Most of us know that the kidney, the liver, and the bowels are organs of elimination. Toxins just have to come out for optimal health!
However, lymphatic drainage is even more important for people with chronic infections, such as Lyme disease, and biotoxin illness.
Lymphatic fluid surrounds the cells of our body. And this fluid has its own circulatory system. Interestingly, we have about twice as much lymph fluid than blood. As we move, we rely on our muscles to pump this fluid into our blood stream where toxins can then be eliminated through the kidneys, liver and bowel.
The lymphatic system delivers nutrients from our capillaries to our cells, and transports toxins from our cells to our capillaries. These toxins include cellular debris, protein deposits, microbiological organisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi), and biotoxins from these organisms.
In chronic illness, the lymphatic system can become stagnant with so many toxins. Our cells drown in their waste, and our cells starve for nutrients.
We will most likely feel sluggish and fatigued. We may notice swelling from retained fluid and rashes from toxins trying to break out. Our lymph glands may swell and become tender. We may develop insomnia. Muscles may ache, and we may have headaches. We may eventually develop associated diseases.
In order to better restore health, we must get this lymph fluid moving and we must get the toxins out! So, what can we do?
Because the lymphatic system consists of so much fluid, you should make sure that you are not dehydrated and that you are drinking 8-12 glasses of pure water per day. This fluid will help to dilute the toxins so that they move through the lymphatic system more easily.
A healthy diet encourages significant lymphatic improvements.
Any movement will be helpful including simple stretching or strenuous exercise. As we move, our muscles squeeze the lymphatic fluid through our bodies. Healthy exercise should only be performed as tolerated.
Gentle rhythmic bouncing from a mini-trampoline aka rebounder also helps to squeeze the lymphatic fluid through the one way valves. You do not need vigorous jumping to obtain this effect.
Massage therapy is an excellent way to alleviate lymphatic congestion. If you are experiencing significant pain, you may want to start with a lymphatic massage and only progress to a deep muscle massage as tolerated.
Avoid tight clothing - even undergarments - which can cause lymphatic constriction and prevent lymphatic drainage.
Proper breathing also promotes lymphatic movement. Slow deep breaths using abdominal muscles pumps the lymph fluid. You should see your abdomen rise and fall with each breath.
Dry brushing is another idea to alleviate lymphatic congestion.
Dr. Bazylewicz can help you with herbal products that promote lymphatic drainage and that support with detoxification.
Let food
be thy medicine,
and medicine
be thy food.
~Hippocrates
DANDELION
Your word
is a lamp
to my feet
and a light
to my path.
~Psalm 119:105
ECHINACEA
The secret of health
for both mind and body
is not to mourn for the past,
worry about the future,
or anticipate troubles,
but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.
~Buddha (paraphrased)
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