Is There a Link Between the Lymph and Perspiration?

I was recently asked, "One of my armpits perspires and has odor and the other does not. Could this be a lymphatic issue?"

Yes. The armpits are one of the major and significant locations where lymph nodes are clustered. The arms and the breasts/chest and the upper back fluids drain to the lymph in the armpits. My first-hand experience has been that some of my clients who were not perspiring began to perspire again after a few lymphatic treatments. Though this was not the goal of their treatment, it was a result, and their lack of perspiration seemed to be directly correlated to lymphatic congestion.

Why should this be a concern? Some people have bragged to me that they do not sweat at all. Sweating is a natural way for the body to detoxify itself, and it is an assist to the lymphatic function. The sweat in the armpits is unique because it has glands that produce a strong scent in the body. This scent is something that people frequently conceal with antiperspirants which form a gelatinous plug over the ducts of the glands to prohibit this scent from being released. 

Both physical activity and sweat are important supports for lymphatic function, so do sweat and do move! I strongly discourage the use of antiperspirants as they interfere with this function. If this is an unbearable thought, then seek a quality natural deodorant free of aluminum, and use it as little as possible. (Aluminum, a known neurotoxin, when applied to the armpits is still lingering in the body for up to 15 days! See article) If you smell, this is good feedback. Strong odors coming from the body are often linked to toxicity. When the diet is clean and healthy, low in acidity, these odors are not usually pungent. Many times when my clients stop using antiperspirants, they report a strong odor initially and then usually it is hardly noticeable unless they are very active and wearing synthetic clothing. I encourage everyone to experiment and find the right balance on this, understanding that less is more when it comes to lymphatic health.

Back to the armpit. The axilla, the lymph nodes found in the armpits, are important because they are removing metabolic waste and excess hormone, as well as filtering toxins from the blood. Lymph nodes can get congested and create a backlog of fluids in the breast. Because the nodes remove excess hormone from the body, this is a natural place where the nodes can get congested added to this stagnation. Also, wearing tight and restrictive clothing (not just underwire, but also sports bras) for more than 12 hours a day can be a contributing factor to axilla congestion.

From a preventative perspective, it is very important to have healthy lymph nodes. Everywhere! Rubbing synthetic hygiene products such as deodorants, perfumes, and antiperspirants over a cluster of lymph nodes is not a good idea because it burdens an already busy part of your lymphatic system, which needs all the help it can get just to clear itself regularly of toxins. 

Common symptoms of axilla stagnation would include puffiness in the armpits, breast tenderness, lack of perspiration, and/or soreness in the armpit. Some people feel dull joint pain or aching in the arm, or puffiness in the fingers. All of these are signs that the fluids are not properly moving. Lymphatic massage can be very helpful, as can dietary changes and exercise.