The Lotus Center

The Lotus Center Val Lawson, LMT
Brandy Rickard, LMT/Level II Reiki Practitioner
Integrating therapeutic massage & reiki with wellness & self-care guidance.

massage therapy $25-50
tanning $49.50
fitness $35.00
after hours access $10

06/11/2025

Causes and Treatments for Headaches:

06/07/2025
06/06/2025
06/06/2025

Morning habits

06/01/2025

Let’s Talk Lymphatic Ducts!

Your Body’s Superhighway for Healing!

Hey there, Lymphies! 🌿
Ever wondered how all that lymph you’ve been hearing about actually gets where it needs to go? Well, meet the lymphatic duct—the grand finale of your lymphatic system’s drainage network! Think of it as the VIP express lane for immune health, detox, and balance.

So, What Is a Lymphatic Duct?

The lymphatic duct is the main drainage pipe of your lymphatic system. It’s like the river mouth where smaller streams (your lymph vessels) pour in. There are two major ones:

1. Thoracic Duct – the BIG boss!
• Drains lymph from your left side of the body, both legs, abdomen, left arm, and left side of the head and chest.
• Empties into the left subclavian vein (near your neck) and sends that cleaned-up lymph back into your bloodstream.

2. Right Lymphatic Duct – the little sibling!
• Drains lymph from your right arm, right chest, and right side of the head.
• Empties into the right subclavian vein.

Together, they are your body’s exit route for toxins, proteins, and extra fluid—helping your immune cells travel and your tissues stay happy and balanced.

Picture This:

Imagine your lymph vessels as little hiking trails winding through the forest (your body). Along the way, they pass through security checkpoints (lymph nodes) where unwanted guests (pathogens, toxins) are filtered out. But once the cleanup’s done, how do they exit the forest? That’s where your ducts come in—they’re the main gates out!

Fancy Medical Talk (But We’ll Make It Fun!):
• Lymph = the fluid that carries waste, immune cells, and proteins.
• Lymphatic capillaries = tiny entryways where lymph sneaks in from tissues.
• Collecting vessels = bigger pipes that direct lymph to the nodes.
• Cisterna chyli = a special reservoir that feeds into the thoracic duct (like a holding tank!).
• Subclavian vein = the final destination, where lymph re-enters your blood circulation.

Why Should I Care?

Because your lymphatic ducts are essential for:
• Immunity – carrying T cells and B cells like little lymphatic soldiers!
• Detox – removing metabolic waste and keeping swelling at bay
• Fluid balance – no more puffiness or lymphatic congestion!

And if these ducts get blocked… uh-oh! You may end up with fluid retention, immune stress, or even lymphoedema.

Lymphie Challenge Time!

Point to your collarbone – that’s where your lymphatic ducts drain!
Next time you do dry brushing or lymph drainage massage, remember—you’re supporting your body’s highway system and cheering on those detox superheroes!

Did You Know?
• The thoracic duct is about 38–45 cm long and transports up to 4 liters of lymph a day!
• Lymphatic ducts can get sluggish from inflammation, poor movement, or dehydration—so drink that water!

Keep It Flowing!

Support your lymphatic ducts with:
• Movement (light walks, rebounding, stretching)
• Hydration (your lymph is mostly water!)
• Lymphatic massage or MLD
• Deep breathing (stimulates thoracic duct drainage!)

Final Thoughts:

Your lymphatic ducts may be hidden, but they are hard at work every second. They’re not just plumbing—they’re life-saving super tubes! So next time you feel puffy, tired, or just in need of a reset, give a shoutout to your ducts!

Let’s keep that lymph flowing, glowing, and going!



©️

05/30/2025

Where Does the Lymph Go After Drainage?

From Puff to Flush—Your Body’s Hidden Detox Highway!

Hey Lymphies!
Ever wondered what actually happens to the lymph after your MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) or dry brushing session? Where does all that puffiness and extra fluid go? Let’s take a journey through your body’s magical drainage map—because the flow doesn’t stop at your skin!

First Things First—What IS Lymph?

Lymph is a clear-ish fluid filled with:
• Water
• Proteins
• Cellular waste
• Immune cells
• Bacteria, viruses, and toxins

It’s like your body’s wastewater, and your lymphatic system is the plumbing network designed to collect it from your tissues and send it packing!

The Drainage Route (The Fun Part!)

After you stimulate your lymphatic system (through MLD, exercise, rebounding, or infrared saunas), here’s what happens step-by-step:

1. Tissues → Lymph Capillaries
Lymph fluid is collected from between your cells (where waste builds up). Think of this as your body picking up trash from every neighborhood.

2. Lymph Capillaries → Collecting Vessels
These vessels have valves to push lymph forward (like a one-way street!). They move it toward central lymph nodes.

3. Nodes → Filter Party!
Lymph passes through lymph nodes, where it gets filtered. Immune cells here attack bacteria, viruses, and debris.
It’s like your lymph goes through a security checkpoint!

4. Cleaned Lymph → Ducts
Filtered lymph travels to the thoracic duct (left side of your neck) or right lymphatic duct—the final stop before exiting!

5. Ducts → Subclavian Vein
Here’s the magic moment!
The ducts drain the lymph directly into your bloodstream, at the base of your neck, where the subclavian vein lives.

6. Bloodstream → Kidneys + Liver
Now the filtered lymph becomes part of your circulating blood. From here:
• Kidneys filter out water-soluble waste → p*e it out!
• Liver handles fat-soluble toxins and waste → p**p it out!

And voilà!
Your lymph just became waste… and left your body.
Flush complete!

That’s Why You Might Notice…
• More p*eing after a session
• Increased bowel movements
• Feeling thirsty
• Fatigue (your body is processing the detox!)
• Reduced swelling or puffiness

So YES—you’re not imagining it. The flush is real.

Fun Lymphie Facts:
• You have 500–700 lymph nodes in your body!
• The thoracic duct drains around 75% of your lymph!
• Your lymphatic system can move 1.5–3 liters of lymph per day with the right support!
• No heart? No pump! The lymph system depends on movement, breath, and pressure (that’s why you NEED to move!).

Support the Flush:
• Hydrate (lymph is mostly water!)
• Move daily (walking, rebounding, stretching)
• Breathe deep (diaphragmatic breathing helps move lymph!)
• Massage & MLD
• Eat clean (to reduce toxin load)

So, Where Does It Go?

In simple terms:
Lymph → Blood → Kidneys/Liver → Toilet!
Your body is brilliant. And your lymphatic system? Even more so.

So the next time you finish your session and head to the loo—give a little thanks to the silent flow keeping you well.






References / Research Links:
• Cleveland Clinic – Lymphatic System Overview
• NCBI – Physiology of the Lymphatic System
• Lymphatic Research and Biology Journal

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

©️

10/07/2024

I’m picturing myself as a lotus seedling, tender though determined, quietly breaking through the darkness. Despite the weight of the water pressing down on me, my instinct to grow remains relentless & powerful, much like my spirit during challenging times. The fear of rejection feels overwhelming - then I remind myself that even in the face of potential refusal, I’m making a courageous assertion of my self-worth & identity—something that can’t be denied.
Feeling like rejection is looming can be discouraging, yet it’s part of the human experience. Each instance strengthens me, offering a unique perspective on life. I’m reflecting on how this moment fits into a larger story—one where self-discovery & growth flourish alongside adversity, shaping me into someone authentic & resilient.

ૐ 𝓃𝒶𝓂𝒶𝓈𝓉𝑒 🙏🏻
🪷 𝓢𝓸𝓫𝓮𝓻 𝓛𝓸𝓽𝓾𝓼 🦋

Art by Cedar Lee

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83 Canal Street
Fort Plain, NY
13339

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