The Lymphatic System is like the unsung hero of our bodies. Responsible for removing the waste from every cell as well as targeting and destroying bacteria, viruses, cancer or damaged cells.
The lymphatic system holds the key to our health. Which is why it is important to move the lymphatic fluid around through any number of methods we will list below. When the fluid isn’t circulated through muscle contraction or lack of exercise, the result can be a weakened immune system as well as inflammation. Also if the lymphatic system is overwhelmed with excess toxins it can flood out to other tissue. This can be a real health hazard. So best we look at ways that we can fire up that Lymphatic System.
Rebounding
Lymphatic fluid flows through channels called vessels. One way to increase the flow and flush out metabolic waste faster is to jump up and down. Serious. Hop on a trampoline, skip some rope, jump around in place, whatever you enjoy doing so long as you are moving. A note, you should keep to vertical movement rather than horizontal. Though running and jogging are beneficial in their own right, the purpose of this exercise is to stimulate the lymphatic system.
Inversion Table
Another way to increase flow of the lymphatic system is by using an inversion table or hanging upside down. This is especially good for flow through your legs and lower body. By creating a different direction of gravity you are increasing the force of the metabolic waste so that it can free up and move out of your system more easily.
Massage
Massage is great for draining the lymphatic system. All that pressing down and massaging of the tissue will result in a release of pressure. Massage is not only great for relieving stress, but it is also great for ridding your body of cellular waste.
Herbs
I am sure by now you have heard of the healing power Echinacea holds. The reason is because it interacts so well with the lymphatic system. Echinacea is wonderful for reducing swelling of lymph nodes, which tends to happen when the body is fighting an infection. Other herbs great for cleansing the lymphatic system are; Astragulus, Cleavers, Goldenseal, Wild Indigo Root, Mullein, Tumeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, Coriander, black pepper,
Raw Foods
When you give your body a break of processed foods, you give your lymphatic system a break. Allowing it to focus on other tasks like fighting cancer or ridding metabolic waste. The best foods to eat are generally the more alkaline or high in vitamin C which helps the lymphatic system to function. Foods like lemon and other citrus are great to add. Other foods that are great for giving your immune system a boost are berries, greens, chia seeds, hemp, flax, pumpkin seed sunflower seed,
Practice Yoga
General congestion of lymph nodes can be adjusted through the movement, twisting and inversion that yoga provides. Poses like downward dog, cobra, twisting chair, bow pose, bridge, triangle, and sun salutations are always a hit for boosting the lymphatic system
Infrared Sauna Therapy
We ingest chemicals through a number of ways. We breath them in, we eat them, drink them, and even if we are being healthy on all fronts we even absorb environmental toxins through our skin. Which is why it is good to sweat it out. Infrared Saunas have been around for over 20 years and have been highly recommended by doctors as a healthy way to clean up your internal system. As an added bonus you can burn up to 300 calories in 30 mins.
Dry Skin Brushing
This activity won’t take up much of your day, the benefits however will last a long time. Before or after you bath or shower, dry skin brushing is as simple as taking a brush and running it gently across your skin. This will not only remove dead skin, which helps the lymphatic system to sweat out toxins, but will reduce cellulite as well. Two birds, one stone.
Deep Breathing
By now we know the Lymphatic System works in many ways to process and expel toxins, bacteria and other villains of our health. Breathing is another way to pick up those chemicals and carry them outside of our bodies. The key to deep breathing is to take in air so much that you push your belly out. This is going to increase oxidation of the blood, it will push out your lungs which will massage your lymph nodes, and it will open up air ducts which will allow the lymphs to enter the blood stream. These deep breaths also activate the parasympathetic nervous system due to the relaxed sensation you get from the intake of air. For an added massage of the lymph nodes and blood stream, try giving your arms a stretch as you take in those deep breaths.
Hydrotherapy
Otherwise known as alternating between hot and cold water on the skin. The hot water will help you to relax and reduce stress, The cold will help to reduce inflammation and stimulate the lymphatic system to remove toxins. Other benefits can include reduction in muscle tension and increased circulation. This is going to give an incredible boost to the immune system as well as metabolism. You might have to work yourself up to the cold water component of this mix, so try doing 5-10 second bursts until you get comfortable going for longer.
Drink Water
This is probably the most simple yet most important part of the process for boosting your lymphatic system. Much like the plumbing in your house carrying out waste, your lymphatic system works better with water to move it along. Dehydration is the most common cause of an under productive lymphatic system. A good way to make sure you are getting sufficient water intake is to drink half your weight in water daily measured by ounces. If you want to add a little alkaline oomph, you can squeeze some lemon in that first glass of water when you wake up. Just use a straw though to protect the enamel of your teeth.
Acupuncture
Accupuncture is wonderful for stimulating a number of bodily functions; from waking up the nerves to relieving pain. Many studies have shown that accupuncture can increase T-Lymph cells within the body. Generally acupuncture results in the waking up of bodily energy, a process that can send more metabolic waste to the lymph nodes to be processed. A truly great way to boost the detoxification process and stimulate the lymphatic system.
Sources:
Rebounding: Good for the Lymph System https://www.wellbeingjournal.com/rebounding-good-for-the-lymph-system/
- Lymphatic System: Facts, Functions & Diseases http://www.livescience.com/26983-lymphatic-system.html
Top 10 Natural Ways To Cleanse Your Lymphatic System http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/natural-ways-to-cleanse-your-lymphatic-system/
- Detox your Lymph: 10 Holistic Treatments For Your Lymphatic System http://thechalkboardmag.com/detox-your-lymph-10-holistic-treatments-for-lymphatic-system
