As the weather becomes warmer, one of the key areas of the body to support in spring, is the lymphatic system. If your lymphatic system is flowing smoothly, this is vital to easy weight loss, immune strength, improved feelings of well-being, and more vitality.
The lymphatic or lymph system involves an extensive network of vessels that pass through almost all our tissues to allow the movement of a fluid called lymph. Lymph fluid circulates through the body in a similar way to blood.
There are about 600 lymph nodes in the body. These nodes swell in response to infection, due to a build-up of lymph fluid, bacteria, or other organisms and immune system cells.
The primary lymph organs are the spleen, thymus, tonsils, and adenoids. The lymph nodes throughout the body filter out bacteria and toxic waste, and the lymphocytes (white blood cells) attack the bacteria.
The lymphatic system plays a key role in the immune system, fluid balance, and absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients.
A healthy lymphatic system helps purify the blood through the largest mass of lymph tissue in the body, the spleen. The spleen fights infection and destroys worn-out red blood cells in the body. By cleansing your lymphatic system, your spleen is able to handle these retired red blood cells.
Here is what the lymphatic system look like:
So how do you know if your lymphatic system needs a cleanse?
Here are some signs that your lymphatic system is struggling:
- cellulite
- ear infections
- eczema and psoriasis
- fatigue
- fibromyalgia
- fluid retention
- muscle and joint stiffness
- poor immunity
- raised lymph nodes
- repeated sinus infections
- sore throat
- tonsillitis
If you’re suffering from any of the above issues, chances are that you will benefit from a lymphatic cleanse.
Here are 6 ways to kickstart your lymphatic system into action:
1. Exercise
Walking in the fresh air and general exercise are fantastic for getting the lymph moving. Just 30 minutes of exercise each day, can make a huge difference.
2. Massage, Reflexology, Essential Oils
A combination of Massage, Reflexology and Essential Oils has a profound effect on cleansing the lymphatic system. Key essential oils such as black pepper, cardamon, cypress, grapefruit, fennel, lemon, mandarin, rosemary can help. But each person’s body is unique, so it’s best to see an experienced therapist, who understands how the body works.
You can book a session with me!
3. Dry skin brushing
Use a dry skin brush every morning, to help improve circulation and lymphatic flow. Start at the extremities and brush towards your heart in an anti-clockwise direction for best results.
4. Food
Buy organic fruit and vegetables, to eliminate extra toxins. Eliminate diary, as it produces mucous which increases lymphatic stagnation. Increase berries, citrus fruit, greens, healthy fats such as sunflower, pumpkin, chia and flax seeds.
5. Hydrate
No matter which organs you are detoxifying, water is the key to removing toxins from your body. Try it with a teaspoon of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, which aids detoxification as it breaks up mucus throughout the body and cleanses the lymph nodes to allow for better lymph circulation. Use herbal teas such as Red Clover, Echinacea, Fennel and Lemongrass. It’s extra important with the lymphatic system, as the lymphatic fluid moves slower when you are dehydrated.
6. Breathe
It may sound simple, but deep breathing exercises are a powerful way to get the circulation and lymph moving. And breathing is fantastic for your mind too, helping to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Set aside a few minutes every day to relax, and breathe.
Love your lymph and get into your own flow!
