This is education acne various types(toxins are released through the skin).
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These include unpleasant “senile” odors (toxins are retained in skin and undergo oxidation). And “suddenly” papillomas appearing on the skin, dark spots, warts and other formations on the skin - all this is nothing more than the consequences of intoxication of the lymphatic system.
Inflammation of the joints, throat, bronchi, lungs, swelling in the legs, in most cases, is also a consequence of damage to the lymphatic system, although most people think that this is a cardiac or renal failure. Swelling in the legs may indicate that the inguinal lymph nodes are heavily clogged and the lymph does not rise. Swelling of the hands is often a blockage axillary lymph nodes. Puffiness of the eyes is possibly a blockage of the submandibular and facial lymph nodes. published
Olga Butakova
P.S. And remember, just by changing your consumption, we are changing the world together! © econet
In the human body, along with the cardiovascular system, there is also a complementary lymphatic system. This structure penetrates all tissues and organs with capillaries, providing movement biological fluid– lymph and helping to strengthen the body’s immune defense.
The lymphatic system helps the body cleanse itself of toxins, waste, microbes and infections, and also removes excess fluid from the intercellular space, pumping it into the vascular bed.
Lymphatic fluid is considered one of the types connective tissue and includes lymphocytes - cells of the immune system. They perform vital functions, as they are able to distinguish “their” components from “foreign” ones within the body - red and white blood cells from infections and microbes, and then break down harmful particles with the help of T-lymphocytes.
Lymph also includes:
- water;
- salt;
- minerals;
- colloidal solutions of proteins;
- fats.
This viscous liquid resembles blood plasma in its properties. The body of an adult contains about one and a half to two liters. Circulation is ensured by contractions muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels, as well as the movement of other muscles, general position body and breathing phases.
Functions of lymph in the body
Lymph circulation performs several functions at once:
Structure diagram
The anatomical structure of the lymphatic system can be depicted schematically:
The main components of its structure:
- capillaries and vessels;
- nodes;
- ducts;
- organs.
Lymphatic capillaries and vessels penetrate almost all organs and tissues of the body. They are not found only in the spinal cord and brain, the internal tissue of the spleen, the lens of the eye, the middle ear and the placenta. The capillaries of the lymphatic system are thicker than those of the circulatory system and have permeable walls that are physiologically more adapted to the absorption of substances. They merge into large ducts - vessels that also have thin walls, but are equipped with valves that prevent reverse or retrograde flow of lymph.
The vessels slowly deliver fluid to groups of lymph nodes consisting of lymphoid tissue, which contains:
- lymphocytes;
- plasma cells;
- reticulocytes are young red blood cells.
Immune cells “mature” in the nodes of the lymphatic system:
- B lymphocytes – produce antibodies and mobilize immune system in case of threat;
- T-lymphocytes - promote the breakdown of cells damaged by viruses.
The fluid released from the lymph nodes through large ducts enters the circulatory system. As can be seen in the diagram, there are only two lymphatic ducts in the body - right and left, which flow into the corresponding subclavian veins.
The organs of the lymphatic system are:
- spleen;
- thymus gland or thymus;
- tonsils.
The movement of lymph occurs from bottom to top due to the fact that the valves of this system allow fluid to pass in only one direction. Therefore, it is important to massage in the direction of its circulation: from the fingers to the thoracic lymphatic duct, from the toes to the inguinal lymph nodes.
Causes of enlarged lymph nodes
Since the lymphatic system is aimed at cleansing the body and ridding it of harmful microelements, enlarged lymph nodes always indicate the presence of pathology.
The following photo is an example of what it looks like swollen lymph node. IN in this case neck is affected.
The most common cause of enlarged lymph nodes is infection. They can be both local and generalized when inflammatory process first occurs in one lymph node and then spreads to others.
Autoimmune diseases, causing inflammation in the nodes - arthritis and lupus erythematosus.
Oncological diseases of the lymphatic system: Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Inflammation can also be caused by other types of cancer, the metastases of which spread to the lymph nodes.
Cleansing the lymphatic system
Since the lymphatic system performs a number of vital important functions, removing polluting bacteria, infections and cell breakdown products from the body, it also needs cleansing.
A sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, technogenic influence - all this disrupts its functioning and leads to stagnation of lymph in the body. As a result, pathogenic substances are not removed from the body, but remain in it, which reduces the overall level of immunity and increases the risk of autoimmune diseases.
Helps cleanse the lymphatic system healthy diet and undergoing a special massage.
The diet should include the following products:
- fresh herbs;
- seaweed;
- linseed oil;
- herbal teas.
To improve fluid outflow, you need to drink at least 7-8 glasses of clean water daily.
It will help to “revive” the processes of outflow and lymphatic drainage. However, it should only be done by a massage therapist trained in special techniques: the lymphatic system is very fragile, incorrect actions can damage the valves and cause backflow of fluid. All movements should be made in the direction of lymph flow - from bottom to top.
Lymphatic drainage:
- promotes the penetration of fluid from tissues into the capillaries and vessels of the system;
- accelerates lymph circulation;
- activates the process of cleansing blood vessels from cell decay products.
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