The lymphatic system: movement, breathing and frequency support

What is lymph and what does it do?

Cells are surrounded by fluid through which substances are exchanged. Some fluid passes from blood capillaries into the spaces between cells. When it enters the tiny lymphatic capillaries, it becomes part of the lymphatic circulation.

Lymph then travels through a network of lymphatic vessels, through lymph nodes and back into the bloodstream. Lymph nodes are sites of filtration and immune response. The lymphatic system thus connects fluid balance in tissues, removal of metabolic waste and immune support.

There is an important difference between the two circulatory systems: the lymphatic system has no single central organ comparable to the heart to propel all the lymph. Muscle movement and changes in pressure during breathing also help maintain flow. The practical guidance focuses on these two areas.

How does movement help maintain flow?

As muscles contract and relax, they change the pressure on surrounding tissues and lymphatic vessels. This effect can be illustrated by squeezing a soft tube: pressure helps move fluid along it. During walking and other physical activities, movement therefore affects both the muscles and the tissues through which lymph travels.

The key principles are gentle movement and gradual progression. Lower-impact forms of activity include walking, stationary cycling, gentle movements in water and yoga. Stretching should stay within a comfortable range, without pushing muscles beyond their capabilities.

Gentle bouncing on a small rebounder

A particular option is the rebounder, a small springy surface for gentle bouncing. During this movement, the feet stay on the surface while the knees bend and straighten slightly. The emphasis is on gentle, repetitive movement. Short sessions of a few minutes can be spread throughout the day.

For someone who has not been very active, a sensible starting point is to begin slowly, respect physical capabilities and increase the load gradually.

Breathing, the diaphragm and prolonged tension

Breathing is a physical movement. It moves the chest and diaphragm, while changes in pressure help lymph flow. Breathing therefore complements movement and massage.

When tense, people often hold their breath, clench their jaw and restrict abdominal movement. Attention should therefore also be given to persistently tense muscles and reduced tissue mobility.

During mobility exercises, it is useful to pay attention to relaxation in the abdomen, shoulders and breathing. The aim is comfortable, relaxed movement with natural breathing.

Where do massage and relaxation fit in?

Pressure on tissues can arise within the body through muscle activity or from outside, for example during massage. Massage may help release muscle tension and improve mobility. Specific lymphatic drainage techniques focus on moving lymphatic fluid.

Another important element is fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and links structures in the body. Restricted mobility in this tissue can affect sensations of tightness and muscle movement. Relaxation should therefore take account of both muscles and surrounding tissues.

When swelling occurs, its cause needs to be understood. Swelling caused by lymphatic problems needs to be distinguished from swelling related to the heart and other causes of fluid retention. The choice of massage or other procedures must take the specific condition into account; unexplained or persistent swelling requires a medical assessment.

How can this guidance be applied in everyday life?

Daily support can be adapted to individual capabilities:

• Start with walking. Walking is an accessible form of movement, including for people who are not used to more demanding exercise.
• Use gentle, repetitive movement. Options include stationary cycling, gentle movement in water, yoga or gentle bouncing on a springy surface.
• Stretch within a comfortable range. The muscles can be challenged while staying within a range that feels comfortable.
• Notice breath-holding and tension. Breathing and relaxation complement physical movement.
• Choose massage according to individual needs. Swelling and health problems call for care from an appropriately qualified practitioner.

Lymph frequencies from Nenah Sylver’s book

A short set with two frequencies and an extended set are available for lymphatic drainage. Both are listed below with their original values; examples for entry into Zapper-Pro follow in the next section.

How should the notation be read?

All values are expressed in Hz. Decimal values use a point, and individual entries are separated by semicolons. The + sign means that the linked frequencies must be included in the same session.

Using frequencies with Zapper-Pro

Zapper-Pro allows custom programmes to be created with ten frequency slots. In the examples below, each entered frequency runs for three minutes, so each programme lasts 30 minutes.

Rounding values for entry into the device

Round decimal values to the nearest whole Hz for entry. Round halfway values upwards: 1.5 → 2 Hz; 3.6 → 4 Hz; 4.6 → 5 Hz; 5.5 → 6 Hz. The same applies to the remaining decimal values: 6.3 → 6 Hz; 10.36 → 10 Hz; 15.05 and 15.33 → 15 Hz; 20.5 → 21 Hz; 727.5 → 728 Hz.

Example programmes with ten frequencies each

These are examples of how to arrange the frequencies above when programming the device. Enter them in the order shown, with one value per frequency slot. All values in the table are in Hz.

In the short-set programme, the pair 522 and 146 Hz is repeated five times. The extended set fills three programmes and five slots of a fourth; in the fourth programme, the last five frequencies are repeated to fill all ten slots.

Linked frequencies are kept within the same programme: 6 and 148 Hz in the first, 444 and 1,865 Hz in the second, and 660, 690 and 728 Hz in the third. Each runs sequentially for three minutes.

Contact use: copper handholds or the dry electrode set

For contact delivery of the selected programme, use copper handholds or suitable electrodes from the dry electrode set, such as electrically conductive gloves, socks, knee sleeves or wristbands. The equipment connects to Zapper-Pro; the device determines the programme and frequencies.

1. Choose a set and enter it into a custom programme with ten frequency slots.
2. Check the order, rounded values and duration of three minutes per frequency.
3. Connect the selected electrodes and use them according to the accessory instructions.
4. Start the selected 30-minute programme. FTH also provides an initial protocol as a starting point for broader support for the body.

Lymph support according to ETDFL

The ETDFL collection also contains ten-frequency sets that can be entered directly into Zapper-Pro. The following set is used for lymph support in the FTH initial protocol.

Support for lymph stagnation

An additional set is listed in the ETDFL collection under lymphoedema, meaning swelling caused by impaired lymph drainage. It is intended as a separate choice according to the area being addressed.

Each set is a separate example programme. The FTH initial protocol also shows how lymph support can be placed alongside support for other organs and body systems.

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