FAQ

WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM? +

The lymphatic system is a critical part of the immune system, and protects us from illness and damaging, disease-causing inflammation. The lymphatic system is best described as the body’s inner “drainage system,” a network of blood vessels and lymph nodes that carry fluids from tissues around the body into the blood and vice versa.

The main function of the lymphatic system is to protect our body from outside threats — such as infections, bacteria and cancer cells — while helping keep fluid levels in balance.

Lymphatic vessels carry fluid (called lymph, which stores our white blood cells) that is managed through “valves,” which stop fluid from traveling the wrong way, similar to how blood flow works within the arteries and veins.

In addition to the lymph vessels and nodes, the lymphatic system (also sometimes called “the lymph system“) includes several other organs:

  • Tonsils: glands located at the back of your throat that filter bacteria before digestion takes place
  • Adenoids: a gland located at the back of your nose that protects the entrance to the digestive system and lungs
  • Spleen + Thymus: filtering organs that scan the blood and produce white blood cells

HOW DOES THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM WORK? +

The lymphatic system's job is to protect us from getting sick. The microbes, bacteria and toxins that we come into contact with every day enter our bodies and make their way into the lymphatic fluid. Eventually, the fluid containing these organisms can get trapped inside lymph nodes, which is where the immune system “attacks” any perceived threats by attempting to destroy them with white blood cells.

It is in our lymph nodes that bacteria is filtered out and white blood cells are produced, utlized as a means to defend our bodies from illness, and then replenished.

Likely you are familiar with lymph nodes because they tend to swell when you are sick. Lymph nodes are found around the body, some of the most prominent locations being the throat, groin, armpits, chest and abdomen. Lymph nodes are located close to major arteries since the lymphatic system connects to the blood flow to keep the blood clean.

The lymph nodes are able to detect when harmful organisms have made their way into the body, which prompts them to make more infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Lymph fluid also makes its way through the spleen and thymus in addition to the lymph nodes before emptying into the bloodstream. The spleen is another filtering organ that is located inside the abdomen under the diaphragm. It has the important role within the immune system of removing dangerous microbes, balancing fluids, and destroying old or damaged red blood cells.

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF A STRESSED LYMPHATIC SYSTEM? +

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Swelling in lymph nodes
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Joint pains
  • Sore throats and frequent infections or viruses
  • Fibromyalgia symptoms
  • Arthritis
  • Fluid retention
  • Even cancer formation

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CLEARING OUT MY LYMPHATIC SYSTEM? +

The lymphatic system consists of dozens of glands,lymph nodes, as well as the spleen, tonsils, and thymus. Its primary purpose is to carry toxins out of our tissues and toward our blood stream, so the kidneys and livers can ultimately filter it out.

By improving this system, you allow your body to better detoxify itself. Your body will be more efficient at removing byproducts of the foods you eat, the medications you take, and other toxins you may have been exposed to or have created from your health challenges.

Plus, impaired lymphatic systems have been scientifically linked to cellulite. The trapped toxins lead to small pockets of fat across the body and, over time, can cause weight gain or even obesity. By simply clearing out the lymphatic system, you can help eliminate cellulite and kick-start your weight loss goals, boost your lymphatic system, detoxify your body, help aid in remission of your autoimmune or keep it in remission.

To see pictures of drainage from MACSL treatments, please click here and here.

WHAT CAN I DO TO SUPPORT MY LYMPHATIC SYSTEM? +

  • Get our MACSL massage: Our propietary technique can improve your stagnated lymph fluid. It frees up toxins that are trapped in your internal organs body muscles and fascia. It will get your lymphatic system flowing. You will feel the effects and "opened up" immediately after your first session.
  • Exercise: Exercising regularly helps the lymphatic system flow better, it allows toxins to move more readily toward the blood. To get the most benefit, try stretching, yoga (not hot), and rebounding on a trampoline.
  • Drink water:Drink 32oz to 70oz of water daily. Water is crucial to the lymph fluid, and without it, your lymphatic system simply can’t function. Drink water daily add a few drops of fresh squeezed lemon just to ensure the water is absorbed by your cells.
  • Eat clean and raw fruit: Avoid all processed foods.Some Foods that improve lymphatic flow are: Fruits (are full of acids and enzymes that can clean out your lymphatic system; if possible, eat raw fruits when your stomach is empty, as these will provide the most benefits), citrus (lemons, limes, navel oranges, tangerines, blood oranges, and grapefruit), berries (cranberries),greens (all dark greens), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, chia, hemp,and flax), herbs and spices (tumeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamon, coriander, and black pepper), raw nuts (these are full of fatty acids to help your lymphatic system; almonds and walnuts are great choices, but avoid cashews if you have a history of kidney stones).
  • Schedule time in our near infrared sauna: A near infrared sauna is one of the most powerful ways to detox your body; you sweat out toxins, regenerate tissues, and improve your lymphatic flow significantly. To scheudle time in our infared sauna please call (949) 369-1029 or make arrangements with your practitioner.
  • Breathe: Deep breathing acts a pump for your lymph fluid, helping to guide it from your tissues toward your blood stream. Take a few minutes each day to relax and breathe deeply. Try breathing deeply in for 8 seconds, holding for 8 seconds, and then exhaling. This will give you an immediate boost.
  • Dry brush: Dry brusing is a great way to stimulate the lmyphatic system. During your MACSL treatment, we use a natural bristle brush, and brush your skin in a circular motion from the toes all the way up to the stomach. These are the directions in which your lymph system flows, and it will help support proper function when done consistently over time.
  • Do Tai Chi: Practicing Tai Chi has been scientifically proven to improve the immune system. During a Tai Chi workout, there is a flow of steady, meditative movement and breath that focuses the mind and conditions the body. Experts hypothesize that these slow, gliding movements and controlled breathing combine in a powerful force against toxins and diseases. By bolstering the lymphatic system, the body’s natural defense system, Tai Chi protects against colds, flus and auto-immune diseases. Researchers tested a group of experienced Tai Chi practitioners for twelve weeks to measure the impact of the martial art on immunity, and discovered that it significantly boosted the regulatory action of T-cells. These white blood cells are instrumental in fighting against cold and flu infections and help the body combat chronic diseases like diabetes. Because Tai Chi improves T-cell function, it is able to alter the immune response in individuals with type 2 Diabetes by controlling blood glucose levels. In addition to regulating blood sugar, Tai Chi improves physical functioning, vitality and overall mental health in individuals with diabetes.ai Chi also seems to have an additive effect on the efficacy of vaccines. In one study, two groups of individuals (control and Tai Chi group) were compared to determine if the influenza vaccine increased immunity antibodies created by the vaccine. The group practicing Tai Chi was found to have significantly more antibodies fighting against the flu. In a similar study with individuals who were given a varicella zoster virus vaccine (shingles and chicken pox virus), 25 weeks of Tai Chi doubled their immunity against the virus in comparison to a control group.
  • Elevate your legs: Lay on your back, and put your legs up against the wall. Since the lymphatic system flows from your feet up, this helps encourage drainage throughout the body.
  • Do hot and cold intervals: When showering alternate hot and cold to stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow.

DO YOU USE NATURAL PRODUCTS? +

Yes. All of our massages are conducted using organic, cold-pressed sesame oil. We use sesame oil because of its unique ability to penetrate all the way to the bone marrow and for its anti-inflammatory properties. Some benefits of sesame oil include: preventing contagious infections, enhancing quality of bones, supporting dental health, lowering blood pressure, helping prevent diabetes, boost metabolism and circulation, slow down skin aging process, providing moisture to the skin, and relief in rheumatoid arthritis pain.

Additionally, we offer skin care brands and wellness products that are creulty free and nontoxic such as: Epicuren, Qet, doTerra Essential Oils, and Ho’ala Skin Care.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT? +

All of the practitioners are independent contractors and manage their own scheudle; however we do work together to match you with the practitioner that will best fit your specific needs. If you know who you would like to schedule a session with, you may text or call that specific practitioner using the number located under their bio. If you are unsure who to scheudle with you can complete the contact form here and we will get back to you or you can call the office at (949) 369-1029.