The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is associated with the circulatory and immune systems, but it is a separate system, along with the respiratory, digestive, excretory, nervous, endocrine, integumentary (comprising skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands), skeletal, muscular, and reproductive systems.

The lymphatic system is a component of the body's waste elimination system. It is made up of the spleen, thymus, tonsils, adenoids, bone marrow, Peyer's patches (in the small intestine), the appendix, the lymph vessels (transportation tubes), and lymphatic nodes (filters).

Its primary function is to transport lymph-containing lymphocytes (infection-fighting white blood cells) and to collect and filter waste (proteins and cellular debris) and foreign agents, such as bacteria, viruses, and infected cells, moving them toward elimination.

Approximately twenty liters of blood flow through your body's arteries, arterioles, and capillaries daily in the circulatory system. After delivering nutrients to the body's cells and tissues and receiving their waste products, only two-thirds of the waste products are returned to circulation through the veins (venous return system). The remaining liquid (lymph) seeps through the capillaries and into your body's tissues via the lymphatic vessels (tubes), which connect to the lymph nodes (600-700), where the lymph is filtered. It flows into the lymphatic ducts (located just below the neck and above the heart), where it is drained into the subclavian vein and then returns to the bloodstream.

Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is an open network that both releases and collects fluids, but it lacks a pumping system. The movement of lymph in the vessels (tubes) happens as you breathe and when you move your muscles, along with the action of the venous (veins) return system, which pulsates the lymph upwards from the lower extremities.

Their movement is only upward because of valves that prevent backflow. As the muscles contract, these valves open, and the vessels push the fluid up. As the muscles relax, these valves prevent the backflow of the lymphatic fluid by closing. This part of the skeletal-muscular pump prevents the backflow of the lymphatic fluid.

The most common condition associated with this system is lymphatic congestion, which develops over time as the lymphatic system fails to drain properly, resulting in the accumulation of toxins and cellular waste in the body. This is where the practices of Ayurveda and Yoga play an essential role in maintaining the body, mind, and spirit's health by naturally clearing the body of congestion.

In Ayurveda, the lymphatic system is referred to as the "river of life"; the lymph fluid is likened to water. One of Ayurveda's foundational practices is Panchakarma, which is detoxification and rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit. Abhyanga, a "lymphatic" massage, is a fundamental therapy that uses synchronized movements to release toxins from the tissues, ultimately facilitating their elimination.

Although there are many differences from other forms of exercise, yoga is considered the premier form because it emphasizes every part of the body, naturally contracting and relaxing the muscles, which facilitates the movement of toxins towards purification and elimination.

Inverted poses are crucial because they facilitate lymphatic drainage from the lower extremities by reversing gravity. In contrast, twisting, forward bending, and backbends compress the muscles and organs, forcing the lymph upwards through the thoracic ducts. Standing and sitting asanas are beneficial because the contraction and relaxation of leg muscles activate the skeletal-muscular pumping system. The pranayama practice contracts and relaxes the respiratory muscles, directing the lymph through the lymphatic ducts.