Benefits of Compression therapy & Promoting Lymphatic Drainage
Photos By The Good Vibe Media
What is the Lymphatic System and why is it so important for our immune system?
We’ve all heard of lymph nodes, but that may be all of our knowledge of the lymph system. To give glimpse, think of how lymph nodes tend to swell when you are sick, this is because they are a major part of the immune system and a minor part of the circulatory system 1. When a lymph node is swollen, it has accumulated foreign pathogens (bacteria, virsues, parasites, etc.), proteins and cellular debris from the “bug” that has infected the body and the immune system’s response to this foreign invader.
On a large scale, the lymphatic system is incredibly important as it filters 3 liters of the 20 L of blood that the body recirculates throughout your whole body every day, and cleanses out all of the waste materials out of this fluid to avoid toxic build up, congestion, disease and infection 1. You can imagine that if the lymphatic system is congested or slower moving due to sedentary lifestyle, poor eating, decreased water intake, numerous diseases, many problems can occur because of its vital role in clearing out cellular waste.
What is Normatec Compression Therapy and how does it work?
Compression therapy utilizes controlled pressure created by air inflating the Normatec Device to apply pressure to the arms, legs or hips, depending on the device used. The Normatec segmentally compresses from the hands or legs, up to the torso to increase the flow of blood and lymph to heart . By pumping blood from the arteries, veins and lymph systems straight to the heart, the body can efficiently recycle toxins, accumulated fluid and cellular debris to be released by the urine or stool. Massages and compression stockings or compression socks aim to achieve a similar goal, but much less efficiently 4. When your body is supported in the way it needs to be, it knows how to respond.
Benefits of compression therapy
decreases swelling and inflammation through mechanical compression
decreases muscle recovery time through recycling cellular waste efficiently
reduces muscular pain
Increasing flexibility and circulation to joints
Efficiently removes wastes such lactic acid that leads to muscular soreness
improves first-stage varicose veins
promotes an efficient immune system
Other ways to support the efficiency of the lymph system
Adequate hydration
Cold exposure to promote efficient circulation and decrease inflammation
Infrared sauna to mobilize and free up toxins from the fat tissue and organs
Lymph brushing (video attached) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YnVb9Ie-r0
Reducing intake of known food allergens, food sensitivities and processed foods
Please consult with a doctor to find out what support is best for you.
References:
1 M. Null, Manuj Agarwal, 2020. Anatomy, Lymphatic System. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513247/
2 S. Laio, et al, 2013. Lymphatic Function and Immune Regulation in Health and Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3780287/.
3 H. Partsch, et al., 2012. Compression Therapy: Clinical and Experimental Evidence.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3641539/.
4B. Nair, 2014. Compression therapy for venous leg ulcers.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144247/
Disclaimer:
All information posted is merely for education and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional or medical advice. Please consult with your Primary Care Physician if you have any concerns or questions. Should you decide to act upon any information on this website, you do so at your own risk.
Author
Julia Feindt is currently completing her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Through her own healing journey, countless hours of self study, experiential learning and clinical hours, she has found special interest in utilizing the naturopathic modalities as well as tools that have personally assisted her own healing, to empower others to transform pain into power. Instagram @Julia_Feindt