It is a vast network of vessels, nodes and ducts that extends throughout the body at both a superficial level, just below the skin, and deep with the body, surrounding organs and glands.

Recent research has highlighted that the lymphatic system extends into the brain, where it is called the ‘glymphatic system’. Further research has identified minute lymphatic vessels within our bones, which were previously thought to be excluded from this system.

The fluid carried by the lymphatic system is called ‘lymph’, a name given hundreds of years ago when it was first discovered and recorded. The body has three times more lymph than blood and produces around 3 litres per day.

Lymph fluid begins as plasma re-absorbed from the interstitial fluid and absorbs and transports metabolic waste from normal physiological processes, proteins, toxins, neurotransmitters and hormones, immune cells, pathogens, dead cells and other cellular debris.

The contents of lymph also vary depending on where it is in the body. For example, it carries long chain fatty acids, big fat molecules, from our small intestine, so fatty foods put a burden on the lymphatic system.

It is the drainage system of the body, and is, in fact, an amazing re-cycling system. Lymph passes from smaller lymphatic vessels through a series of lymph nodes which act like sorting stations into larger collecting vessels. The nodes act like filters and the immune cells present either destroy pathogens there and then or else code them for later destruction by another type of immune cell elsewhere in the immune system.

It is the main transport and communication link for the immune system. It is easy to visualise how a clear and fast-moving system can influence the speed and effectiveness of immune response.

Lymph travels in a one-way flow, against gravity towards an area at the base of the neck on each side, just above the heart, where it re-enters the blood circulatory system.

It is a detoxification pathway that supports the detoxification organs of the body, the skin, lungs, liver and kidneys. It is not a detoxification system within itself.

One of its main and vital roles is maintaining the fluid balance within the body. Puffiness and oedema are clear signs of slow-moving lymph. Considering the volume of fluid within the body the role of the lymphatics is vital to life.

In Eastern medicine the lymphatic system belongs to the Water Element and so relates toour emotions. It could be considered a mirror of our emotional resilience and ability to ‘go with the flow’ experiencing and releasing emotions with ease.

In a metaphysical (non-physical) sense the lymphatic system refers to our sense of self-worth, and self-devaluation emotions/conflicts impact the functioning of the system.