Lymphatics are a network of organs, vessels and tissues in the body that are a vital part of your immune system. It is essentially your clean up and security crew rolled into one; cleans house, removes waste, identifies trouble makers.

Every day approximately 20 litres of fluid from your blood flows through out your body, most of which is filtered and absorbed back into circulation to keep you functioning. The lymph system does the filtering.

Tonsils and Adenoids are first line of defence, they trap pathogens from the air and food that enters the body.

Bone marrow makes Platelets, Red and White Bloods cells.

Thymus gland located under the sternum (breast bone) makes T-Cells, these are your storm troopers, that fight off invaders.

Spleen filters the blood and makes sure the Red blood cells circulating the body are still up to the task, it removes old or damaged ones, and keeps a supply in backup should you suddenly need them.

Lymph nodes, bean-shaped glands that monitor and clean the lymph, checking for broken down cells, cancer cells or pathogens. There are 600 of these guys spread around the body, often linked in chains, to make sure nothing slips through the security system.

Like any drainage system, it can become blocked up, clogged up, or congested with debris. If your house is a mess, there needs to be a clear path to the front and back door in order to, clear out the garbage. Blocked drains need to be unblocked, for fluid to flow. It’s the same principle in us.

How can I keep my lymphatic system healthy?

To keep your lymphatic system strong and healthy, you should:

• Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals like those found in food, drink, drugs, pesticides, household cleaning products, and human body products (makeup, deodorants, perfume, aftershave, skincare, tattoos, sunscreen, nail polish, body soaps, spray tans, shampoo/conditioner, hair dye). These chemicals can build up in your system, damage cells and make it much harder for your body to filter waste.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated so lymph can easily move throughout your body. 1 Litre per 22kg of body weight per day.
• Move your body! Lymph vessels are not pumped by the heart, they require muscle movement for the valves to open and fluid to flow back toward the chest and bloodstream. When you sit, you create all these 90 degree angles that impact fluid flow from the legs and arms back to the centre of the body. Moving every 20mins is the ideal, particularly if you spend most of your day seated. All you have to do is bounce on your feet.
• Keep a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise (use gravity) and a nutritious whole food plant heavy diet.

Dr Perry, a chiro from the USA, is the go-to guy on all things lymph. He is passionate about educating people, helping them understand their body, and teaches how to self-release this system.

Stop Chasing Pain is his channel, which has extremely valuable presentations covering multiple body systems. I recommend checking it out. The Lymph Playlist particularly, including The Big 6 Reset.

Rebounding is an excellent full body workout suitable for all ages and ranges of fitness. We like Earth and Owl, loads of workout options from beginners to advanced, with good clear instructions.