SUPPORTING DETOXIFICATION PATHWAYS

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

“Keep your lymphatic system flowing smoothly and your entire system will go with the flow.’ – Our Pure Family

ABOUT

Graphic Diagram of the lymphatic system
Image: Blausen CC_BY_3.0

Lymph is a colorless fluid containing white blood cells, lipids and macromolecules that circulates throughout the entire body via the complex network known as the lymphatic system.[42]  It is part of the immune system that monitors and regulates foreign substances in the body and flushes toxins out of the system.[39] It also helps to modulate acute and chronic pro-inflammatory cells which could otherwise fuel illness in the body such as cardiovascular and bowel disease.[39]

The lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart does, but relies on physical activity for animation, similarly to the Venous system, which makes exercise important for lymphatic health.[39]

HOW TO KEEP YOUR LYMPH IN FLOW

PHYSICAL SUPPORT

Man lying on a massage table receiving a shoulder massage

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE: Any massage is useful to get things moving under the skin, but lymphatic drainage massage is specifically to aid the cleansing of this important detoxification mechanism.

SELF MASSAGE: Self Lymphatic Drainage massage. See the video here for some simple techniques to assist the lymph nodes to flush out.

Self Healing & Cleansing Lymphatic Massage Drainage – Dr. Alan Mandell, D.C.: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViykneTyMvI

MASSAGE LYMPH NODES: A helpful practise in the shower is to take a body brush or loofah and gently massage in circular motion the areas behind the knees, in the groin, and under the arm pits, where the body has a higher concentration of lymph nodes.

REFLEXOLOGY: There is a pressure point on top of the foot between the big toe and second toe that activates the lymphatic system. Please see the video below for details. SIMPLE DIY Lymph Drainage | Reflexology Point for Lymphedema, Swelling and Edema: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD9IUwTSidI

DRY BRUSHING: Is an excellent way to incorporate lymphatic drainage into your daily routine. Please see Flush First – Dry Brushing for further details.[43]

EXERCISE: Vigorous movement helps the lymphatic system do it job, so get walking, dancing, yoga, swimming, or anything else you feel to do.

Group of women exercising outside, jumping on rebounders with knees up high
Photo by Memento Media on Unsplash

REBOUNDING: This simple bouncing movement on a trampoline allows every cell to stretch and cleanse themselves. If you don’t have a rebounder, going for a quick run is also great.[43]

SHOWERING: Having a cold rinse after your hot shower makes blood rush from the organs out to the limbs, causing a flushing of the blood throughout the body which is very cleansing – and invigorating!

BATHS: A hot bath which is hot enough to raise the heart rate a little will also help to flush the lymph. Add some sea salt and magnesium for a cleansing and nourishing soak. Up to 20 minutes is great, especially with a cold shower afterwards.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

Asian lady tending to her outdoor fish market stall
  • Lemon juice – in water first thing in the morning is a great general cleanser for your detoxification pathways.[43]
  • Dandelion greens – are great for detoxification. Please see the listing on this site.
  • Keto diet – fat fuels the lymphatic system while carbohydrates cause inflammation.[38]
  • Anti-inflammatory diet – stick to fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins and fats, and stay away from processed foods and carbohydrates, for optimum lymphatic health.
  • Potassium – use a supplement or preferably get it from your diet. Found in broccoli, bananas, fresh seafood, legumes, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and meat.[43]

ENERGETIC SUPPORT

Here are some suggested statements for your prayers, meditation, kinesiology or other inner work.

STATEMENTS FOR THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
  • My lymphatic system is healthy, vibrant and balanced.
  • My lymphatic system is functioning at optimum efficiency.
  • I naturally make healthy dietary and lifestyle choices to support my lymphatic system.
  • My body is cleansing itself with ease and grace.
  • My detoxification pathways are working in harmony and balance.

VIDEOS

[38] Erkstam R, 2021, How does a keto diet improve the lymphatic system?, Robert Erkstam – Self Care Therapy @ Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqvnbS5Axkg

[39] Berg E, 2016, What is the Lymphatic System And How it Functions?, Dr. Eric Berg DC @ Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br14hzqKM7U

[40] Mandell A, 2017, Self Healing & Cleansing Lymphatic Massage Drainage, Dr. Alan Mandell D.C. @ Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViykneTyMvI

[41] Dr Melissa, 14 April 2018,  SIMPLE DIY Lymph Drainage | Reflexology Point for Lymphedema, Swelling and Edema, Natural Health Resources @ Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD9IUwTSidI

WHERE TO NOW?

RESPIRATION

Wordsmith * Coach * Digital Content Producer

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