Lymphatic system and skin
The Detox Lymphatic System for Vibrant Skin
We're sure you've heard about the lymphatic system before, perhaps from school science lessons. But not many know the important role it plays in the body and in the process of eliminating toxins.
When we talk about 'detoxing' or a detox cleanse, they're actually something that our body naturally does all the time. The liver and kidneys are our detoxification organs and they filter out toxins on a daily basis in order for them to be eliminated from the body.
But our lymphatic vessels also play an essential role in cleansing the body. In fact, maintaining a healthy lymphatic system is one of the best ways of supporting our overall health.
So, how do we do this? Can we detoxify better by looking after our lymphatic health? Can you detox your lymphatic system? What are the best ways to keep the lymphatic system strong and healthy?
Let's take a closer look at lymphatic flow, what a lymphatic massage is and how you might detoxify your lymphatic system.
What is the Lymphatic System?
Let's Start With a Bit of Anatomy. The lymphatic system is made up of a network of nodes, vessels and ducts that help the body get rid toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. It's primary function is to transport lymphatic fluid, or 'lymph', which is a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. Lymph fluid flows throughout the entire body and all of the organs, much like our blood does as it's carried through the circulatory system.
Lymphatic tissues take all the toxins from around the body and then transports them to the organs that are responsible for toxin elimination (such as the liver and kidneys). In turn, these organs then metabolise toxins and prepare them to be excreted from the body.
The lymphatic system needs stimulating and as such, is powered by breathing and movement, which is why exercising and breaking a sweat daily is so important to our overall wellbeing. It encourages the circulation of lymph fluid around the body and through the lymph nodes, in order to better eliminate toxins.
There are around 500 to 600 lymph nodes in the body, and they're found in areas such as the armpits and the groin. If we have an infection, these nodes will swell as they become filled with bacteria the lymph vessels are trying to eliminate.
As such, the flow of lymph is directly related to our immunity as the lymphatic system is part of the immune system. When bacteria and viruses enter the body, they lymph system produces naturally occurring white blood cells called lymphocytes. When these lymphocytes find the invading pathogens, they create antibodies that go on to fight the infection. It's also part of the circulatory system in terms of nutrient absorption, during which lymph and blood both play a role in the absorption of certain nutrients.
What Are the Symptoms of Lymphatic Congestion?
As well as cleansing, waste removal and forming part of the immune system, the lymphatic system plays a role in fluid balance within the body too.
The lymphatic system cleanses the whole body, so if you have a high level of toxicity there is a chance the lymphatic system can get clogged, which can lead to symptoms like joint pain, swelling, cellulite, acne and other skin breakouts.
Swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of lymph congestion, but they can also mean something more serious. If you notice any swellings in your armpits or groin, speak to your GP as soon as possible.
Skin wise, a puffy face and dull, dehydrated skin could also be a less serious sign that you may have a clogged lymphatic system could benefit from a lymphatic cleanse.
The Importance of Keeping the Lymphatic System Healthy
A healthy lymphatic system is a part of a healthy body, and vibrant, glowing skin. You can keep your lymphatic system in a healthy condition with manual lymphatic drainage techniques - more on those shortly.
How Does a Detox Help Lymph Flow?
Since the lymphatic system is a network of tissues and nodes, one of the easiest ways to cleanse the body and eliminate toxins, is to encourage waste removal in the lymphatic system.
And one of the best ways to detox your lymphatic system? Eat a healthy diet! It really is as simple as that! Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plant proteins and healthy fats are the order of the day, every day.
But there are other ways to detoxify and manage skin-associated lymphatic tissue blockages, and the best ways to stimulate lymphatic flow is by using a natural bristle brush or by having a lymphatic drainage massage.
What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Watch the video below to find out more about the lymphatic systems and ways that you can carry out a sensitive skin detox to improve your skin and your overall health.
Does Dry Brushing Stimulate the Lymph System?
Dry bristle brushing, using a natural bristle brush in the shower each day is one of the ways to help lymphatic circulation. Start at your feet, and with slow upward circular movements, work your way upwards towards your heart. Then, do the same on your arms, starting at your hands and wrists. This will help to get your lymphatic system moving - a perfect start to the day!
How to Decongest Your Lymphatic System
The Sönd Lymphatic Roller has been designed for use on the face, to help boost blood circulation and lymphatic function and reduce puffiness and muscle tension.
A well functioning lymphatic system helps the body remove toxins, which is great for a strong immune system and a good overall wellbeing. But it's also beneficial for healthy, glowing, youthful skin.
To assist and support your skin, the Sönd alkalising range of skincare products includes a cream cleanser and a day and night moisturiser. It's been specifically developed with contrary, stressed out, oily, acne prone, sensitive and dry skin in mind. We have skin that likes to act up, and we simply couldn't find a skin care brand that catered for our own acne prone, inflamed skin. So we created our own.
The result is a high quality range of skin care products, developed to suit all skin types, to nourish, hydrate and protect, deep within the lower layers of skin. So why not give us a try? It could be the best thing you've ever done for your skin! We promise you, you'll never look back!