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/

10 Ways To Implement Self-Care In Your Life

Self-care is often overlooked and pushed aside for more important, more pressing commitments. The truth is that self-care should be a priority. Without it, we cannot function at our optimum and therefore different areas of our life may be detrimentally impacted. The modern lifestyle is a busy one, with individuals often rushing between commitments, however there are still ways you can implement self-care in your life. Here are ten ways you can add self-care to your routine so that you can maintain your physical, mental and emotional health.

1. Identify what self-care is to you
We all have different needs and different ways of unwinding. Identify what self-care is the most effective for you. It may be taking a walk and getting outdoors, or curling up by the fire with a good book. It may be surrounding yourself with good friends, taking a bike ride or soaking in a long, hot bath. Whatever it is, learn to define self-care for you as an individual so that you can better take care of yourself.

2. Establish a routine
Once you understand what type of self-care works for you, add it to your routine. Commit to engaging the activity regularly (three to four times a week) until it becomes a habit, something that is simply a normal part of your life.

3. Get regular, good quality sleep
Establish a sleep routine so that you are getting enough high-quality sleep. Go to bed at the same time everyday and wake up at the same time.
Sleep is a critical part of maintaining good health, brain processes, cell renewal, hormonal balance and much more. We all make the mistake of underestimate it’s importance. By implementing an actionable sleep routine, you can ensure that you are getting enough rest and are therefore optimally prepared to perform at your best.

4. Eat a balanced diet
Diet is an important part of self-care and has a significant impact on your health. Make sure to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, protein and healthy fats. Avoiding soft drinks and processed foods.

5. Exercise regularly
Exercise it’s great for maintaining physical, mental and emotional health. Kundalini yoga is excellent in helping regulate the biochemistry of the body, bring mental, physical and emotional health to those who practice regularly. This is an important part of any self-care routine.

6. Learn to say no when you know it’s a pass.
The ability to establish boundaries can be important to self-care. Rather than simply saying yes to everything until things become unbearable or seemingly impossible, learn to say no when you are busy or feeling under pressure.

7. Get organized
A little organization can go a long way in regard to your self-care. Implementing strategies to be more organized can really help reduce your stress and improve your mental health.

8. De-clutter your environment
Get rid of the rubbish and excess goods in your house; a cleaner, less cluttered space is great for your mental health as it will help to reduce stress levels.

9. Schedule time to yourself
It can often feel like we are being pulled in a million different directions. Make sure to schedule time for your self-care and don’t allow this to be interrupted.

10. Take a break
If things are getting too much, take a break. It might be taking a few days off work, getting a away for the weekend or taking a longer vacation; regardless of the length, sometime simply stepping out of the environment can be great for perspective and self-care.