What Chiropractic Patients Need to Know About the Lymphatic System
If you have ever been to the doctor for cold or flu-like symptoms, you will have had someone feel the lymph nodes along your jaw near your neckline. The doctor is checking to see if those lymph nodes are swollen, which indicates that your immune system is working overtime. What you may not be aware of is that you have numerous lymph nodes throughout your body, part of what is known as the lymphatic system. This system is a major part of your immune system and needs to be kept in good working order to keep you healthy.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels that travel throughout your body, a lot like your network of blood vessels. Along this system are lymph nodes, filters and ducts that seek to remove things like viruses and bacteria from your lymph fluid. Your lymphatic system is tasked with keeping you well – which is why it is so important to make sure things are working correctly.
Correcting Lymphatic System Issues through Chiropractic
Like so many of the systems in your body, the lymphatic system can malfunction. The lymphatic fluid can become thickened and clogged up so that the viruses and bacteria are not flushed from your body the way that they should be. If problems with the system persist, you could start to feel sick and stay that way until the problems are corrected. Fortunately, chiropractic can do a lot to help your lymphatic system work the way that it should.
There are several ways that chiropractic can help with lymphatic function, including:
Chiropractic Adjustments
Many of the lymph nodes and ducts that help clear your lymphatic fluid are located near your spine. If your spine gets out of whack, it can put pressure on those lymph nodes and keep them from operating correctly. But if you get an adjustment, it will help bring your spine back into alignment so that your lymph nodes can get back to doing what they do best.
Massage
Chiropractic care often includes the option of getting a massage to relax your muscles and soft tissues. However, massage can do more than just relax tense muscles. It can also help lymphatic function. There are actually massage techniques known as lymphatic massage that focus on assisting your lymphatic system. The right type of massage can help unclog lymph nodes, ducts and filters so that they are better able to process the unwanted material in your lymphatic fluid.
Lifestyle Advice
One of the great things about chiropractic care is how it focuses on your overall health. After your chiropractic adjustment, you can ask your chiropractor about how to live a healthier lifestyle in general. Your chiropractor can advise you on things like a healthy diet and exercise that can do a great deal to promote healthy lymphatic function. Just drinking enough water each day assists your lymphatic system by helping keep the fluid at the right consistency so that it can move through the system properly.
Electro-Lymphatic Drainage
Some chiropractic clinics utilize a tool to encourage your lymphatic system to cleanse and detoxify. Known as electro-lymphatic drainage, it uses electro-sound therapy to help break down congestion in the lymphatic fluid so that your body can improve lymphatic circulation significantly. A session lasts for around an hour and can significantly improve the flow of lymphatic fluid.
Help with Your Lymphatic System
Please contact us today to learn more about how our chiropractic team can help with your lymphatic system. We are standing by to answer your questions and help you schedule an appointment with a chiropractor.