Dr. Courtney Sproat, PT, DPT, CLT

12/25/2025

12/10/2025

Where Does the Lymph Go After Drainage?

From Puff to Flush—Your Body’s Hidden Detox Highway!

Hey Lymphies!
Ever wondered what actually happens to the lymph after your MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) or dry brushing session? Where does all that puffiness and extra fluid go? Let’s take a journey through your body’s magical drainage map—because the flow doesn’t stop at your skin!

First Things First—What IS Lymph?

Lymph is a clear-ish fluid filled with:
• Water
• Proteins
• Cellular waste
• Immune cells
• Bacteria, viruses, and toxins

It’s like your body’s wastewater, and your lymphatic system is the plumbing network designed to collect it from your tissues and send it packing!

The Drainage Route (The Fun Part!)

After you stimulate your lymphatic system (through MLD, exercise, rebounding, or infrared saunas), here’s what happens step-by-step:

1. Tissues → Lymph Capillaries
Lymph fluid is collected from between your cells (where waste builds up). Think of this as your body picking up trash from every neighborhood.

2. Lymph Capillaries → Collecting Vessels
These vessels have valves to push lymph forward (like a one-way street!). They move it toward central lymph nodes.

3. Nodes → Filter Party!
Lymph passes through lymph nodes, where it gets filtered. Immune cells here attack bacteria, viruses, and debris.
It’s like your lymph goes through a security checkpoint!

4. Cleaned Lymph → Ducts
Filtered lymph travels to the thoracic duct (left side of your neck) or right lymphatic duct—the final stop before exiting!

5. Ducts → Subclavian Vein
Here’s the magic moment!
The ducts drain the lymph directly into your bloodstream, at the base of your neck, where the subclavian vein lives.

6. Bloodstream → Kidneys + Liver
Now the filtered lymph becomes part of your circulating blood. From here:
• Kidneys filter out water-soluble waste → p*e it out!
• Liver handles fat-soluble toxins and waste → p**p it out!

And voilà!
Your lymph just became waste… and left your body.
Flush complete!

That’s Why You Might Notice…
• More p*eing after a session
• Increased bowel movements
• Feeling thirsty
• Fatigue (your body is processing the detox!)
• Reduced swelling or puffiness

So YES—you’re not imagining it. The flush is real.

Fun Lymphie Facts:
• You have 500–700 lymph nodes in your body!
• The thoracic duct drains around 75% of your lymph!
• Your lymphatic system can move 1.5–3 liters of lymph per day with the right support!
• No heart? No pump! The lymph system depends on movement, breath, and pressure (that’s why you NEED to move!).

Support the Flush:
• Hydrate (lymph is mostly water!)
• Move daily (walking, rebounding, stretching)
• Breathe deep (diaphragmatic breathing helps move lymph!)
• Massage & MLD
• Eat clean (to reduce toxin load)

So, Where Does It Go?

In simple terms:
Lymph → Blood → Kidneys/Liver → Toilet!
Your body is brilliant. And your lymphatic system? Even more so.

So the next time you finish your session and head to the loo—give a little thanks to the silent flow keeping you well.






References / Research Links:
• Cleveland Clinic – Lymphatic System Overview
• NCBI – Physiology of the Lymphatic System
• Lymphatic Research and Biology Journal

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

©️

12/04/2025

You may have already seen my first class created but if not, I’m starting a gentle yoga class in 2026! It combines self-lymphatic drainage, breathing techniques, movement, and mindfulness techniques to help target the lymphatic system and improve lymph flow. This class is open to the public and beneficial for EVERYONE!

I currently have one location here in Auburn but am looking into more options for DeKalb County as well as surrounding counties including Allen, Noble, Steuben, and LaGrange so I can make all of my classes more accessible. I may offer an online class as well depending on the interest.

Please let me know if you have any interest in attending and what days/times you would like to see a class held! I’m super excited to bring this to DeKalb County.

12/02/2025

This is "Auburn Massage 30" by WFFT Fox 55 on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

11/18/2025

This page is a great source of information. This particular post discusses some important foods that may support your lymph system and others that will likely slow it down. Not one diet fits all but it’s nice to have some recommendations and a place to start then see what works best for you and your body!

🌿 Food & the Lymphatic System: What Helps… and What Hurts?

A Fun, Science-Backed Guide to Eating for Better Lymph Flow 🍏✨

Your lymphatic system is like the quiet hero of your body — moving waste, inflammation, hormones, toxins, and immune cells all day long.
But here’s the secret: your lymph LOVES certain foods… and absolutely hates others.

Let’s break it down in a fun, Lymphie-approved way! 💚

🍃 Top Lymph-Loving Foods

These foods support drainage, reduce inflammation, and keep your lymph flowing like a river instead of a traffic jam.

🥒 1. Hydrating Foods (Your lymph is 96% water!)
• Cucumber
• Celery
• Lettuce
• Citrus fruits
• Watermelon
• Bone broth
Hydration = thinner fluid. Thinner fluid = better flow.

🍋 2. Citrus & Vitamin C–Rich Fruits

They break down sticky proteins that clog lymph fluid.
• Lemons
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Kiwi
• Pineapple (bromelain reduces swelling!)

🌿 3. Bitter & Liver-Supporting Foods

Because the liver filters lymph!
• Rocket / Arugula
• Dandelion greens
• Bitter melon
• Kale
• Broccoli sprouts

🔥 4. Anti-Inflammatory Herbs & Spices

These reduce the inflammatory load that overwhelms the lymphatic system.
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Fenugreek
• Oregano
• Cinnamon
• Garlic

🫐 5. Antioxidant-Rich Berries

They fight oxidative stress that thickens lymph fluid.
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries

🥑 6. Healthy Fats for Hormone Balance

Remember: lymph carries hormones, so the cleaner they are, the better.
• Avocado
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salmon
• Walnuts
• Chia seeds

🫘 7. High-Fiber Foods (crucial!)

Fiber removes toxins through the gut so they don’t get dumped back into the lymph.
• Oats
• Lentils
• Beans
• Quinoa
• Apples
• Flaxseed

🛑 Foods That Clog, Slow, or Overload Your Lymphatic System

These foods thicken lymph, increase inflammation, and create extra waste your body struggles to clear.

🍞 1. Highly Processed Carbohydrates

They spike insulin, increase inflammation, and cause fluid retention.
• White bread
• Pastries
• Chips
• Crackers
• Processed cereals

🧂 2. High-Sodium Foods

Salt pulls fluid into the tissue → swelling → lymph overload.
• Fast foods
• Processed meats
• Packet soups
• Takeaways

🧀 3. Dairy (major lymph thickener)

Dairy increases mucus formation and is inflammatory for many people.

🍗 4. Processed Meats

Increase inflammatory cytokines that directly thicken lymph.
• Bacon
• Sausages
• Ham
• Salami

🍰 5. Sugar (the lymphatic enemy)

It causes:
✔ Inflammation
✔ Immune suppression
✔ Lymph stagnation
✔ Hormonal imbalance

🥫 6. Seed/Vegetable Oils

These create a high omega-6 environment that worsens swelling.
• Sunflower oil
• Canola oil
• Corn oil
• Soybean oil

🍤 7. Deep-Fried Foods

Heat-damaged oils + poor circulation = lymph traffic jam.

💚 Fun Lymphatic Plate Formula (Lymphatica Style!)

Build every meal like this:

🥬 40% Veggies (raw + cooked for enzymes and fiber)
🍗 30% Lean Protein (fish, eggs, chicken, beans)
🥑 20% Healthy Fats
🍓 10% Fruit or Low-GI Carbs

And drink 1.5–2L of water daily + herbal teas like ginger, dandelion, or green tea.

If your lymph could talk it would say:
“Feed me clean foods I can move through easily… and don’t dump garbage into my river.”

Nourish your lymph → reduce swelling → boost immunity → better hormones → better YOU. 💚

11/14/2025

Thank you to anyone who nominated me for Young Professional of the Year. I was honored just to be nominated and be 1 of 3 finalists but I’m even more honored to have won the award last night at The Duesy’s. Congratulations to all of the nominees, finalists, and winners of last night! You all are making a difference here in DeKalb County. I’m grateful for the opportunity to offer my services here in my own community and make a difference in people’s lives. And thank you to DeKalb Chamber Partnership for all you do for our community and special shout out to Kowen Grogg for helping me connect and build my business!!

10/31/2025

October is National Physical Therapy Month! As a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in breast cancer rehab and lymphatic care, I'm passionate about helping patients restore strength, mobility, and confidence before, during, and after cancer treatment.

Physical therapy plays a vital role in improving lymphatic flow, reducing swelling and discomfort, and supporting whole-body recovery. Through individualized care, education, and gentle movement, PT helps you regain control of your health and quality of life.

Let's celebrate the power of movement and the healing potential of specialized physical therapy.

10/31/2025

October is liver cancer awareness month. The ribbon color is emerald green.

10/30/2025

This month, you’ve likely seen pink everywhere. While it’s a beautiful symbol of strength and awareness for most, it doesn’t speak to everyone’s experience and that is completely okay. Your breast cancer and lymphatic health journey is uniquely yours. Whether you wear pink proudly, choose a different color, or honor your experience quietly, your path is valid. However you choose to honor it, know that you are seen, supported, and cared for - not just in October, but always. 💚

Here at Auburn Massage & Wellness Centre, we see you, we support you, and we walk beside you in every stage of healing.

10/25/2025

Today’s Making Strides Walk was amazing! Thank you to American Cancer Society for putting this event together and allowing me to be a part of your resource village. Great job to Kayla, Lyndsey, and everyone else for making this a great event! Thank you to everyone who came up and said hello or asked questions about my services. Thank you to my coworkers for helping prep and showing up to walk and support this morning! And a special thank you to my dear friend Sara, who made the drive from Indy, to join me and was my biggest cheerleader and promoter for the day!

We are made to help and support one another, and treat others with respect and kindness. You never know what someone is battling. Events like these are reminders that no one fights alone. 💕