THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

O
ver the entire human body stretches a remarkable
network of tiny, transparent one way vessels,
somewhat like knotted lace in appearance. This is
lymphatic system. Through its microscopic conduit flows a
mysterious, straw-coloured fluid known as the lymph. The lymph bathes all of the body cells.

The lymph is derived from blood plasma.

Along the lymphatic system there are hundreds of filtering stations known as nodes. These
lymphatic nodes are of varying sizes (From mustard seed to French-bean); they produce
lymphocytes and are body's fortresses to fight infection. They are located all over, but mainly
clustered in groin, arm pits, neck and intestines.

The lymph is pressed forward by the contraction of surrounding muscles pressure of

breathing and blood vessels. Valves prevent backward flow.

Lymph fluid can pool in the legs and feet which then swell, the pooling can be caused by:

 Plugged lymph nodes.

 Heart disorder.
 Too much intake of salts.
 Sides’ effects of medications.

The lymphatic system finally drains its fluid into veins at the base
of the neck. The waste and the excess fluid are removed from the
blood by the kidneys and eliminated by urination. Besides the
lymphatic, the system includes lymphatic capillaries, larger
vessels; lymph node consists of certain glands which are spleen,
tonsils, adenoids and thymus.

THE SPLEEN

It is an organ of the abdomen sitting behind the stomach and

cupping the left edge of the pancreas. The largest mass of
lymphatic tissues is the spleen. It is spongy mass capable of
holding one litre of blood. It is a valuable organ.

Functions of the spleen

 Production of protective anti bodies and white blood cells (erythrocytes).

 Filter lymph fluids, the same way as the lymphatic nodes.
 Remove and destroy old and deformed red blood cells.
 Iron storage.
 Helps to produce haemoglobin from old cells.
 Stores extra blood for release when shortage occurs.
 Iron storage.
THE TONSILS AND ADENOIDS

The tonsils are behind the oral cavity and the adenoids behind the nasal cavity. They are
composed of masses of lymphoid tissues that is why included in this system. The only
known functions of the tonsils are the formation of antibodies as special filters.

THE THYMUS

It is a both an endocrine as well as lymph gland, located behind the upper part of the breast
bone. It contains lymphocytes that are important in the body’s defence mechanism against
diseases and is also involved in acceptance/rejection of graft or foreign organs. There is still
considerable ignorance as to how the thymus does its work and it is a subject of regular
research.

Closely allied with Cardiovascular System and therefore every area we work indirectly helps
the lymphatic vessels of that area. However, there are several vital areas which should always
be considered when working this system.

GROIN

The location is where the foot joins the leg on both the feet. Work
this area with your thumb or index fingers. By placing your hand on
top of the foot you can do the thumb walking or finger walking at
this joint, holding the foot by placing one hand under the heel.
Hands can be changed for working the inside and outside parts of
area.

Incidentally, this reflex is common with that of fallopian

tube/seminal vesicles. Also apply relaxing technique of ankle
rotation.

CHEST, LUNG AND BREAST AREA

All the four troughs of both the feet at metatarsal padding are to be worked from both top and
bottom in the same manner as explained in respiratory system for lungs.

TONSILS AND ADENOIDS

Reflex is not at the base of the toe joining the feet, but 1/3rd above the base. Let
index finger work from inside edge to outside on the top of the great toe. The
thumb will work inside edge to the outside edge on the bottom of the toe. Helper
area for tonsils/adenoids will be the small toe.
THYMUS
Reflex is located below the thyroid reflex and alongside of the upper thoracic. The area
"relative to thyroid" is also for the thymus. We had/will discuss with endocrine system.It is
an important organ for growth in children.

SPLEEN
The reflex is between 4th and 5th zone on the left foot from the waist line to
half way between the waist lines to diaphragm line. Work this area upward
with the right thumb and downward with the left thumb. When you work with
right hand, left hand is the holding hand and vice versa. While working this
area, keep changing the position of the thumb slightly to cover the width.
Tender area should be covered by working across as well.

DISORDERS OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

DISORDER DESCRIPTION REFLEX AREA

Ankles (swollen) The presence of abnormally Kidneys, Adrenals, Lymph

large amount of fluid in the System, Referral Area:
tissue spaces around the Wrist.
ankles.
Breast lumps Most lumps of the breast are Chest/Lungs, Lymph System,
benign and are usually Pituitary.
infected lymph nodes.
Oedema The presence of abnormally Lymph System, Kidneys,
large amount of fluid in the Adrenals.
intercellular tissue spaces of
the body.
Fluid Retention Same as oedema Lymph System, Kidneys,
Adrenals.
Infections An invasion of the body by Adrenals, Lymph System,
bacteria. Region or Area Affected.
Leukemia A disease of the blood- All Glands, Lymph System,
forming organs, Spleen.
characterized by an increase
in the number of leucocytes
and their precursors in the
blood, causing enlargement
and proliferation of the
lymphoid tissue of the
spleen, lymphatic glands, and
bone marrow.
Sore Throat Inflammation of the throat Lymph System, All Toes,
and tonsils. Great Toes, Adrenals,
Cervical.
Tonsillitis Inflammation of the tonsils, a Great Toes, Lymph System,
small mass of lymphoid All Toes, Adrenals, Cervical
tissue.

Kuldeep Mongaa/AIAAR(R) 2009. Please take permission or give a credit line before republishing or using this material.