Everything Lymphatic!
Your lymphatic system is the key to good health and vitality, but it is usually overlooked and not known by many.
Think of this system as built-in sanitation for your body. It carries away waste from every cell, tissue and organ. The lymphatic system needs your help to move the fluid through the body because it doesn't have an automatic pump like the heart does.
These are some signs that this system is backed up: headaches; reduced ability to fight infections; constipation; inability to lose weight; experiencing soreness or stiffness in the morning: bloating; itchy skin; and, acne, dry skin, and/or other skin-related issues.
So, what backs this system up? A few things:
- lack of movement! Movement helps the lymph move ... makes sense, right?
- dehydration. Dehydration causes lymphatic stagnation. Yet another reason to drink your water!
- stress. Stress leads to an acidic body which leads to lymph congestion
Here are a few ways to detox your lymphatic system:
1. Move!
One of the types of movements I do with my clients is rebounding.
What is rebounding?
Rebounding is one of the most efficient ways to reduce lymphatic congestion. Using a mini-trampoline to jump or even engage in a gentle up and down motion to stimulate the lymph function. The gravitational pull caused by bouncing causes lymphatic valves to open and close moving the lymph. It's fun, gentle on the joints, and even better barefoot!
2. Dry brushing
Dry brushing is something I recommend to every client at our very first meeting. A dry brush is inexpensive and very beneficial.
Dry brushing skin promotes drainage of toxic waste in the lymph which, in turn, results in many other benefits such as improved immunity, refreshed skin, and could help with a reduction in cellulite.
Tips for dry brushing:
- Dry brush before your shower or bath.
- Remove any deodorant or antiperspirant from under your arms so as not to move it into your skin.
- Use a natural bristle brush.
- Use moderate pressure as hard pressure is not necessary because the lymph system is close to the surface of the skin.
- Brush towards the heart.
- Eat whole foods, healthy fats, fruits and veggies. Consuming foods like junk food, fast foods, sugary drinks, unhealthy fats, refined flour, and sugar can cause inflammation which, in turn, creates lymphatic system congestion.
What can you do to improve your lymphatic system? Eat more fruits and veggies especially green vegetables. The chlorophyll found in green vegetables purifies the lymph and blood. Also eat healthy organic fats such as nuts and seeds, avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, organic ghee, and butter.
To summarize, keeping lymph moving doesn't have to be a costly or time-consuming endeavor, but the return in health is priceless! Just keep moving, drink plenty of water, and eat healthy. Start there and your body will thank you with vitality and good health!
If you are interested in me posting a video showing you how I dry brush, let me know in the comments, and I will gladly provide a demo in a future post.
It's a new dawn ... there is always a chance to start anew.
In good health ... always,
Len
