What functions does the body's lymphatic system perform?

The lymphatic system is composed of assorted size vessels and lymph nodes located throughout the body. There are hundreds of lymph nodes in the body whose function is to filter the lymph fluid. An important part of the body's immune system, lymph fluid contains cells that remove harmful bacteria, viruses and other undesirable substances. The lymphatic fluid system does not have a muscle similar to the heart, which would aid in "pumping" the lymphatic fluid consistently. Therefore, when the lymphatic nodes or vessels become damaged due to surgery, injury or for any other reason, gentle lymphatic drainage massage stimulates the lymphatic fluid flow. Lymph fluid is normally encouraged to flow by the body's natural motion of muscles, organs and other body parts. Is this massage therapy for me? Some people have more serious medical reasons to receive this massage therapy, however; others regularly receive lymphatic drainage massage to simply aid in the reduction of minor swelling, ...  more