How Lymphatic Drainage Can Improve Autoimmunity
There is an acronym, T.I.G.E.R., from the work of Dr. Akil Palanisamy, for the 5 triggers of autoimmune disease. While it’s tempting to blame genetics, it’s really the interplay between your genes and your environment that dictates whether genes are expressed or not. This is termed ‘epigenetics’.
The T stands for toxins. According to Dr. Palanisamy, this is the biggest of the 5 triggers. Examples of toxins are microplastics, heavy metals, pesticides, etc. The lymphatic system is a vital part of your immune system. It consists of a network of vessels, lymph nodes, and lymph fluid, which work together to remove toxic substances. Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a central pump (like the heart). Instead, lymph fluid moves slowly through the body via muscle contractions, breathing, and manual stimulation [1].
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialized technique that encourages the natural flow of lymph fluid. Practitioners use light, rhythmic strokes to stimulate lymph nodes and vessels, helping the body eliminate metabolic waste, toxins, and excess fluid. Here’s how it works:
Enhances toxin removal: MLD facilitates the movement of interstitial fluid, helping remove cellular waste and foreign substances more efficiently [2].
Reduces inflammation: By improving drainage and tissue oxygenation, MLD may help reduce local inflammation, which is a key factor in many chronic conditions [3].
Improves circulation: Boosted lymphatic flow can enhance microcirculation, contributing to better tissue repair and immune defense [4].
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis involve chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation.
A sluggish lymphatic system may contribute to autoimmune symptoms in several ways:
Toxin accumulation: Poor lymph flow can lead to a buildup of cellular waste and toxins, which may trigger or worsen immune responses [5].
Inflammatory feedback loop: Chronic inflammation can impair lymphatic function, and in turn, a congested lymph system can perpetuate inflammation [6].
Immune cell trafficking: The lymphatic system is essential for transporting white blood cells. Dysfunction in this system may impair immune regulation [7].
By promoting detoxification and reducing inflammation, lymphatic drainage may help break this cycle and support the body's natural immune balance. Supporting the body’s natural detox pathways is an essential step toward immune health, especially in the context of autoimmune disease. Lymphatic drainage offers a gentle, non-invasive way to stimulate detoxification, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.
References
Gashev, A. A. (2010). Physiology of the lymphatic system. Colloquium Series on Integrated Systems Physiology.
Foldi, M., Foldi, E., & Kubik, S. (2003). Textbook of Lymphology: For Physicians and Lymphedema Therapists. Elsevier.
Bakar, Y., Tugral, A., & Keklik, S. (2014). Effects of Manual Lymph Drainage on Pain and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 37(2), 117–123.
Zawieja, D. C. (2009). Lymphatic biology and the microcirculation: past, present and future. Microcirculation, 16(7), 643–654.
Dietrich, L., et al. (2020). Impaired lymphatic drainage promotes tissue inflammation and autoimmunity. Nature Immunology, 21(12), 1456–1468.
Kataru, R. P., et al. (2019). Lymphatic Dysfunction in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. Current Opinion in Immunology, 61, 97–103.
Randolph, G. J., et al. (2017). The lymphatic system in disease processes and immunity. Cell, 170(4), 807–821.