No discussion about detoxification would be complete without mentioning our beautiful Lymphatic System.
A flow network exists within the body of around 700 nodes & vessels that act as your body’s sewer system. Your spleen, thymus gland, and tonsils are all considered part of this network too. It also has a big role in circulating fluids, fats, and immune cells. Unlike the circulatory system, there is no pump (the heart), so it’s highly prone to stagnation, eventually resulting in disease.
Muscle activity & exercise are the main historical movers of lymph. These days, we need to do much more to help move our lymphatics, as we do so much to promote their stagnation: sedentary lifestyle, low water intake, excess intake of animal protein/saturated fats/coffee/acidic foods/dairy, drinking out of plastics, putting chemicals on our skin, pollution, radiation, EMFs, etc. Even wearing a bra promotes lymphatic congestion within the breast, as we deprive our body of the natural undulations that move our lymph. Once this gets bad enough, health can take a serious downturn – think breast cancer; staging the severity means determining how badly the lymph nodes are compromised. Read more about our need for better regular detoxification here.
Symptoms of poor flow include pain & muscle cramps, edema/swelling anywhere in the body (from your ankles to puffy eyes), cellulite, any skin condition, and recurrent illness (especially with any tonsillar enlargement).
What are some things that we can do to promote better lymphatic drainage?
- Dry Skin Brushing
- Infrared Sauna
- Castor Oil Packs
- Contrast Showers
- Breast Massage
Further information on all of these can be found on my website – see my Hydrotherapy, Castor Packs & Breast Massage Handouts.
Body work such as massage (esp. lymphatic drainage forms), chiropractic, acupuncture, and sound therapy also help to move the lymphatic system.
Several herbs are also well known to move the lymphatics. These include Burdock, Galium, Rumex, Scrofulara, & Slippery Elm.
Disease-talk aside, keeping your lymphatics flowing is one of the world’s most ancient anti-aging secrets. Skin will be more hydrated, lifted, even in texture and tone, and wrinkle-free if the lymphatics are moving well. And who doesn’t want that?
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