Although the lymphatic system is often overlooked, it is essential part of the body. It is made of tissues and organs that work in synergy to flush out toxic matter, waste, and other unwanted materials from the system.
Given that the lymph fluid contains white blood cells which have critical role in fighting off infections, keeping a healthy lymphatic system is of utmost importance.
Common Symptoms Of A Congested Lymphatic System
Breast swelling or soreness with each cycle
Dry skin
Mild rash or acne
Hypersensitivity
Rings get tight on fingers
Soreness and/or stiffness in the morning
Feeling tired
Bloating / Holding on to water
Itchy skin
Weight gain and extra belly fat
Swollen glands
Low immunity
Brain fog
Mild headaches
Elevated histamine and irritation due to common environmental allergens
Occasional constipation, diarrhea, and/or mucus in the stool
Three Major Causes Of Lymphatic Congestion
Even though lymphatic congestion is triggered by a wide range of factors, everything can be narrowed down to three major causes.
Stress
Iodine deficiency
Digestive imbalances
Constricting clothes
3-Day Lymphatic Detox To Improve Lymph Health
If you experience at least three of the symptoms outlined above, you`ll need to do a lymphatic detox to improve your lymph health. The good news is that you need only three days to drain your lymphatic fluids!
Read through the following guidelines and prepare yourself, particularly for the rebounding exercise which is a great way to drain your stagnant fluids. Drink herbal tea during the detox period, take a detox bath, dry skin brush, drink plenty of water, and do some brisk walking. You`ll feel the difference in a matter of days!
1. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUID
Since the lymph is made of nearly 95 percent water, water is critical for its health. Therefore, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking half your weight in ounces of water daily in order to avoid improper lymph flow.
In addition to water, you can have freshly-squeezed juices, broths, and herbal teas, all of which help the lymphatic system move while mineralizing the body and the lymph. It is worth mentioning that green vegetable juices are one of those good-for-you beverages which do deep cleanse of all detox organs, including the lymphatic system.
2. HERBS
There are many lymph-supporting herbs which have been shown to improve lymphatic health, whether in facilitating the elimination of toxic matter or improving lymphatic drainage. Some of those herbs include:
– Red root ( It helps reduce cysts, reduce swollen nodes, send nutrition to the tissues, and alleviate the stagnation of fluids)
– Red clover ( It improves circulation, which in turn reduces inflammation and promotes detoxification of the body)
– Manjistha ( This Ayurvedi herb is used to alleviate the stagnation of fluids by promoting lymph flow)
– Echinacea ( It boosts immunity by detoxifying the lymph fluid and it invades tumor cells and increases the production of T-lymphocyte, cells needed for clearing up extra-cellular fluids)
– Cleavers ( It helps dissolve cysts, reduces the swelling of lymph nodes, and helps dissolve kidney stones)
To sum up, drinking these herbal teas helps detoxify the lymph and boost its function.
EXERCISE
Rebounding is the best type of exercise for detoxifying the lymphatic system. It involves jumping on a trampoline and it works by opening up the lymphatic valves and improving circulation. It is recommended to do this for 15-20 minutes on a daily basis.
4. NEAR INFRARED SAUNA
This therapy penetrates into the skin, promoting sweating and elimination of toxic matter. The release of toxins and the heat work in synergy to improve the lymphatic flow.
5. BRISK WALKING
Brisk walking is simple, yet effective way to get the body moving and stimulate lymph flow. Aim at getting about 45-60 minutes a day, while breathing as deeply as possible.
6. LEGS UP THE WALL
Lying with your legs up the wall enhances the lymphatic flow by stimulating the activation of the lymphatic valves for eliminating toxins. Plus, it helps sleep better at night, too.
7. LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
8. STANDING DESK
Sitting down is bad for the lymphatic flow, while standing desk promotes lymphatic drainage and ensures you get more natural movements throughout the day.
9. HYDROTHERAPY SHOWER
Hydrotherapy shower involves use of hot and cold water alternatively. At the end of the shower, switch the water from hot to cold very quickly. Repeat a few times!
10. DEEP BREATHING
Being quite simple, deep breathing is something anyone can do. But, it`s an effective way of stimulating lymph flow, since the lungs are the ones that pump your lymphatic fluid.
– Stretch the arms to both sides and then move the arms up while breathing through the nose. Then, use your hands to make circles and breathe deeply from the lung, not the stomach. Hold the breath for a few seconds.
– Move the arms down while exhaling through the mouth and making circles with the hands
– You are likely to feel a bit dizzy after doing this for a few times, which indicates that your body is eliminating toxic matter. Stop at this point!
While doing this, think: ‘wash the cells, feed the cells, purify the cells’ to help pump out the toxins.’
11. DRY SKIN BRUSHING
Dry skin brushing provides a wide range of health benefits, from improving lymphatic flow and optimizing detoxification to boosting organ functions and boosting energy levels.
Here’s How To Dry Brush
Get a natural bristle brush with a long handle
Stand in the shower room/ bathtub
Start dry brushing, starting from the feet and moving toward the heart by using long motions. Ultimately, move on to the hands, again brushing towards the heart.
Brush several times in each area
Pay attention to the more sensitive areas, like the breasts
Take a shower, when done. Alternate between the hottest and the coldest temperature to stimulate blood circulation
Pat dry the body and then apply coconut oil onto the skin for hydration
For optimal results, dry brush every day before taking a shower
Sources: https://www.davidwolfe.com/the-lymphatic-system-health/
