Our lymphatic system--the unsung hero in our body! Most of us don't give our lymphatic system a second thought. I want to introduce you to this vital system that is responsible for our immunity to sickness and disease with a quick education without getting too technical.
Unlike the cardiovascular system which relies on a pump (the heart) to circulate blood, the lymphatic system relies on movement. Without a pump, lymph can get stuck and cause swelling. So exercising is crucial for lymph movement. As humans, we are built for movement. Walking helps move lymph. Rebounding (bouncing on a mini trampoline) is even better, although it requires some balance. You can also manually move lymph by dry brushing before you shower. There are many YouTube tutorials to show you how.
The lymphatic system is like the sewer system of our body. The lymphatic system is responsible for all of the waste and toxins in every cell in the body. It is also in charge of the production, storage and transportation of all of your white blood cells--hello, immune system! It is the garbage disposal of our bodies. When bacteria, viruses, pathogens, and even cancer cells are picked up by our lymph, they are dropped off in our lymph nodes. When detected, the spleen and thymus are alerted and produce lots of white blood cells called lymphocytes that are sent to destroy these invaders. When you have swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, know that your body is trying its best to fight for you.
Today, we are surrounded by chemicals in the foods we eat, the water we drink, the clothes we wear and the air we breathe. Our immune system simply can't keep up. If you have had your tonsils or spleen removed (both lymphatic organs) you have additionally compromised your immune system.
How does our lymphatic system get congested and sluggish? Some of the major causes are stress, poor digestion, chemicals in our air, food and water, and emotional trauma. Stress, whether it is emotional or physical, creates inflammation in the cells. As these cells become damaged and create waste, they can clog the lymphatic system.
What are signs of a congested lymphatic system? Here are a few:
*Fatigue
*Bloating
*Water retention
*Stiffness, especially in the morning
*Brain fog
*Itchy and dry skin
*Cellulite
*Frequent head aches
*Stubborn weight gain
*Chronic sinusitis, sore throats, colds, and ear issues
*Breast swelling with the menstrual cycle
*Swollen glands
*Cold hands and feet
What can be done to help get the waste out and the lymph flowing again? Exercise, such as walking or running, rebounding, dry brushing and deep breathing. In addition, hydrotherapy is another method. This involves alternating hot and cold water while you are in the shower--going from as hot as you can tolerate to as cold as you can tolerate. This relaxes and then constricts the vessels to help pump the lymph. Infrared sauna, where toxins are eliminated through the skin by sweating, is also great. But the best method I have come across that gets the fastest results is a lymphatic technique called XTract™.
As an XTract™ facilitator and instructor, I have seen outcomes that are astounding. The XTract™ process works deeper than lymphatic massage, assisting the lymph to move out the gunk in the lymphatic system. This process resets the lymphatic system by creating new cell memory, with each session building on the last. It is also a bridge for emotional release and exchange. This breaks old patterns, beliefs and mindsets and replaces them with new ones that serve you.
So who can benefit from an XTract™ session or series? The answer is everyone! Just like your car needing an oil change, we need an oil change for the body. We live at a time of chemical bombardment. Numerous chemicals are in our food, water, air, clothes, homes, etc.—pretty much everywhere. Europe has banned 1,326 chemicals from cosmetics that are known or suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutations, reproductive issues or birth defects. In contrast, the US has only banned 11 chemicals. It is truly buyer beware.
Our bodies see these chemicals as foreign invaders, along with harmful bacteria, viruses, damaged cells and cancer cells. When these pile up in the body, it can lead to dis-ease. This is where XTract™ can rapidly improve the functioning of the lymphatic system by moving these toxins out of the body.
What happens during an XTract™ session? First off, all clients wear athletic or loose shorts and a tank top. Women will wear a sports bra or bralette. The XTract™ facilitator should show you all areas that will be touched and get your permission, both written and verbal. You will also feel the amount of pressure used. If there is too much pressure, the client should say so. The client is always in control.
The actual XTract™ session is a series of finding lymph, then pumping and moving it to ducts, valves and dumping stations. Congested lymph is broken up and moved so the toxins can be eliminated through the bladder and colon. The legs, arms, face and stomach are all worked on in a full body XTract™ session. Most sessions will take an hour or an hour and a half, depending on toxicity in the body and age of client. Six sessions are recommended for anyone struggling with issues or dis-ease in the body. After that, maintenance sessions are recommended twice a year or when it feels necessary.
Since XTract™ works deeply, it boosts the lymphatic system. This is the perfect time of year to clear the gunk out so you can stay healthy during the winter months. I'm now working at Whole Health Collective in Greenville, conveniently located on Howell Road, near the intersection of Haywood/Howell and E. North Street. Mention this post and receive a discount off your first session. Gift certificates are available for anyone wishing to give the gift of health to a loved one!