The fluid around all your cells is called lymph fluid. It moves waste products through various lymph channels and nodes which have two main outlets (thoracic ducts) on either side of your spine around the shoulder areas of your back. Pressure, stiffness, or pain building up in this region is a sign of lymphatic congestion.

Your lymph is more active at night while it orchestrates housecleaning. If it is already sluggish the thoracic ducts can swell in the shoulder area and apply pressure to nerves that can make an arm or hand fall asleep while you are sleeping. Some people notice this happening when they move their lymph during exercise. Clogged lymph also causes headaches that start as pressure in the back of your neck and can make the top of your head, behind your sinuses, or whole head feel highly pressurized.

Your lymph system is a pressure system that runs best on physical activity and movement. This is why weather fronts (pressure changes) can cause a flare up in lymph-related symptoms and so can flying in an airplane. Stagnation (sitting all day) is a major problem. Any exercise helps. Building upper body strength over time can solve lymph problems of long duration (don't push too hard if your shoulders are real tight, do lots of stretching instead).

When your lymph is clogged your body looks for alternative ways to get rid of trash. Plan B is making mucous out of it. Lots of mucous in the morning is a sure sign of a problem. Regular drainage during the day or after eating a meal are other signs of trouble. Another strategy is to shunt toxins in the direction of your skin, which contributes to acne, dry skin, and other skin issues especially from the chest or back on up to the neck and face.

If your lymph is clogged then lactic acid and other inflammatory debris will accumulate in the fluid around cells and have no place to go, as the main plumbing outlets (thoracic ducts) are clogged or their trash clearing function is reduced below optimal levels.

Pressure occurring more on the left shoulder/back area relates to digestion, both of your legs, and pressures on the left side of your head (including ear popping and ear ringing). Pressures on your right shoulder/back area relate to liver function, including pressures on the left side of your head. Many struggle with both sides.

When children develop lymphatic congestion then their ears do not drain properly as the pressure back up won't let them, in turn causing various ear-related issues.

In your body's system of economy the lymph system is also used to absorb most dietary fat, which goes up the left side lymphatics. Some dietary fat is good for the lymph in that it helps move it along. Too much fat can cause a back up. This is why some children develop congested lymphatic systems from too much dairy. It is also why you notice mucous after eating. Eating before bed handicaps your lymph function by clogging it with too much to do. Diets too low in protein cause the lymph system to not have enough pressure to move your lymph very well at all. Stagnation is the enemy of your lymph system. Consistent exercise or activity at a level you can do is required for healthy lymph function.

The natural house cleaners within your lymph system are called macrophages. Unfortunately, they have a temperamental union and when they have too much work to do they go on strike. Our Immune Plus^™ product gets them off the picket line and back to work, which is why it is our number one lymph support product.*