Let’s Talk Lymph Cleansing

The lymphatic system, what is it, and what does it have to do with cancer? 

The lymphatic system is comprised of the lymph nodes, lymph vessels, lymphatic fluid, spleen, tonsils, and the thymus gland.

There are about 600 nodes scattered throughout the body which contain white blood cells and is essential for clearing toxins from the body.

The lymph is the fluid in which the cells are bathing, this fluids takes away the debris from the blood and sends it to the lymph nodes via the lymphatic vessels to be filtered out.

The lymphatic vessels can get clogged up when there is not enough movement through the cleansing systems.

We need a well functioning, clear moving lymphatic drainage system to keep our immune systems strong and able to protect against disease such as cancer. This is also especially important after cancer treatment as the immune system is usually much weaker.

Here’s the important part: the lymphatic system, unlike the circulatory system, does not have a pump, such as the heart to keep the fluid moving, it is the job of the body – specifically the muscles, to do that.

Why is a well functioning lymphatic system important?  

Your lymphatic system works closely with your immune system to defend your body from illness. If your lymphatic system is sluggish then so shall your immune system be and that is when illness can occur.

Some signs your lymphatic system is not working optimally:

You get sick often, or your illness never seems to really leave (lingering cold anyone?)
You feel tired a lot
You suffer from allergies
You breakout in pimples a lot or have persistent acne
Your skin doesn’t heal well
Your skin looks thinner and it makes you look older
Capillaries show more (little red lines just under the skin)
You have swollen lymph nodes
Cellulite
Headaches

How you can activate your lymphatic system:

This is how I stimulate my lymphatic system daily and how you can too!

1. Dry Skin Brushing: Using a coarse bristle brush move in a circular motion upward and inward towards your heart, from your feet to your neck. This should only take a couple of minutes, being mindful along the way. The skin may turn slightly pink in the areas you have brushed.

2. Hydrotherapy: alternating between hold and cold in the shower. Alternating between 3 minutes of hot and 30 seconds of cold, ending the shower with cold water.

3. Rebounding: My Favourite! Using a mini trampoline anywhere from 5-30 minutes daily, this is an amazing exercise for so many reasons, but we’re talking about lymph right now so we will stick to that. This exercise stimulates the lymphatic system even in small movements. Your feet do not need to leave the rebounder at all. You can kick it up a notch by doing mini jumping jacks, getting all of your limbs involved in the action, this will only benefit you more. If you are very ill or less mobile you can kneel on the rebounder or stand and use a chair in front of you and bounce very very softly, allowing your body that up and downward movement.

4. Exercise: the lymph system is activated by muscle contractions and so it only makes sense that exercise would be included in activating lymph drainage. You can do short at home exercises, or you can be in the gym pumping iron, whatever works for you, do that. Going for a brisk walk would also be beneficial, maybe even stop along the way and bust out some squats, or lunge along the way!

5. Infrared Sauna – ok I don’t personally do this one every day- yet, but it is an amazing detoxifying system for the entire body, especially the lymph system.

6. Avoid restrictive clothing: I can’t tell you how good it feels to not worry about wearing a bra because it supports my health! When you restrict the areas where lymph needs to flow you can cause blockages, this is especially true for women who wear bras, especially wire bras, for 12 or more hours a day. This is when disease like breast cancer can become more likely to occur. If you must wear a bra all day choose one that is not too tight, has no underwear and is cotton.

7. Inversions: legs up the wall pose is where I handle this one. You can do handstands if that is your thing, but I find this one way more therapeutic and relaxing, and can be held longer. Simply lay down with your legs up a wall, you can use a blanket or pillow under your bum/lower back for comfort and support as well. Lay with your eyes closed and breathe calmly into your belly. This pose has so many more positive effects than just activating the lymphatic system.
(Contraindications: should be avoided if you have serious eye problems, such as glaucoma. During heavier menstruation it may be best to avoid this pose.)

8. Deep breathing: This can be done anytime, anywhere and it is one of the best ways to relax your nervous system and allow the lymphatic system to flow smoothly. Deep belly breathing is the best way to do this. You can focus on counting your breaths, or lay down and place something light on top of your belly like a crystal or a yoga block and just watch it rise and fall with your breath.  This is another practice that is beneficial for so much more than just your lymph system.

If you are concerned about the state of your lymphatic system, or need nutritional and soulful guidance around healing your body of cancer or other disease please send me an email to set up a FREE discovery call and we can chat about working together on your health.♥

Sending lots of love and light to your lymph system today ♥

Janine XO

info@janineaf.com

Plant Based Holistic Nutritionist, Cancer Specializing, Connecting Body & Soul for Whole Healing