A Model of Primary and Secondary Preventions of Lymphedema of Superficial Lymphatic System Using Warm Running Water and Massage

Background: Lymphedema is a localized form of tissue swelling resulting from excessive retention of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial compartment. There is no cure yet for lymphedema.

Aim: In this study, I propose a theoretical model, without any side effect, to prevent lymphedema or lymphedematous (the primary prevention) and to treat the disease at early stages (without any wound) that the severities of lymphedema are from 0 to 2 (the secondary prevention), of superficial lymphatic system including lymphonodi (such as the axillary and inguinal) and lymphangion.

Methods: Based on published medical data, physical principle of diffusion and our previous models of meridian channels, it is possible to drive the superficial lymphatic drainage to out of the skin through meridian channels and sweat and sebaceous glands as well as back to veins.
Modeling Results: With my model, during each treatment period, warm (30 – 40 oC) running water and facial washing force are used to mildly massage superficial lymphatic system including lymphonodi (such as the axillary and inguinal) and lymphangion for 5 – 10 times, one time per second, to clean skin surface and to unblock meridian channels. 1 – 3 treatment periods are performed daily.

Discussion: Because there is not any side effect, my model could be applied in future clinical trials.

Keywords: lymphedematous, lymphonodi, lymphangion, vein, meridian channel, sweat, sebaceous, glands, diffusion.