Lymph Circulation and Blood Pressure

The lymph system has no direct pump; it runs on body movement and muscle contractions, and indirectly relies on the heart to maintain force of pressure on lymph movement. If you are not consistently active, your heart has to work harder to keep lymph moving.

Problems on this "back end" of the circulatory system may promote fluid retention, vein stress, and lymphatic congestion. Because the lymph system is a pressure sensitive system, this can feel as if pressure is building in the shoulder area or back of the neck (in proximity to the two main lymphatic thoracic ducts on either side of the spine).

Eating close to bed will ...