Without the lymphatic system, life cannot be sustained — people rarely hear about it or understand its complex work. The lymph system is closely related to the cardiovascular system, although its major function is as a defense mechanism. It:
- filters disease-causing organisms
- manufactures white blood cells
- generates antibodies
- distributes fluids and nutrients
- drains excess fluids and proteins left behind by capillary circulation — preventing tissue swelling is the inner excretory mechanism of the body, which is four times larger than the blood system
- provides the means for each cell to eliminate waste
The fluid that circulates within the system is called lymph. It is derived from blood plasma, although clearer and more watery, and lymph seeps through capillary walls to fill tissue spaces. Besides lymph, the lymphatic system includes lymphatic capillaries, larger vessel lymph nodes, glands, spleen, tonsils, and thymus.
Lymph and lymphatic vessels come into much more intimate relationships with metabolic tissues than blood. However, unlike the blood system which utilizes the heart as a pump, the lymph system, like veins, relies on skeletal muscle contractions to pump its components. Stimulating lymphatics with massage allows toxic sticky mucoid substances to be dumped into the colon for elimination.
Skin Brushing Benefits Skin brushing, done concurrently with rebounding and gastrointestinal cleansing, is highly effective for gently stimulating lymphatic flow and overall detoxification. The skin, the largest organ of elimination and absorption, eliminates over one pound of waste per day. Dry skin brushing stimulates sweat glands and increases blood circulation to underlying organs and tissues — a vital part of an intestinal cleansing program.