Thanks to all of you who attended the “Amazing Lymphatic System” workshop on Sunday afternoon March 1.  What a dynamic group of seekers with inquiring minds- great fun! Radiance Yoga was a perfect  place to immerse ourselves in the wonders of our powerful guardian of  the inner waters- peaceful and beautiful.  

We learned about how the microscopic capillaries of the lymphatic system reach into almost every place in the body and serve as the entry point into the lymphatics, ushering the interstitial fluids surrounding the cells of our tissues through their tiny openings, and then on and on to the progressively larger and larger lymph vessels (though still small compared to the vessels of the circulatory system).  The lymph gradually becomes more concentrated with dissolved solids as it moves closer to the lymph nodes, as the permeable walls of the capillaries and vessels allow water to fall away.

Arriving at the nodes, the lymph is filtered and purified as the white cells of the immune system come into contact with antigens-bacteria, viruses, cancer cells and everything perceived as “not self”  and the cells go to work producing antibodies and mobilizing against these invaders.  Exiting the nodes through the lymph vessels, the lymph enters larger ducts and trunks and joins the circulatory system through the large veins entering the heart.  The waste gathered and filtered by the lymphatic system is now filtered by the liver and kidneys and excreted from the body.  Spring cleaning every day!

In addition to the anatomy and physiology of the  lymphatic system, we took a guided meditation through the body to get a better “felt sense” of how the lymphatic and circulatory systems interact.  We discussed various ways in which we can support our lymphatic health and took a closer look at the lymphatic drainage patterns of the breast and how breast health can be supported with a daily “fluffing” routine. We learned how to give ourselves a short self treatment to stimulate the flow of the lymph when we need extra immune support, and took home materials to guide us in maintaining the practice.

This workshop will be offered again in the fall.  Let me know if you are interested in being notified.  You can click on the “comments” icon next to the title “Lymph Drainage News” to leave your name and contact information.