FUn Lymph Facts!
Do you have an armpit or an arm puff?
Take a peak at your armpit in the mirror. Does it have a distinctive concave shape or does it kind of stay at a similar depth as your arm and torso? If it isn't making a "pit" then it is a good sign that your lymphatic system is backed up. The armpit (or puff) region is filled with a good portion of your lymph nodes and is a common place for congestions to accumulate.
Other signs of a sluggish lymphatic system can include but are not limited to: colds, flu and sinus problems, edema and excess water retention, heart disease, fibrocystic and tender breast, cellulite, enlarged prostate and cancer, puffy eyes, fatigue, excess weight, cellulite, swelling, cancer, arthritic joints, swollen glands, pain, autoimmune disease, fibromyalgia, muscle stiffness, headaches, allergies, GI disturbances, anemia, flu, hypertension, dizziness, nasal/throat congestion, and much more.
Are you Detoxing or Draining?
Detoxification is the process of removing toxic substances from the body. The human body has systems in place to naturally detoxify toxins we are exposed to on a regular basis. Certain organs facilitate taking toxins from the bloodstream and excreting them in feces, urine, sweat and blood if female and still menstruating. However, when our body is exposed to too many toxins, it gets overwhelmed and doesn’t operate as efficiently at detoxing. Essentially it is your cells pushing out toxins which can lead to flu like symptoms and make us feel worse. This is why drainage is so important before, during and after any kind of a detoxification of the body.
Drainage is the gentle practice of opening up the pathways of the elimination organs so that all the toxins have somewhere to drain into and then ultimately out of the body. If not, toxins are recirculated throughout the body and contributes to us feeling worse (commonly called herxing or the flu like symptoms) and possibly making our situation worse. When we detox it should be a slow process and it shouldn't make us feel sick like most people have come to think. Starting with the lymphatic system is critical to opening the drainage pathways and doing things like sweating, hydrating, or taking supplements to support the liver or kidneys they rid the body of toxins. So exercising, eating fiber rich foods, drinking water with electrolytes, and sauna sessions will all assist the body in naturally opening these pathways.
Did you know you have a Glymphatic System? Lymph in your brain!
Yes, even our brain has its own lymphatic system which helps detox the tissue and fluid surrounding the precious brain tissue. This system was only discovered recently in 2015. This critical system can't drain unless the rest of the lymphatic system is draining as well. So the more you clean your lymphatic system throughout your body the better your brain/head will drain these critiacl toxins often associated with degenerative issues such as dementia or Alzheimers as well as general cognitive issues, brain fog or hormone issues. Side note, this system is most active while we sleep it is yet another reason why getting consistent healthy sleep is so critical to our health
How can I clean my lymphatic system myself?
How can you support your lymphatic system and keep your tank in tip top condition?
Movement/Rebounding
When you exercise and move your body, it activates lymphatic flow throughout the body. Exercising is the best way of increasing lymphatic function. It doesn't have to be vigorous exercise, gentle to moderate intensity is all you need, the key is doing it every day.
Additionally, rebounding (jumping on a small trampoline) is a great way to get your lymphatic system moving and it can be done in just 10 minutes a day.
Deep breathing
Relaxed and deep breathing activates the lymphatic system. Focus on filling up your belly and noticing your diaphragm move upwards. Most people do not breathe deeply throughout the day. Try to be more in tune with your breath and avoid shallow mouth breathing.
Skin brushing and self lymphatic massage
There is a link for a video on the resources page for both skin brushing and self lymphatic massage, also called The Big Six by Dr. Perry Nickelston. Both are ideal if you can incorporate it into your daily routine for just 5 minutes each per day or longer. Its completely up to you!
Hydration
Ensure you are drinking 2 litres of water every day. Your whole body needs regular hydration in order to function properly. The lymphatic system is no exception. The lymphatic system is made primarily of water and so it is vital that you are getting enough clean, filtered water for it to function.
Diet
Focus on whole foods, buy organic where possible and avoid processed foods with additives, colorings and sweeteners. And especially avoid Linoleic Acids which include basically any oil used in processed foods or at any restaurant. Sadly these are the most toxic oils we can be consuming. They are loaded with essential omega-6 fatty acid and include safflower oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and rice bran oil. Yes, pretty much every health food store is using these in their "healthy" foods.
How Healthy Is Your Gut?
Did you know that 70% of your body’s immune system is in the gut? There are many lymph nodes in the gut; treating this area will not only help with puffiness, but it will also help with elimination of fecal matter that has built up & help boost the immune system.
This is a great therapy for anyone following a gut healing protocol or anyone suffering with leaky gut syndrome. In addition to receiving LET to help with the lymphatic system, there are a couple of things that one can do regularly to help prevent stagnation and congestion of the lymph.
Thermography Scans
With the use of thermography scans, LET has been proven to immediately reduce inflammation in the areas treated. It is especially beneficial around the chest and breast tissue due to the gentle vibration. Women with fibrotic breast tissue or recovering from breast implant illness (BII) will find LET especially beneficial. If possible, it is ideal to have pre and post scans done with a series of LET treatments.