Lymphatic Pump Treatment Repeatedly Enhances the Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Abstract

Background: Osteopathic practitioners utilize manual therapies called lymphatic pump techniques (LPT) to treat edema and infectious diseases. While previous studies examined the effect of a single LPT treatment on the lymphatic system, the effect of repeated applications of LPT on lymphatic output and immunity has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure the effects of repeated LPT on lymphatic flow, lymph leukocyte numbers, and inflammatory mediator concentrations in thoracic duct lymph (TDL). Methods and Results: The thoracic ducts of five mongrel dogs were cannulated, and lymph samples were collected during pre-LPT, 4 min of LPT, and 2 hours post-LPT. A second LPT (LPT-2) was applied after a 2 hour rest period. TDL flow was measured, and TDL were analyzed for the concentration of leukocytes and inflammatory mediators. Both LPT treatments significantly increased TDL flow, leukocyte count, total leukocyte flux, and the flux of interleukin-8 (IL-8), keratinocyte-derived chemoattractant (KC), nitrite (NO 2 -), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The concentration of IL-6 increased in lymph over time in all experimental groups; therefore, it was not LPT dependent. Conclusion: Clinically, it can be inferred that LPT at a rate of 1 pump per sec for a total of 4 min can be applied every 2 h, thus providing scientific rationale for the use of LPT to repeatedly enhance the lymphatic and immune system.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment showed reduction of length of stay and costs in preterm infants

“…More recently, preliminary lab-based evidence showed the effect of specific osteopathic techniques on the enhancement of the lymphatic and immune system [42,43] by improving the leukocytes count and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Findings were confirmed by a research article published in 2014 where significant differences were detected in the levels of immune molecules, including IL-8, between OMT and sham light-touch control.…”

Low Lymphatic Pumping Pressure in the Legs Is Associated with Leg Edema and Lower Quality of Life in Healthy Volunteers

“…Although the lymphatic intrinsic pumping function is considered important for maintaining the homeostasis of interstitial fluid and molecule balances in local tissue and may be critical for total body health, 3,4 the effect of reduced lymphatic pumping pressure (P lp ) in the legs on general health has not been studied. Many people complain of leg edema in daily life.…”

Lymphatic Pump Treatment as an Adjunct to Antibiotics for Pneumonia in a Rat Model

“…Furthermore, LPT has been shown to enhance 12 and increased the lymphatic flux of leukocytes, cytokines, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. 17,18 Collectively, these studies suggest that LPT can stimulate the lymphatic and immune systems, which may accelerate the removal of pneumonia by the immune system. In support, lymph can activate leukocytes, 25 increase endothelial cell permeability, 26,27 and redistribute leukocytes, cyto- LPT can be optimally applied to patients with pneumonia, which may substantially reduce morbidity, mortality, and the cost of hospitalization.…”

“…9 To our knowledge, no reports have been published measuring the effects of LPT on the lymphatic system in humans, but animal studies have demonstrated that LPT yields significant (P<.05) increases in lymph flow and in the lymphatic concentration of leukocytes. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] In these studies, LPT did not preferentially mobilize any specific immune cell population, but it significantly (P<.05) increased thoracic duct lymph flow and total leukocyte concentrations, resulting in an approximately 10-fold increase in the lymphatic flux. 12 Lymphatic pump treatment also significantly (P<.05) enhanced the lymphatic flux of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in both thoracic and mesenteric lymph, 17,18 and it enhanced the uptake of protein from the tissue's interstitial space.…”