Huntingdon Pennsylvania Yoga Massage Health Wellness

“Lymph: The Body’s Subtle Circulation”, by Susan Bruno, PT

When we think of the circulatory system we first think of the heart.  We can readily feel our hearts beating just by placing a hand on the left side of the chest.  We can also see blood in our veins.  The heart pumps blood out to the body at high pressure through the arteries, then the veins bring blood back to the heart and lungs for re-oxygenation.  This cycle repeats itself as the heart beats 60-80 times per minute to move some 8,400 liters of blood per day!  It’s  an impressive and noticeable  system (especially after running up a flight of stairs!).   But there is a second slower and lesser known pathway back to the heart from the body that is provided by the lymphatic system.

Unlike the blood system, the lymphatic system flows one way to the heart and carries lymph rather than blood.  Lymph starts out as the fluid that is between the cells.  This intercellular fluid gradually moves through tissue channels and is taken up by lymph capillaries where it officially becomes part of the lymphatic system. The vessels are delicate and the fluid moves at a slow rhythm (5-15 contractions per minute) and low volume (1.5-3 liters  per day).  Lymph consists of water, minerals, fats, enzymes, immune cells,  hormones, peptides, various toxins, cellular waste and proteins  (which are too large to be taken up by the venous system).   All these components flow along the lymph pathway.  This includes cycling  through lymph nodes which function as purification centers.  Lymph vessels generally follow the course of the veins and the larger ones have their own muscular pumps in the vessel wall called a “lymphangions”.  Eventually the vessels terminate at the angulus venosus (near the collar bone) before rejoining the heart.  In short, the lymphatic system helps to detoxify the body, regulate swelling and enhance immune function.

A number of things can impair lymph circulation including stress, fatigue, lack of physical activity, infections, trauma, parasites,  toxins, burns, and surgery.  This lymph stagnation can negatively influence health and in the extreme may lead to swelling called lymphedema.  Approximately three million people in the United States incur lymphedema following surgery related to breast or prostate cancer.  The swelling can be severe and may appear years after the surgery.  If the edema limits movement of the limb or impairs daily function specialized therapy is often required.  One therapeutic technique is called  Lymph Drainage Therapy(LDT) which was developed by Bruno Chikly, MD, DO (hon.).  Other forms of lymph treatment may be called “lymph massage” or “Manual Lymph Drainage” which follow the teachings of Emil Vodder.  LDT may need to be combined with Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP) in cases where the swelling has stretched the skin beyond its normal elasticity.  Special bandages and garments are used to prevent the edema from returning to the limb.  Where CDP is employed therapist certification is recommended.

To perform Lymph Drainage Therapy a health care provider must participate in specialized training through the Upledger Institute.  A wide variety of professionals may use LDT including doctors, chiropractors, dentists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and massage therapists.  The therapy is a gentle, hands on modality that stimulates the wave-like movement of lymph through stretching the skin.  It follows specific lymph pathways and anatomical landmarks. A practitioner with advanced training in LDT and Manual Lymph Mapping is able to assess rhythm, quality and direction of lymph flow anywhere in the body.

LDT is useful in the treatment of a variety of  diseases as well as being helpful in enhancing general health and well being.  The therapy has been shown to reduce edema, activate fluid circulation,  improve immune function, cleanse and detoxify body tissues and promote generalized relaxation.  Through these actions it can often benefit individuals with the following conditions: lymphedema and other edemas, trauma, pre and post surgical interventions (including dental surgery), sprains/strains, post exercise soreness, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain, migraines,  chronic sinusitis, gynecological disorders, sleeping disorders, substance abuse detoxification, chronic pain, fatigue, digestive disorders, acne/wrinkles and cellulite.

There are instances, however,  where this type of therapy would be contraindicated.  Any of the following conditions would preclude a person from having lymph work performed : acute infection or fever , serious circulatory problems such as thrombosis or venous obstruction, cardiac difficulties such as heart attack or angina, hemorrhage, kidney malfunction and active cancer.

The therapy requires between thirty minutes to one and a half hours depending on the area treated.  Some conditions respond rapidly and require just a few sessions.  Others respond more gradually.  The fee for service charged by area clinicians ranges from $20.00 to $60.00 related to the patients condition and training level of the therapist.  In some situations  insurance companies will reimburse for services provided.  Area practitioners trained in LDT and listed on the Upledger web site include:

Susan Bruno, PT : LDT I, LDT II, LDT III  658-2883

Linda Ferry, NCMT : LDT I, LDT II, LDT III, LDT Advanced  793-4112

Amanda Mhadhbi, CMT  : LDT I  643-9690

Debra States, OTR/L : LDT I, LDT II, LDT III  643-4058

Linda Yuhnke, CMT, LPN  : LDT I  643-2374

For more information or a list of specialists in surrounding areas contact the Upledger Institute at 561-622-4334 or see their web site at www.upledger.com.  The text, “Silent Waves, Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy” by Bruno Chikly, MD, DO can also be consulted.