Understanding Fluid Retention in our Body

Why do we hold fluid in our body?

Lymphatic stagnation, inflammation of the tissues, hormonal changes and nervous stress can be the reasons behind it.

Let us have a closer look, explore the physiology and understand why and how Manual Lymph Drainage is going to help us with the symptoms.

Fluid retention (oedema) is a common complaint: puffy ankles, swollen fingers, bloating, heavy limbs and that general feeling of “fullness.” Several interconnected systems in the body contribute to fluid balance. Understanding how lymphatic stagnation, tissue inflammation, hormonal shifts and stress on the nervous system each play a role helps explain why fluid accumulates and why gentle manual lymph drainage (MLD) can be effective.

How fluid normally moves

• Blood delivers plasma and nutrients to tissues through capillaries. A lot of the fluid that leaves capillaries is reabsorbed into blood vessels; the rest is collected by the lymphatic system.

• Lymphatic vessels pick up excess fluid, protein, fats and waste from tissues and transport them back to the venous circulation via lymph nodes and larger ducts.

• Proper circulation, lymph flow and intact vessel walls keep fluid from pooling.

  Lymphatic stagnation

• What it means: When lymph flow slows or lymphatic vessels are overloaded, waste fluid and proteins build up in tissues. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a central pump (like the heart) and relies on muscle movement, gravity, respiration and vessel contractions to move lymph.

• The Causes for it to occur can be: immobility, surgery or scar tissue, chronic inflammation, injury, infections, obesity, some medications, ageing and congenital differences in lymphatic anatomy.

• The effect it has on fluid: Stagnant lymph increases interstitial pressure and encourages fluid retention. Protein-rich fluid in tissues also draws in more water and promotes a cycle of swelling and fibrosis (thickening of tissue).

  Inflammation of body tissues

• Acute inflammation (injury, infection) and chronic low-grade inflammation (metabolic conditions, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle) both increase blood vessel permeability.

• When capillaries become more “leaky,” more fluid and proteins escape into interstitial spaces. The lymphatics must clear that extra load. If they can’t, swelling persists.

• Inflammatory processes also attract immune cells and chemical signals that can alter vessel tone and lymphatic contractility, making clearance less efficient.

  Hormonal changes

• Fluid retention commonly fluctuates with hormones. Estrogen, progesterone and corticosteroids influence vascular permeability, sodium and water retention, and the balance of vasodilatory/vasoconstrictive factors.

• Menstrual cycle: Many people notice bloating and fluid retention in the luteal phase (after ovulation) when progesterone and estrogen levels shift.

• Pregnancy: Increased blood volume, pressure on pelvic lymphatics from the growing uterus and hormone-driven fluid shifts commonly cause oedema.

• Thyroid and adrenal hormones: Imbalances can affect metabolism, protein distribution and salt/water balance, contributing to swelling.

  Nervous system stress factors

• The autonomic nervous system (ANS) — sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) branches — influences circulation, lymphatic function and inflammation.

• Chronic stress and heightened sympathetic tone cause vasoconstriction, altered capillary exchange and reduced lymphatic motility. Cortisol from stress also promotes sodium and water retention and can maintain a pro-inflammatory state.

• Stress can therefore both increase the tendency to retain fluid and reduce the body’s ability to clear it.

Why can Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) help?

MLD is a specialised, gentle hands-on technique designed to stimulate lymph flow and enhance removal of excess fluid and waste from tissues. Here’s how and why it can be beneficial:

• Stimulates lymphatic vessels: MLD uses light, rhythmic strokes along lymphatic pathways. This helps encourage intrinsic contractions of lymphangions (segments of lymph vessels) and promotes movement of lymph toward central drainage points.

• Clears congestion and redirects flow: Trained therapists sequence strokes to clear proximal (closer to the trunk) areas first, creating space for lymph from more congested regions to flow. This re-routing helps reduce local stagnation.

• Reduces tissue pressure and pain: By moving excess fluid and proteins away, MLD lowers interstitial pressure, which can relieve discomfort and improve joint mobility.

• Supports immune and detoxification processes: Clearing lymph helps remove metabolic waste, inflammatory mediators and immune cells that can perpetuate local inflammation.

• Complements circulation and respiration: MLD works with natural mechanisms — enhancing venous return, using the pump action of breathing and improving microcirculation.

• Calming effect on the nervous system: The gentle, rhythmic nature of MLD reduces sympathetic overactivity and therefore the parasympathetic part of the nervous system can work better, decreasing stress hormones and promoting a relaxation state that supports lymphatic function.

• Reduces fibrosis in chronic cases: Regular MLD