Unlike the circulatory system that is pumped by the heart, the lymphatic system has no pump of its own.

Muscular/skeletal movement supports the circulation of lymph.

Lymphatic flow is one-way, with valves along the inside of the vessels to prevent backflow.

Clusters of lymph nodes are located at the hinges of the body, behind the knees, at the top of the thigh where it meets the torso, just under our diaphragm, under the armpits and at the base of the neck to avail of the movement of the limbs.

The superficial lymphatic vessels of the skin, our largest immune organ, sit just 2mm below the skin in the dermis, ready to drain away toxins and pathogens that the skin encounters. It also supports speedy wound healing by draining the injury and providing the immune cells required to heal. These superficial vessels drain into deeper lymphatic vessels.

All our organs are supported by the lymphatic system. It cleans and feeds every system within the body. By absorbing waste and debris, the lymphatic system supports healthy physiological functioning.

The network of lymphatic vessels is organised into sections within the body, known as watersheds, much like a map. Lymph travels to collection vessels that coalesce into larger collecting vessels. Lymph from the feet and legs travels towards the knees then the inguinal nodes at the top of the thighs. A sac like landmark vessel, the cisterna chyli exists in the centre of the abdomen which collects lymph from the lower limbs, the kidneys, pelvis and adrenals, most of the abdominal wall and gastrointestinal system.

The cisterna chyli connects to the thoracic duct, the largest lymphatic vessel in the body. The thoracic duct travels up through the diaphragm towards the left side of the neck where lymph re-enters the blood circulation at the junction of the left subclavian and internal jugular veins.

Most of the body’s lymph re-enters at the left side. The upper right quadrant of the chest, the right arm, right side of the neck and head drain into the right junction of the right subclavian and internal jugular veins.

It is affected by the state of our autonomic nervous system. It is only in the ‘rest and digest’, parasympathetic state that body maintenance and healing can occur. Sympathetic nervous system activation takes energy away from the healing response, so prolonged sympathetic activation results in an excess of lymph slowing cortisol in the body.

Slow moving or stagnant lymph flow can become a seedbed for discomfort and disease.