How can the lymphatic system be strengthened?
Homeopathic remedies such as Lymphdiaral and Lymphomyosot are offered to strengthen the lymphatic system. Their use should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist. In naturopathy, aromatherapy is also used to strengthen the lymphatic system, using aromatic essences such as spruce, garlic, rosemary, sage and cloves. If these are to be taken orally, the therapy should be supervised by a therapist.
The most important lymph drainage systems
Approximately one third of all lymph nodes in the human body are located in the head and neck region, as the nasopharyngeal cavity is a crucial entry point for pathogens.The lymph is passed from a superficial to a deep system before being filtered for the first time in regional lymph node stations. Pathogens that have entered the body can be detected in the lymph nodes and an immune reaction can be initiated. Large lymph node stations in the area of the head and neck are located below the chin, in the area of the jaw angle (jaw joint), at the occipital bone (the part of the skull located at the back of the neck transition), at the mastoid, behind the ears, along the large venous vessels in the area of the neck and above the collarbone.
From the regional lymph nodes, the lymph flows along the lymph channels into so-called collecting lymph nodes. The deep cervical lymph nodes form the collection station for the lymph from the head and neck area. From there, the lymph flows along the large veins in the neck area into the truncus jugularis dexter or sinister, before it flows into a large vein leading to the heart approximately at the level of the collarbone.
On the right side the jugular trunk opens into the ductus lymphaticus dexter, which ends in the right vein angle. On the left, the jugular trunk ends in the thoracic duct, which in turn ends in the left vein angle. Swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck region are a common finding.
If they are painful and thickened, this is the most likely indication of an inflammation whose cause is usually a simple infection. Lymph nodes that are painless, thickened and hardened over a long period of time may be caused by a tumor, which is why a physician should always be consulted for clarification of chronically swollen lymph nodes. The neck lymph nodes can also be swollen in diseases that are not primarily located in the head and neck area.
Since the lymph is drained from the entire body into the left and right vein angle, which are located at the base of the neck, they can be affected retrogradely. This means that the inflammation travels from the bottom (the vein angles) in the opposite direction to the lymph flow to the neck lymph nodes. As with the entire head, a distinction is made between a superficial and a deep lymphatic system in the face.
This lymphatic system collects lymph from the entire face. It also includes lymph from the various sensory organs of the head. While the superficial system mainly collects lymph from the skin, the deep system collects lymph from the muscles, joints and nerves.
In the area of the face mainly small lymph channels run. Only a few lymph nodes are found in the face. The first larger lymph node stations are located below the chin, in the jaw angle and in the area of the ears.
There is also a distinct lymphatic system in the area of the mouth and throat (Waldeyer pharyngeal ring). This lymphatic system consists of numerous immune cells and lymphatic tissue and is of decisive importance in the recognition of pathogens. The female breast also has a connection to the lymphatic system.
This can be done either laterally via the armpit or centrally along the sternum. The most important drainage path is the lateral one via the armpit. The lymph first flows to the lymph nodes of the armpits.
Then it flows in deeper layers back to the middle of the body and finally reaches the heart. A number of lymph nodes have to be passed. The lymph nodes in the armpit are the first to be passed.
The first lymph node that the lymph reaches is called the sentinel lymph node. The English term sentinel is also often used. This is particularly important in the case of breast cancer.
Daughter tumors often reach the associated lymph nodes via the lymph channels, where they can settle and grow. The first affected lymph nodes are always the sentinel lymph nodes. When diagnosing and assessing breast cancer, it is therefore important to know whether it has spread to the lymph nodes.
During breast cancer screening and regular self-monitoring, the armpit should always be scanned for swollen lymph nodes. The following articles may also be of interest to you:
- Tissue samples for breast cancer
- Breast cancer stages
The lymph drainage on the arm is similar to that on the leg. A distinction is also made between a superficial and a deep lymphatic system.
The superficial system collects lymph from the skin, while the deep system collects lymph from the muscles, joints and nerves. The superficial system first flows into the deep system before the lymph is filtered in regional lymph node stations. These are located on the arms in the area of the large veins.
From there, the lymph is further directed towards large collecting lymph nodes located in the armpit area.After another filtration, the lymphatic channels run along the large venous vessels and enter the bloodstream at approximately the level of the collarbone. On the right side, the lymph flows into the Ductus lymphaticus dexter, which ends in the right venous angle. On the left side, the lymph flows into the thoracic duct, which ends in the left vein angle.
The lymphatic drainage on the legs takes place via a superficial and a deep system. The superficial system mainly absorbs lymph from the skin, while the deep system collects lymph from the muscles, joints and nerves. The further course of the lymph drainage is based on the course of the veins.
Regional lymph node stations are located in the area of the hollow of the knee, where the first filtration of the lymph takes place. The large collection lymph node stations are located in the groin. The entire lymph of the leg is collected in these and together they are passed on to the lymphatic systems of the pelvis.
