Lymph and Breast Health

Lymphatic magic… the best kept secret to our health. It’s time to expose its importance!

I have been doing massage for 18 years and esthetics for 12. The lymph system was not a big piece of my education; however, the more I learn about it the more I wonder why we didn’t dive deeper into this system! Let’s jump in and explore some of the basics.

The lymph system is comprised of several nodes, vessels, and ducts, as well as several organs such as our tonsils, bone marrow, spleen and thymus. It functions as a network and the majority of our body and cells are bathed in lymphatic fluid. The lymph system is a crucial part of our immune system as its role is to circulate fluids and nutrients and filter out toxins.

Within the vessels, lymph fluid contains proteins, minerals, and nutrients which provides nourishment to our organs and tissues; however, it also carries out damaged cells, toxins, bacteria, and viruses which have accumulated in our tissues. It is also responsible for helping to create new fresh red blood cells that are full of nutrients and oxygen. If we don’t get rid of the old how do we make room for the new?  Think of a pond with no circulation that turns “swampy”. This is what occurs when our lymph system is not functioning properly.

The lymphatic system does not move on its own, this system requires movement from our body, breath and from massage in order to circulate properly.

The lymphatic system has 500-600 nodes in the human body. Lymph nodes are areas where lymph collects, and ⅓ of them are located above the shoulders. This is also where 90% of humans hold stress and tight muscles. Tight muscles, dehydration, stress, toxic overload (antiperspirant), bras (especially underwire) are all a few examples of things that prevent the lymph system from flowing properly. Toxins may accumulate in our lymph by entering our mouth, eyes, gut, and through our largest organ- our skin. This happens when we eat processed foods, are exposed to poor air quality, and even from using skin care products that are full of preservatives. Deodorants are a good example of products that may be full of harmful ingredients; however, the list goes on!

So, if the lymphatic system isn’t circulating properly then the toxins are not filtered. This could cause superficial problems on the surface of the skin, such as hyperpigmentation, sun spots, fine lines, puffiness and sagging skin. However, it could also affect deeper parts of the body by causing tender nodes (think when you start to get a cold and you get a sore, swollen throat). It could also affect the immune system and cause tenderness and or fibroids in your breast. When the lymphatic system is “stuck” and stagnant, (i.e. not working properly) it moves toxins to fat in order to remove it from vital organs. Headaches, muscle pain, fibroids in the breast and breast tenderness can be a symptom of a lymph problem. The health of the lymphatic system is so important, as when it is flowing with ease it has the ability to fight off common colds, potential viruses, and cells that have been filled with carcinogenic toxins.

Now that you are seeing how important the lymph system is- let’s discuss how this directly correlates with breast health! Many of our lymph nodes are located around the areas of our breast, so, the state of our lymph system is intimately tied to our breast health. As published in the Journal of Lymphatic Research and Biology: “there is growing evidence that the lymphatic system also contributes to a number of diseases, such as lymphedema, cancer metastasis and different inflammatory disorders.” Underwire bras and detrimental ingredients in antiperspirant can cause stagnation in the lymph and nodes in the breast and chest area. Underwire bras constrict lymph flow and prevent the lymph system from filtering toxins. This may, over time, contribute to a higher risk of cancer.

Now that we know about the ill effects a stagnant lymphatic system can have on our health, what do we do to be sure its functioning properly?

Lymphatic breast and chest massage is super beneficial to promote circulation and lymph flow and helps us to rid the toxic load that bogs down the flow of lymph. Loosening up tight muscles and promoting circulation with massage will help to move out stagnant fluids and toxins that may have accumulated.

Are you starting to see why this system is so important to our health and really should not be kept secret any longer?! The lymph system is really so important, especially for women’s health!

I encourage you to start doing your own breast exams in order to learn about your body and your breast health. For tips on how to do a self-breast exam, and what things to look for, be sure to make an appointment for the Lymphatic chest and breast massage at Balanced Thistle. I am happy to help you sort through all the unknowns!

Post written by Kandi Arnold (LE, LMT) and edited by Samantha Kloss (L.Ac.)