The Ultimate Guide For The Lymphatic System

 

Lymph, like the blood, has always been a part of us. However we cannot see it and often unconsciously program  ourselves to undervalue its importance. Lymph is mysterious and underestimated; something we could not live without.

WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?


The lymphatic system is similar to the circulatory system except it does not have a heart to pump it through the body. Think of it as an extension of the circulatory system. The lymphatic system carries oxygen, nutrients, removes waste, and has immune and fluid balancing functions. If a microbe is detected within the lymph system it can alert an endocrine gland to signal the need for defense cells to be released.

The lymph relies on movement, adequate hydration of the body, proper breathing to stimulate lymphatic drainage and circulation. With poor lymph flow we get impairment of the lymph system, and stagnation. The waste mixture which it carries is supposed to be regularly flushed from the body. When it stagnates, the liquid waste may return to body tissues where it accumulates and causes inflammation and swelling. These toxic substances may combine with water, fats, salt, food colorings, fungal particles, and food preservatives/pesticides to further cause a toxic overload in the tissues. When you have swollen lymph nodes it’s called lymphedema.

Common signs of issues with lymph may include edema, dehydration, obesity, the formation of cellulite, and soreness in the neck/axilla/groin. Sources of toxins which accumulate in a sluggish lymphatic system may include pesticides and chemicals from clothes and cosmetics. Hormones from food and birth control pills and toxic substances from processed food and pharmaceutical drugs can also contribute to the toxic cocktail which accumulates in your lymph.

LYMPH IS LIKE THE SISTER OF BLOOD  Lymph is a purely transparent, sometimes milky white or slightly yellowish fluid which circulated through the lymphatic system. In total an average of 4 to 5 liters of lymph flow through a healthy person. Shockingly, a person with serious edema could hold an excess of 60 kg in contaminated lymph fluid!

The lymphatic system collects waste from parts of the whole body as the fluid drains into lymphatic nodes. These serve as protective biological filters for the whole body. They eliminate waste, water, and fats. A healthy lymphatic system is key to successful elimination of harmful chemicals, food preservatives, and excess residues of allopathic pharmaceutical drugs.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LYMPHATIC NODES
There are about 800 lymphatic nodes in the average adult person. The largest lymph node is the spleen! They can be divided up into several regions. One area being serving a protective and cleansing net for the head and neck, another group protect the upper limbs, and yet another group protect the chest, another the pelvis and finally one in the groin protects the lower limbs.

Lymphatic nodes vary in size, with the largest ones being about 2 cm wide. We are more aware of our lymph nodes when we are imbalanced or ill and they are being strained by angina, microorganisms, pathogens and infections. The specific nodes may also swell and become sore all over the body when our system is strained.

TIPS FOR WOMEN THAT CAN’T LOSE WAIT
Some women may suffer from weight gain in the hips, thighs, or upper arms. These areas have many deep lymph nodes and when it stagnates in these spots the lymph fluid may bind with other fats, water, fungus, pesticide residues or toxins, and salts. For most women the excess accumulation of weight occurs in these areas because the lymph has poor mobility here. So, if you have difficulty losing weight it could be beneficial to discuss a solution with your health care provider.

IS A TOXIC LYMPH SYSTEM PART OF A COMMON NEW TREND IN MODERN CIVILIZATION?
Modern lifestyles for many are far more sedentary than our ancestors were. Through inactivity and the consumption of processed foods, GMOs, pesticides and herbicides, we have far more toxic residues in our diet than at any time in modern history. Our water sources have residues of hormones, pharmaceutical drugs, and herbicides. All of these modern toxins, combined with high amounts of non-specific stress combine to produce massive imbalances in our biochemistry. Stress itself activates cortisol (a hormone) and this over time will actually shrink your lymph glands!

Other strains on the lymphatic system include: acidic foods, contraceptives, gluten, and dyes/herbicides/toxic chemicals in our clothes, shampoos/deodorants and cosmetics.

Within the lymph itself if there is a buildup of parasites, microfilms, fungi, yeast, phlegm, or bacteria there can be excessive swelling. Finally, with uneven fluctuations in hormone levels which could occur in menopause, or with thyroid diseases we can see additional strains on the lymphatic system

When we look at more physical or structural causes of a poorly functioning lymphatic system we can consider scars, torn muscles and fascia, and surgery which has cut or impeded the flow of lymph as possible contributing factors. Excessive sports may also damage the body and impede proper flow of lymph fluid.

TREATMENT
Treatment for lymphatic swelling could include lymphatic drainage massage, acupressure or acupuncture, therapeutic yoga and herbal remedies.  Wearing compression aides (socks), taking salt baths, showering with alternating hot and cold water, moderate exercise (swimming, yoga, Tai Chi), use of a skin brush in the direction of the heart, and improving one’s diet may all bring relief. I have personally found far-infrared saunas or moderate steam saunas with alternating cold showers has huge benefit for many. If there is an emotional, psychological, or familial component then therapy or distant healing and energy work can be useful.

Author
Peter Farquharson. Practitioner of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturist, Clinical Herbalist, and Integrative Energy Healer. https://abundanceflow.org/

The Chakras and your Health.

 

The Chakras. How do they relate to my health and well-being?  The word chakra in Sanskrit translates to “wheel of light”. There are  seven of these spinning energy centers located along the midline of the body. From bottom to top they are called: the Root Chakra, Sacral Chakra, Solar plexus Chakra, Heart Chakra, Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra, and Crown Chakra.

Each chakra also influences the organs and endocrine glands which are located adjacent.  The Solar Plexus Chakra may affect the liver, stomach and pancreas. In addition, when a person has energy which is stagnant in this particular chakra they may have digestive issues and poor circulation in the upper abdomen.  For a person that visually observes energy bodies, the chakra may appear grey, and could be rotating the wrong way or circulating too slowly.

Each chakra centre vibrates and spins at different speeds, emitting  different colors. They are actually making their own electro-magnetic field. The seven chakras interact and together create the colors of the human aura. The dominant color comes from the chakra which is producing the most energy.  A person feeling a lot of love would likely have a green aura which is being emitted by the heart chakra.

Interestingly, chakras are thought to correspond to spiritual, emotional and psychological states of being. A person having difficulty in areas of communication, for example, may develop health issues in the throat.  Acupuncture or Acupressure along with Energy Healing techniques like Qi Gong or Quantum Healing can help people restore the proper flow of Energy (Chi or Prana). This can help remove core underlying conditions that are aggravating the physical, emotional or spiritual bodies.

An energy healer working on the chakras usually considers their color, their size and shape (symmetry)  , their rotation speed and direction and their overall intensity. These are the most important features to consider, when evaluating the health of the chakras and the corresponding bio-field.

 

Peter Farquharson. Practitioner of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncturist, Clinical Herbalist, and Medical Intuitive (Distant Healings).

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Root Soup & Tumeric: Muladhara healing foods

Some of the most powerful medicines on the planet are masquerading around as foods and spices. While they do not lend themselves to being patented, nor will multi-billion-dollar human clinical trials ever be funded to prove them efficacious, they have been used since time immemorial to both nourish our bodies, and to prevent and treat disease

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice that has been used for centuries. Specially incorporated in curries in Indian cuisine; we have learned about its amazing benefits in recent years here in the West.

Some of the most powerful medicines on the planet are used this way, as spices in our foods.

Defined inn Ayurveda as having primary the bitter and pungent taste, it has many functions on the energy systems of the body and in low doses is known to be balancing. It is also disease preventive and used to treat disease.

But not only Ayurvedic medicine speaks of its benefits. The more than 600 benefits from this spice is backed by multi-million dollar clinical trials.

It is a medicinal spice so timelessly interwoven with the origins of human culture and metabolism, so thoroughly supported by modern scientific inquiry, as to be unparalleled in its proven value to human health and well-being.

Some of the most amazing, demonstrated properties include:

Preventing and Reversing Alzheimer’s Disease Associated Pathologies

Protecting Against Radiation-Induced Damage

Destroying Multi-Drug Resistant Cancer

Protecting Against Heavy Metal Toxicity

Destroying Cancer Stem Cells (arguably, the root of all cancer)

Reducing Unhealthy Levels of Inflammation

This is just a short list to prove the amazing benefits of this spice and how you can benefit from it. There are over 600 additional health conditions that this valuable spice helps prevent and treat.

When I first began exploring the spices that are the basis for these spice blends, I assumed they might function similarly to thyme where an extra “bit” might be better. I learned quickly with turmeric, less can be more.

The orange color in turmeric, squash, and sweet potatoes indicates the presence of carotenoids like beta-carotene which are potent antioxidants and fat soluble. Which means that you need at least half teaspoon of a fat like olive oil or ghee in the meal to properly absorb all the nutrients present.

Butternut squash and sweet potatoes are often made during the holiday season and as leftovers can be made into a lovely curry soup. Fresh ingredients can also be used.

Brazil nuts are a nice addition to the recipe but not a must. They add a wonderful creamy flavor and are rich in micronutrients like selenium.

Root Soup Recipe: Muladhara nourishing

Ingredients:

3 small onions diced

2 leeks, washed, trimmed, and sliced

2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger

3 tablespoons organic olive oil or organic ghee

1 ½ cups butternut squash

4 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 turnips, peeled and sliced

3 parsnips, peeled and sliced

1 butternut squash, peeled and sliced

4 tablespoons butter or ghee

3 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock (your preference)

3 cups water

4 garlic cloves peeled and mashed

Several thyme springs, tied together

1 teaspoons turmeric

1 teaspoons ground cumin seed

1 teaspoons coriander

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of cayenne pepper

4-5 Brazil nuts that have been soaked for 2 hours in water

Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large, stainless-steel pot and add onions, leeks, carrots, turnips, butternut squash and parsnips. Cover and cook gently about half hour over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add stock, bring to a boil and skim. Add, garlic, thyme, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne. Simmer, covered for about half hour until the vegetables are soft.

Remove thyme and puree soup with hand blender (if you have, if not, use a blender). Season to taste. If soup is too thick, thin with a little water. Ladle into heated bowls and serve with sour cream or yogurt.

A practical guide to Root Chakra (Muladhara) healing

After learning about what chakras are and where are located, their connection with our body organs, nadis and grantis we are left with wonder:

What can we do to help healing, aligning, balancing these chakras?

We are embarking now in an adventure to learn how we can aid to the healing/balancing of chakras with everyday things:

Things to do, things to eat, things to wear, things to smell, things to reflect upon, mantras to sing and kriyas to practice.

First, I would like to start with a comment on how you feel when your root chakra is not balanced or harmonized.

If your root chakra is not balanced, you will likely feel:

  • Lack of connection to people, friends, family
  • Not supported, insecure, not grounded, fearful, anxious
  • Lack of self confidence
  • Lack of will power
  • Lack of the “can do” force

What you do to balance/harmonize the root chakra Muladhara?

In everyday life:

  • Simple things like enjoying a relaxing meal with friends or family.
  • Being grateful for the things you already have, including family, friends.
  • Practice sports.
  • Take a walk in Nature (preferably barefoot, if possible).
  • Work in the garden.
  • Dance to the rhythm of music: drumming.
  • Wear red clothes, red gems, or objects
  • Surround yourself with flowers.

Burning incense is an important part of almost all the major religions of the world. Burning incense has become a key part of aromatherapy.

The following herbs and aromas support the root chakra Muladhara: cloves, rosemary, ginger, Vetiveria zizanoides, cedar, cypress.

Nourish yourself with earthy veggies:

Since the deficiency in Root Chakra is caused due to less interaction with the earth, whether directly or indirectly. You can add some earthly delights to balance your first wheel.

Add to your diet foods that are green and root vegetables and start over a restoration chapter. Some of the vegetables are:

  • Beets
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Tomatoes
  • Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Radishes
  • Beetroots
  • Mushrooms

In the yoga:

Sing the mantra OE. Practice standing posture (grounding), bending over. All you can think that influences feet, knees, legs, pelvis, lower back, and tailbone. Practice Sat kriya.

How do we feel when our chakra Muladhara is aligned?

  • Insecurities start to vanish
  • A sense of braveness and self confidence.
  • We feel closer (even when geographically apart) to friends and family.
  • A more satisfying life and sex life.
  • Adrenal glands are less stressed.
  • Digestive system improves, no digestive issues.
  • Less susceptible to unhealthy addictions.
  • Awareness of our right to exist and accept our body in the physical world
  • A feeling of a well-founded and balanced life.
  • Perseverance even under unfavorable conditions and situations.
  • Ability to accept the necessary and respond in the right way according to the situation.
  • Value people more than things/possessions.
  • Your basic needs are fulfilled, and your material basis are guaranteed.

In our next post we will be sharing some recipes that incorporate foods that are known to aid heal this chakra. Stay tuned!

5 Ways Towards Driving Away Negative Thinking

We all deal with the “problem” of our thoughts, which our mind produces, are mostly negative or belong to the past.

Seldom do we stop to “listen” to the thoughts we are producing. Experts say most of our thought are the equivalent of garbage thoughts.

Why?

Because almost all our thoughts are negative, detrimental, judgmental, condemning to ourselves and to others. If you think I am exaggerating or that it doesn’t happen to you, I kindly invite you to review your thoughts. There are many ways to go around this but we are going to hear, in this post, five easy steps to start incorporating.

Driving away negative thoughts doesn’t require as much effort, but it can be a pretty serious battle. You can’t just tell them to be gone, but instead, need to develop a longstanding strategy for driving them away and keeping them out for good.

1. Admit you have a problem. It can be downright impossible to do self-reflection on this topic, because we often don’t pay attention to our own words or body language. One helpful way to gauge our level of self-defeatist attitude and negativity is to create a chart with two sides. On one side, write down all you positive thoughts that day. On the other, write down all your negative thoughts. You’ll be amazed by how much negativity the average person keeps in their head.

2. Exercise. Getting your body moving is great for changing your mood and your thoughts. You don’t have to run a marathon or swim across Hudson Bay in Canada to make that kind of change… you can just step up, take a walk, do some jumping jacks, or dance. That’s right… dance. Try turning on your favorite music and moving and grooving for a few minutes; see if you’re feeling negative afterward.

3. Practice Gratitude. If making a list of your thoughts was the first step to recognizing your negativity problem, building a positive list could be the first step toward solving it. Make a list of all the things you’re grateful for. Having trouble coming up with a list? How about your breath, your pulse, your sight, and all the other basic amenities we take for granted. Once your start writing your list out, you will find that it snowballs and fills your mind with positivity.

4.  Talk about it. Find a friend, family member, therapist, or helpful ear to listen to your problems without judgement, and without recommendation (unless you want it). One could also pray, journal, or craft an art project around your feelings. Once they’re out there, you’ll find yourself strangely (perhaps magically is a better word) unburdened of negative thinking.

5. Change your language. Take stock of the vocabulary and phrases you use regularly, as you did in point number 1. Eliminate negative phrases and words from your lexicon, and watch your thoughts change as well. You should also take note of your body language and posture. Avoid slouching, and above all, smile!

Kriya Meditation en el ser

En este video Dyan Navjot nos comparte una kriya para meditar en el ser. La parte del mantra, la puedes encontrar si copias/pegas este link: https://youtu.be/F5DRDqSYwr0?list=PL98R7S01iQEh22gNY1lhr3HCuvAucXN1a Recuerda ANTES de practicar la kriya debes abrir con el mantra ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO (X3) y luego hacer calentamiento, copia/pega este link: https://youtu.be/31bxuqmxXAU?list=PL98R7S01iQEg2SEKsHmzPrmGoLJkDs_xL Si quieres tomar clases con Dhyan Navjot, sólo tienes que mandarnos un mensaje por Telegram o por Facebook. Escríbenos un mensaje en el sitio web para que te enviemos el libro Introducción al Kundalini Yoga gratis: https://abundanceflow.ca/contact/​ Toma clases en línea en tiempo real: t.me/KundaliniYogaMeditation (Telegram) Visita nuestro Blog: https://abundanceflow.ca/blog/​ Conecta por Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundanceflow.ca

Conecta por Instagram: @abundanceflow #Kundalini​ Yoga, #KundaliniYoga​, #Meditación​, #MeditaciónKundalini​, #ClasesDeKundalliniYoga​, #Kundalin​ Yoga Clases #Numerología​, #numerología​ tántrica, #numerología​ kundalini

Do you feel you have lost the magic ingredient of life?

Some people might call it  Motto. Basically is something linked with excitement, with motivation, with having goals and dreams.

Many people around the world have lost this magical ingredient. It is something that can happen to anyone and you won’t notice it until you feel depressed.

When you have something to look for, something to look forward to, we feel that we have a sense of purpose. This, together with feeling secure, feeling loved and happy are the basic ingredients for an individual to love life and achieve personal goals.

One of the things that perhaps most of us do, is to be attached to end the result, to the expectation of how something will be. This is something that makes us live in the future, not in the present. We seem incapable to do something and enjoy while we are doing it, we are most of the times just imagining how it will be when it’s finished. Most of the times, what this brings is dissatisfaction and frustration.

One way to balance things out is to be grateful for the things that we have, the things that we do, the little things that make you happy, be thankful for them. Make a list of all the good things that have happened to you, the things that we are grateful for along your life.

A second step into finding your motivation or purpose is to work your body and mind, kundalini yoga is an excellent source to deep dive into your inner self and discover through your new developed intuition and connection to your purpose in life.

Common Myths about Yoga and the True Facts

There are a lot of myths about yoga that can often discourage people from trying it. In this article, we will separate myth from fact so you can decide whether or not yoga will help you achieve your health and life goals.

Myth 1: Yoga іѕ spiritual, not physical

Fact: While it is true that certain yogas include meditation, that is concentration and focus, yoga is intended to be a union of body, mind and spirit. A healthy body is a healthy mind.

Myth 2: Yoga is for wimps

Fact: Yoga is a whole body workout that incorporates both aerobic activity if you do flow yoga that is, yoga movements in a sequence and strength training, such as you would do with weight lifting or using resistance bands. It is quick and effective and develops long, lean muscles, balance, flexibility and stamina in a way few other workouts can. Both men and women can get a better body in only a few short weeks if they stick to their practice.

Myth 3: Yoga is for old people-it is slow and boring

Fact: While it is true that yoga is a great workout that increases flexibility and range of motion, it can be practiced by anyone at any age level and fitness level. Young and old alike enjoy the variety of the poses. Fast workouts may burn more calories, but they can often cause muscle strain and injury. Think of slow weight lifting and you will get an idea of just how powerful yoga can be in building your best body.

Myth 4 –You will never lose weight doing Kundalini Yoga

Fact: Ever see the people carrying yoga mats? Chances are that most of them are skinny. Yoga develops long, lean muscle, which boosts your metabolism and helps you burn calories more efficiently. You will also look a lot better in your clothes. Think of the difference in volume between 1 pound of cotton balls (out of shape muscles) and 1 pound of brick well-conditioned muscles and you will get an idea of just how slim and trim you can start to look even if you never lose a pound.

But since each yoga session can burn an average of 500 to 1300 calories, a Kundalini yoga session, yoga is the perfect way to get a better body.

Now that you know the facts, do a search online for my yoga videos and courses. Get started with this great exercise that is fun, interesting, and can easily be done every day no matter where you are.

Can I Eat More If I Work Out?

Consistency and Patience

A combination of a balanced diet, a consistent exercise routine, and a stable sleep schedule is ideal when it comes to improving the current status of your health. Yet, there’s a point at which diet and exercise intertwine and make matters a bit more complicated.

You need to be patient with yourself and go one day at a time, you will find how easier it gets to just say: I will do exercise tomorrow and then next day you say the same thing and the next one.

In particular, many people wonder whether exercising more means you can eat more without negatively impacting the positive progression of your health. That’s especially the case when you consider the calories and nutrients lost through intense and frequent exercise.

Below, we’ll discuss the role that losing calories and nutrients plays in the amount of food you should be eating on days you work out.

Replacing Lost Calories

No matter what type of exercise you’re participating in, you’re burning a set number of calories based on how long and how intensely you perform the exercise.

When you burn more calories than you’re consuming throughout the average day, you’ll experience weight loss. That’s great if you’re looking to lose weight, but it’s not so great if you’re trying to build muscle and strength.

To maintain your weight on days that you exercise, you’ll need to be taking in as many calories as you’re burning through exercise.

That means eating a greater number of calories during the day!

You should try to limit the extra calories to about how many calories you burned during your workout in order to maintain your current weight. A few extra or a few less won’t make much of a difference but being a few hundred calories off can make you gain or lose weight!

Eating More Nutrients to Refuel

When you exercise, your body is using carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to provide you with the energy you need to complete your workout. Additionally, your body loses electrolytes like sodium and potassium when you exercise intensely.

After you’re done with your workout, it’s incredibly important that you replace the nutrients you lost during exercise and supply your body with the fuel it needs to continue on with your day.

Though that means eating more over the course of your day, it also means eating the right food. The “extra” food that you’re eating on days in which you work out should be nutrient-dense and help to return your body to its natural state.

The Limitations

You can eat more during the day if you’re burning calories and losing nutrients during exercise, but there are quite a few limitations.

Under no circumstances does working out enable you to consume unhealthy foods and not experience the negative health consequences associated with them. That means working out doesn’t make it okay to hit up a local fast food joint on your way home from the gym.

Coming home from the gym after a 30-minute run only to eat a cheeseburger and French fries with a large soda won’t only put you above your daily recommended calories, but it’ll also overload your body with unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt.

Rather than burning calories and improving your health, your body must now work to rid itself of the unhealthy level of these nutrients that you just consumed. It practically reverses the positive effects of your workout!

You should be replacing the number of calories that you lost and focus on replenishing the nutrients that your body craves post-workout.

Final Thoughts

In short, yes. If you’re looking to maintain your current weight, you’ll need to be consuming more calories and nutrients on the days that you’re exercising. But you need to make sure that the additional calories and nutrients you’re consuming after a workout are healthy and will support your health and fitness goals.

Finding Optimism

Optimism…it’s a four syllable word that can be harder to find than diamonds in South Africa. But believe it or not, you too can tap into the earth of your surroundings and dig up a rich store of feel-good. Here are a few ways to do that.

#1: Find laughter. These days, it isn’t hard to find. With Youtube and social media, there is not shortage of memes, videos, vines, and more to get you crackalackin. You could also rent a funny movie, watch stand up comedy, or hangout with funny people. Laughter will lead you to smiling, and smiling will lead you to feeling good. Which brings us to our next point…

#2: Turn the frown upside down. It’s hard to believe that something as smiling can improve your mood, but studies have linked outward acts of happiness to an internal shift. Practice by looking in the mirror and smiling, even it if feels cheesy, stupid, and inauthentic. Hold your smile for a minute, two minutes, five minutes…see how long you can go. Start the day off with a smile, and make a conscious effort to smile more.

#3: Use positive words. Studies have shown and confirmed what spiritual traditions have long held regarding the power of the tongue: words can literally shape the reality around us. If you want to build a more positive vibe, try using more positive words. Eliminate negative talk about yourself, and others as well.

#4: Find positive people. The impact of those we hang out with is enormous. Avoid negative influences and people who bring your down with complaining and criticism. Misery loves company, the old adage goes, and these people will quickly bring you into a downward spiral. Find friends who are upbeat, positive, and happy, and their resilience and optimism will pass on to you.

#5: Stay healthy. If you’re feeling tired and sick, it’s easy to get irritable and negative. By contrast, try maintaining an active lifestyle of healthy choices that can maximize your energy levels and build you up. It’s easier to be upbeat and happy when you feel good inside and out.

#6: Get spiritual and/or actualized. Most spiritual traditions promote a positive outlook on life. If you’re not so into organized religion, find something that can provide a positive outlet for you, like exercise, music, art, or reading. Just like using positive words can turn our perspective around, filling our hearts and minds with good stuff will help optimism come easier.