Jan. 2, 2021, 7 a.m.
Flowing through a network of lymph nodes and vessels, lymph fluid is a clear liquid made up of lymphocytes. It comprises many white blood cells, which play an essential role in protecting the body from illnesses. It also contributes to eliminating cellular waste and maintaining an optimum level of body fluids.
Lymph fluids carry virus and bacteria from the body right back into the bloodstream, and these viruses are then removed from the blood, by the liver and kidneys in the form of bodily waste, and thrown out of the system. This process is vital to maintaining healthy immunity. Sometimes bacteria and viruses are trapped by lymph nodes, which can cause them to swell and become sensitive to touch.
There are two types of lymphocytes, namely B-cells and T-cells. Both of these originate as 'stem cells' in the bone marrow, and a few which travel to the thymus become T-cells. T-cells' primary role is to kill cancer cells and regulate our body's response to foreign substances, while B-cells' job is to make antibodies to fight those foreign objects. Another type of lymphocyte is NK-cell, and it is responsible for reacting quickly to any alterations in the body.
While a high level of lymphocytes can indicate your body trying to fight an infection or inflammation, it can also be a sign of conditions like Lymphocytosis associated with chronic illnesses, blood cancers, and autoimmune disorders. Low levels of lymphocytes can be caused due to various issues like:
A blood test is administered to check your lymphocytes level, which provides you with the required data, it is called a B and T cell screen, the average level of which in children, is between 3,000 and 9,500 lymphocytes in 1 µL of blood and for adults, it is between 1,000 and 4,800 lymphocytes in 1 microliter (µL) of blood.
As a part of the Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT), Lymphatic Massage is carried out to lessen swelling and improve circulation through the lymphatic system. It uses gentle pressure on the muscles in various parts of the body. Apart from benefitting the lymphatic system alone, this massage also helps people who are facing health problems such as:
Lymphatic massage also helps with tissue regeneration and getting rid of toxins/waste and improving metabolism and boosting the immune system. While there are many positives of this treatment, it is not advised for people with congestive heart failure, kidney problems, circulation issues or blood clots. If you are considering getting this massage, it would be ideal to have an open conversation with your general physician and determine if it is a good fit.
Yours in self-care,
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