The lymphatic system is an important system in our bodies that often gets overlooked by conventional medicine. The Lymphatic system has many functions such as, being part of the immune system by protecting our bodies from invaders (such as bacteria and viruses), maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing digestive tract fats, and removing cellular waste. It’s essentially the “garbage man” of our bodies, because it cleans out our cellular waste, so it can be excreted by the body. You can think of lymphatic vessels like blood vessels. They run all over our body just like our blood vessels do, but instead of being filled with blood, they’re filled with lymphatic fluid. The main difference between these two vessel systems is that the heart pumps blood throughout our blood vessels without us needing to do anything, but our lymph fluid is stagnant and only moves if we make it move.
Personally, I believe the term ‘detox’ is overused in Naturopathic Medicine. But ensuring the lymphatic system can purge things properly is an effective way to keep things moving onward and out. The lymph vessels drain all throughout the body. Here are some essential ways to naturally keep your lymphatic system moving.
Dry Brushing
All you need is a dry brush with natural fiber bristles (check them out in our store!). Dry brushing is a great way to increase circulation, remove dead skin, and move the lymphatic system. Dry brush prior to a shower using upward and outward motions. I personally start at my feet and ankles, work my way up the body pushing outwards with the brush, move up to my arms, neck, and chest, and then hop in the shower. Make sure you’re always brushing towards the heart. In Greece and Japan, this is a very common way to not only “beautify” the skin but has become a popular health regimen as well.
Hydrotherapy
This is mild torture, but I have seen some great results with this therapy. You can do hydrotherapy at home with the use of hot and cold water. Hydrotherapy helps stimulate the body’s natural response to detox the kidneys, colon, lymphatic system, and liver.
To perform hydrotherapy, stand in a warm/hot shower for three minutes, then follow with thirty seconds of cold. Repeat this three times ending on a cold cycle. Be smart, don’t turn up the water too hot! If it is too hot, turn the water down.
If you feel lightheaded from the hydrotherapy, STOP. I do not recommend hydrotherapy for those who have issues from Neuropathy or impaired temperature sensations (ahem, Bartonella folks).
My tips: begin with water that is slightly cool and work your way up to a colder temperature as you build tolerance. Think of this therapy as a form of exercise.
Detox Baths
Epsom salt soaks are another fabulous method for lymphatic detoxing. To start use two cups of Epsom salts and one cup of baking soda in water. Soak for no longer than twenty minutes. The minerals help release toxins from the body and improve overall circulation. Epsom salt baths are also a great way to detox cellular waste products. You can even add 1/4 cup bentonite clay to your skin for an even deeper ‘detox’.
Sauna use
This is very different than the ozone sauna we have in office. Infrared saunas help your lymphatic system function better by sweating out the toxic material in the body. Keep in mind, an infrared sauna does not sweat out pathogens, viruses, parasites, etc. Infrared saunas are primarily a great way to maintain health, encouraging the drainage of the lymphatic system.
Opening up drainage pathways is a great way to begin any health regimen. This is my first step in any protocol I use with my clients or myself before beginning any supplements or ozone therapies. Also, keep in mind healthy food and plenty of rest is crucial before beginning any health protocol in order to achieve higher rates of success.
Water
Drink plenty of room temperature water! The lymphatic system is composed of approximately 95% water. For, it to expel waste naturally, it is important to stay hydrated. Half your body weight in ounces of water is ideal!
Exercise
Like I said, the lymphatic system only moves if we make it move. Exercise is a great way to get it moving! When you’re moving your muscles, the lymphatic fluid moves and pumps within its vessels.
Massage
Getting a lymphatic massage is one of the best ways to really purge your lymphatic system. It’s great for those that suffer from swelling or cellulite (both are tied to lymphatic issues). During a lymphatic massage the therapist will manually move your lymphatic fluid and help your lymph nodes drain. Remember, always drink plenty of water after a lymphatic massage to help flush out your system, or you may experience flu like symptoms.
Avoiding chemicals
Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals like those in pesticides and cleaning products. These chemicals can build up in your system and make it harder for your body to filter waste. This is especially important for those that have a chronic health issue such as Lyme. Switching to a natural deodorant, soap, cleaning methods, and thoroughly washing your produce etc. can help your lymphatic system work more efficiently. We’ll talk more about this in next weeks blog.
Call 717-660-2320 to book your sauna session and begin feeling the benefits of purging your lymphatic system!
References
Lymphatic System: Parts & Common Problems. (2020, February 23). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21199-lymphatic-system
Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health Pty Ltd. (2019, June 17). How can Massage & Exercise improve your Lymphatic System (Immune System) | Sports Physio Massage Gold Coast | Ashmore, Burleigh | Massage | Pilates | mygcphysio.com.au. Sports Physio Massage Gold Coast | Ashmore, Burleigh | Massage | Pilates | Mygcphysio.Com.Au | Whatever Your Goals. . .We’ll Keep You on Track. https://www.mygcphysio.com.au/services/articles-useful-info/how-can-massage-exercise-improve-your-lymphatic-system-immune-system/