Read an article in the Independent about a new organ discovered called an interstitium which appears to consist of fluid filled sacs under the surface of the skin.
It says the'Interstitium' acts as a shock absorber for vital tissues and could improve understanding of cancer spread.
Does this have any relevance for lymphoedema sufferers as it sounds as if when we move fluid around with massage this may be what we're tapping into?
The article was by Josh Gabbatiss, Science Correspondent, Tuesday 27th March 2018.
Interstitial fluid is everywhere - it’s not really ‘new’ as it’s featured in anatomy and physiology texts for many decades. Lymph is one component of interstial fluid, along with a myriad of other cells - good and bad - it’s fascinating stuff.
Lymph fills our interstitial space/interstitium when it doesn’t drain properly ie Lymphoedema. This has been known for ages, it’s not a new concept. MLD helps remove/drain lymph from the skin and tissue. When lymph is trapped in the interstitial space and does not get removed, it results in proteins building (proteins are in lymph ie not food protein) causing fibrosis/hardening of tissue. This is why lymph drainage therapy (MLD & SLD) and compression therapy is essential in Lymphoedema treatment
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