Supporting the Lymphatic System – by Vanessa Angulo, LMT

Supporting the Lymphatic System  

By Vanessa Angulo, LMT

The lymphatic system assists with the transportation of fluid and the removal of waste from the body. This system takes metabolic debris from the tissues and transfers it to the urinary and digestive systems for removal. The lymphatic system is also responsible for transporting substances and cells to the immune system to signal a response. Lymph fluid is important to the body’s every function and how it moves throughout the body could be a factor in determining our level of wellness.  

 

In Ayurvedic medicine, rasa dhatu refers to the foundational waters of the body (lymphatic fluid and plasma). Rasa dhatu is ruled by the element of water and the dosha of kapha (earth-water), therefore, it shares those qualities and helps determine the balance of kapha in the body. Healthy rasa dhatu is clear, functions properly, and flows freely without stagnation, and the immunity and waste removal systems work optimally. The skin free of blemishes and moist, the eyes are clear, the body is not overrun with mucus, and the urine is lighter in color. When the rasa dhatu is not in good condition, the dosha of kapha in the body could have been depleted by the vata (air-ether) and pitta (fire) doshas. The skin becomes dry, the eyes are red or easily irritated, mucous membranes are also dry, and it becomes harder for the body to resist disease, and remove toxins. The kapha dosha could also be overactive which causes swelling in the hands and feet, heavy tear and sweat production, heavy menstruation, acne, fatigue, dark urine, and intestinal issues. Encouraging the body to improve the natural flow of the rasa dhatu during the shift into the Autumn season helps remove the heat from the pitta season of late summer and primes the tissues for the dryness in the vata season of early winter and the cold, wet, slower kapha season of late winter.  

 

Lymphatic drainage massage is an excellent way to assist the rasa dhatu with its primary functions–transporting, cleaning the systems, and balancing the kapha dosha. Lymphatic drainage massage is a light-touch therapeutic treatment in which the practitioner’s hands are strategically placed on the body and uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to encourage the body’s natural lymph flow. It moves the lymph under the skin for more regular processing and toxin removal. It motivates circulation and the balance of fluid or kapha in the tissues.  

 

Lymphatic drainage massage improves the digestion of fats with the stimulation of the deep abdominal lymph nodes that support the process. During autumn we celebrate and socialize which usually involves eating more or eating foods we don’t necessarily eat on a regular basis–more sweets, starches, and dense fatty kapha-based foods. Too much kapha in the intestines can cause sluggishness. When it comes to supporting the lungs, lymphatic drainage massage helps the body properly process the immune response of excess mucus in the chest and nasal cavities caused by invading pathogens. Planning for the winter holidays in autumn can bring about stress and restless sleep. Being very busy or anxious increases the vata dosha in the body. Because it is a light touch and gentle massage modality, it calms the sympathetic nervous system which produces the “fight or flight” response, by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system for deep relaxation. The parasympathetic nervous system must be active for the body to open its innate healing space. Lymphatic drainage massage also helps reduce pain and muscle spasms with the removal of metabolic debris from the muscle tissues.  

 

Healthy lymphatic or rasa dhatu flow is a sign of a well-functioning immune system and balanced doshas in the body. Supporting the lymphatic system with manual lymphatic drainage massage aids in natural bodily functions and protects the body against illness and fatigue during the pitta season of late summer and early fall. It is also a constructive way to keep the elements of the three doshas in balance before we tackle the very busy and social season of winter.