The Lymphatic System and How to Maintain It
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. 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.
Do what you can to move your lymph! As temperatures drop, get outside and walk. Breathe deeply! That moves lymph as well.
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 headaches
*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? As I mentioned earlier, there are several ways to get lymph moving. 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 excellent, but not everyone has access. The best method I have found that gets the fastest results is deep lymphatic massage.
As holistic practitioner, I have seen outcomes that are astounding. The process works much deeper than traditional lymphatic massage, assisting the lymph to move out the gunk in the lymphatic system. This process resets the lymphatic system, with each session building on the last. It is also a bridge for emotional release. This breaks old patterns, beliefs and mindsets and replaces them with new ones that serve you.