The Lymphatic System is a one-way drainage and fluid transportation system, and the route it takes around the body follows that of the Circulatory System. The job of the Lymphatic System is to act as the body’s waste disposal network.
Lymph is quite similar to blood, although it has a more fluid-like consistency, and it is via lymphatic fluid that nutrients are transported which provides nourishment to the cells of every tissue.
Lymphatic fluid is a colourless fluid containing white blood cells which help in the fight against infection. Bacteria and viral invaders are rounded up by lymphatic vessels and carried to the lymph nodes where they are broken down and eliminated from the body.
The Lymph Nodes are small glands which filter out the bad stuff from the lymphatic fluid as it passes through them, trapping and destroying bacterial particles before disposing of the debris to prevent it from re-entering the blood flow.
As the body moves during normal activity, the muscles contract and squeeze, which pushes lymphatic fluid around the body. Using sweeping massage strokes, we can also manually support this process. Keeping lymph flowing is important because it cleanses the tissues, flushing toxic waste out and allowing fresh infection-fighting fluid containing white cells to flood into those areas.
The Spleen is the largest of the Lymphoid organs, the job here is to destroy worn-out old red blood cells, as well as filtering out bacteria and the production of lymphocytes for use by the Immune System.
Soft tissue can become waterlogged when blood pressure in the capillaries is too high or too low which can result in oedema. Massage can help to improve the flow of lymphatic fluid, and is an excellent manual way to support senior dogs or those with reduced activity levels.
When we use effleurage strokes, we are working with the flow of lymphatic fluid, using sweeping strokes towards the heart and diaphragm where the main lymphatic ducts can be found, as the fluid is moved through the nearest lymph nodes it will be cleaned and filtered of toxins.
How massage assists the Lymphatic System
- Stagnant waste is pushed onwards for cleansing
- Tissues are flushed of old fluid allowing fresh infection-fighting fluid rich in white cells to flood in, this has the effect of boosting immunity in the body.
- The manual movement of nutrient-rich lymphatic fluid around the tissues of the body promotes recovery post injury, helping to reduce inflammation, muscle stiffness and pain.
- Elderly and inactive dogs are supported by massage, as lymphatic fluid is mechanically driven around the body it helps to keep their tissues supplied with fresh nutrients and reduces their risk of developing lymphoedema.
- Massage boosts the healing ability of the body, by increasing the production of lymphocytes, the body is better equipped to respond to antigens.
- The movement of lymph around the body boosts overall health, promoting healthy, clean tissue with a good supply of nutrition and defense against bacterial invasion.
Contact me
If you would like to discuss your dog’s issues to see if they may benefit from Clinical Canine Massage, please get in touch with me via email: clinic@seekak9massage.co.uk
Or visit my website: www.seekak9massage.co.uk
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