Lymphatic pump treatment enhances the lymphatic and immune systems

Lisa M. Hodge, H. Fred Downey

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

The osteopathic medical profession has long advocated the use of osteopathic lymphatic pump treatments (LPT) to improve lymphatic circulation, reduce edema and combat infectious disease. However, until recently, there was no scientific evidence that LPT enhances function of the lymphatic and immune systems. This review discusses the physiological functions of the lymphatic system, the ability of LPT to increase lymph flow under normal and experimental conditions, the clinical benefits of LPT, current research models for the study of LPT and the potential mechanisms by which LP T enhances lymphatic andimmune function.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1109-1115
Number of pages7
JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine
Volume236
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2011

Keywords

  • Gastrointestinal lymphoid tissue
  • Immunity
  • Infection
  • Lymph
  • Lymphatic pump techniques
  • Lymphatic pump treatments
  • Lymphatic system
  • Osteopathic manipulative medicine
  • Thoracic duct

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lymphatic pump treatment enhances the lymphatic and immune systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this