YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Lisa Purdy ND, MH, CNHP
Did you know that you have two circulatory systems in the body? The cardiovascular system carries blood and oxygen to all the cells of your body by the movement of a pump, your heart.
The lymphatic system is considered a second circulatory system. Its job is to filter and remove excess waste from the body. The lymphatic system acts as a garbage collector, filtering out bacteria and toxins that cause disease. It is twice as vast as the cardiovascular system, but it has no pump to move the fluid. Lymphatic fluid only moves in one direction. Without a pump, it relies on the pulsing of nearby arteries, skeletal muscle contractions, and breathing to move the lymph. Exercise, even gentle movement, massage, and breath work are important ways that you can improve your lymphatic flow.
The lymphatic system is connected to every other system in your body. When it functions properly you feel vibrant, energetic, and focused. You digest and eliminate efficiently, sleep well, and don’t get sick all the time. If your lymphatic system is congested, you feel stuck, lethargic, constipated, have head and body aches, and feel anxious. It acts as a critical part of your immune system, producing white blood cells to destroy harmful pathogens.
Signs of Lymphatic Congestion: acne or skin breakouts, allergies, bloating, blood clots, brain fog, bronchitis, constipation, digestive issues, edema, enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, fibroids/cysts, headaches, hormone imbalances, inflamed tonsils, itchy skin/rashes, kidney disease, lymphedema, muscle stiffness, joint pain, obesity, puffy face/neck, sinus congestion.
Lymphatic fluid is made up of the waste from your cells. This fluid is collected by permeable lymphatic capillaries present throughout the body, just under the top layer of your skin. It is then moved by the 500-800 lymph nodes, found frequently in the hinges of your body. These are located at your head, neck, armpits, sternum, abdomen, the crease at the top of your thighs, your elbow creases, and behind your knees. A deeper lymphatic network drains your organs and deeper regions. Understanding the mapping of your lymphatic highway is crucial before you begin any self-massage.
Lymphatic massage specialists frequently help those recovering from cancer treatment. There are many lymph nodes around the breast and groin area. These are often compromised by the spread of cancer and surgically removed. Proper lymph massage can help support the body to drain those compromised and overloaded areas. Know too that symptoms of improper lymph flow may be triggered by a stressful physical or emotional event as well.
What about thinking proactively towards prevention?
Toxic fluid build-up contributes to disease. A simple at home massage could help the lymphatic system to work efficiently, thereby preventing disease. For specific directions in lymphatic self-massage, I recommend: The Book of Lymph, by Lisa Levitt Gainsley, CLT.
Lymphatic massage is contraindicated if you have active bleeding or blood clots, acute congestive heart failure, acute infection, acute renal failure, cellulitis, deep-vein thrombosis, or embolisms, or untreated cancer.
Other practices to increase lymph health include: diet, exercise – walking or mini-trampoline, herbs – burdock, echinacea, mullein, poke, red clover, dry-brush routines, reflexology, castor oil packs, sauna, and yoga.
Healthy lymphatic drainage is important for breast health! Many women never touch their breasts, unless it is with a negative energy of looking for a problem. Self-exams are important, but perhaps giving self-care positive energy may be even better for cancer prevention. Learning lymph massage techniques to reduce breast congestion and increase lymph flow could make a world of difference in your life! For more natural ideas for high-risk prevention, I recommend: Breast Cancer? Breast Health! By Susun S. Weed.
Breast Massage Oil
In the spring, gather violet flowers/leaves and ladies mantle flowers/leaves. Place in a pint canning jar and cover with olive oil. Let set for at least 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and place into a dropper bottle, add 15 drops geranium essential oil. Shake before using as a soothing breast massage oil.