Book excerpt: Looking at the dry anatomical and physiological facts even a person without medical knowledge will understand the importance of a functional lymphatic system and its impact on general health. Yet this important part of our immune system has been almost completely ignored. If it would not have been for the relentless efforts of our lymphedema support groups over the past 15 years to create awareness about lymphedema, many patients would still believe that the occurrence of arm or breast lymphedema is an unavoidable side effect of cancer therapy one has to accept. Not only cancer patients benefit from Manual Lymph Drainage, everybody can take advantage of the gentle detoxifying properties to maintain health. The age group of patients I personally treated successfully with Manual Lymph Drainage ranges from 7 days to 103 years old.