The lymph system is not as well known as the circulation system, but they are closely linked. Blood carries nutrients from the heart out to the tissues in the body and back to the heart again. But only about 90% of the blood makes the return trip. This is because fluid crosses out of the blood vessels in order to carry nutrients to distant cells. Some of this fluid is left in the tissues. The lymph system is a network of vessels that pick up this clear fluid and transport it back up to where it can re-enter the blood stream and be recycled.
Because of this, circulatory problems like varicose veins and poor circulation can benefit greatly when the effectiveness of the lymph system is improved.
A normal lymphatic system can slow down due to illness, injury, stress, medication or age. When the lymph stagnates it causes a range of problems. Tracy has had success treating chronic sinus pain, headaches, ear problems, nerve pain, joint pain and post operative swelling.
Cancer patients benefit greatly from Lymph Drainage Techniques. Cancer treatments tend to slow the circulation of lymph, and removal of lymph nodes can put the patient at risk of developing the chronic swelling of lymphedema. Tracy is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and can help with these complicated cases.
The treatment for clearing lymph is a series of gentle, rhythmic strokes in a prescribed drainage pattern dictated by the location of lymph nodes. The work also activates the parasympathetic reflex which induces a deep state of relaxation.
Tracy received her Diploma as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies.
This 135 credit hour course qualifies her to work with clients with lymph systems that have been damaged by cancer treatments.
She has had additional instruction in Lymphatic Drainage from the Chikly Institute. Classes included:
LDT 1: Lymphatic Pathways: Anatomical Integrity
LDT 2: Pathological Pathways: Manual Lymphatic Mapping
LDT 3: Deep Pathways: Viscera, Articulations, Organ of the Sense