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

The LLN’s 26th Annual Lymphedema Education and Awareness Conference

Speakers, therapists, providers, and patients gathered in Atlanta on October 18-19, 2024, for an informative series of lectures about lymphatic disorders, treatments, and coping skills.

Therapists enjoyed a lively continuing education session with Keynote Speaker, Karen Ashforth on October 18, 2024.

The LLN was presented with a check for the Bandages and Garments Fund at the It's The Journey Gala on March 18. Held at the Aquarium, this annual fund raiser and gala culminates in the presentation of grants to the selected non-profits serving the Breast Cancer Community throughout Georgia. LLN's Bandages and Garments Fund received the first installment of $10,000 which will be used to purchase the necessary bandages and garments for uninsured patients who have lymphedema as a result of breast cancer. The Bandages and Garments Fund also assists patients who suffer from lymphedema that is NOT related to breast cancer, but the ITJ grant monies are used specifically for breast cancer survivors. Any patient with lymphedema who is interested in applying for assistance should contact their Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) for more information. CLTs who are interested in more information about the Bandages and Garments Fund should contact Janie Smith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LLN was well-represented at the FDRS conference hLLN participates in the Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) Conference held in April in Atlanta. LLN hosted an exhibit booth and one of our board members, Francine Schwartz, was a model in the Fashion Show. FDRS is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people affected by adipose tissue disorders by supporting research, education, advocacy, and collaboration. While lymphedema and lipedema share certain clinical features (such as fluid, fat and fibrosis), they are two distinct lymphatic diseases. Read more about lymphedema and lipedema on the National Libary of Medicine webiste.