Brain Lymphatics and Neuro-Lymphatic Therapy

Keynote Speaker, Carmen Recupero, BS, LPTA, CMT, CLT, is a certified massage and lymphedema therapist who teaches CLTs about new research and therapies for brain lymphatics, or “Glymphatics.”  Read more about Carmen Recupero

Glymphatic vessels drain fluid from around the brain. This fluid often contains proteins that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Several diseases or conditions involving the brain are associated with fluid buildup or inflammation, including Multiple Sclerosis, ADHD, Depression, Long Covid, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Autism, Migraines, Stroke, Hardening of the Arteries, and Epilepsy. Neuro-lymphatic therapy is being researched in conjunction with other treatments for these conditions.

While neuro-lymphatic therapy does not cure these diseases, it is a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical support for chronic aging or disrupted glymphatics. Carmen demonstrated techniques to help open the lymphatic pathways from the head and neck.

Individuals can support their own glymphatic systems byRead more about Carmen Recupero

1. Staying Hydrated
2. Breathing Deeply
3. Specific lymphatic manual techniques
4. Erect posture
5. Exercise, including stretching such as yoga as well as cardio.
6. Singing – creates cranial vibration that stimulates lymphatics.
7. Sleeping on one’s side with the head supported

Neuro-lymphatic therapy supports memory, focus, mood, and fluid homeostasis in the brain. Attendees at the hands-on session also reported that it feels wonderful!  Read more about Neuro-lymphatic Therapy

Glymphatic Basics and the Endothelial Glycocalyx

M Mark Melin, MD, FACS, RPVI, FACCWS is the Medical Director of the Gonda Vascular Center Wound Clinic at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.  Read more about Dr. Melin

Recent imaging improvements let us see the lymphatic or glymphatic system within the brain’s meninges, or protective coverings. A lymphatic field includes hundreds of lymphatic capillaries surrounding its nodes.

Lymphatic drainage from the head is different from other parts of the body. As brain tissue becomes stiff due to age or illness, fluid builds up like water in a sponge. The glymphatics must be stimulated, or at least not impeded to initiate drainage or flushing. This often occurs during REM sleep.

The brain holds approximately 40% of the eight liters of lymphatic fluid produced daily, making glymphatic drainage crucial to our health. Researchers are investigating whether manual lymphatic drainage applied at the base of the neck and upper chest can enhance the movement of fluid out of the head or brain.Photo Credit: Haeren, Roel & van de Ven, Steffi & Zandvoort, Marcus & Vink, Hans & Overbeeke, Jacobus & Hoogland, Govert & Rijkers, Kim. (2016). Assessment and Imaging of the Cerebrovascular Glycocalyx. Current neurovascular research. 13. 10.2174/1567202613666160504104434.

The endothelial glycocalyx layer lines all vessels of the circulatory system. A healthy endothelial glycocalyx allows fluid to flow in one direction - out into the interstitial tissue from the capillary beds - but prevents its return to or reabsorption by the venous system. This is the essential component of the Revised Starling Principle. Breakdown of the endothelial glycocalyx is a problem in wound care as well as other disease processes, like diabetes and immobility.   Read more