The lymphatic system is one of the most underrated and misunderstood systems in our bodies, but also very important in fighting off infection and keeping inflammation and infection at bay.
You may not know it, but the body has a huge circulatory system made up of glands and organs, that excrete toxic fluid from your bodies called the Lymphatic System. This system helps to keep the body balanced, fight off infections, and get rid of toxic buildup. Included in this system are over 800 lymph nodes, which help filter out viruses, bacteria, and fungi that cause or perpetuate illness.
However, in many people, and especially those with chronic illness or fighting off disease, the lymphatic system does not flow optimally and becomes sluggish.
In this article we will explain what the lymphatic system does, how you can identify if your system is clogged or sluggish and ways to stimulate the lymphatic system to help your body get rid of toxins and promote healing.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is made up of a circulatory system and a system of “nodes” that allow immune cells to be carried around the body to help fight disease and filter out toxin fluid in the body.
The nodes in your body are located in the neck, armpit, groin, chest, abdomen and pelvis. If you’ve ever experienced a throat infection you may have felt the lymph nodes on your neck swell – this is your lymph nodes working to filter out the infection in your body. Your lymphatic system works hard to fight off infection, bacteria and toxins in your body.
What Does the Lymphatic System Do?
- Removes excess fluid from your tissues (lymph fluid)
- Absorbs and transports fats from the digestive system
- Transporting white-blood cells from to and from the lymph nodes to the bones
- Protect your body from illness causing invaders
- Rids your body of toxic waste
- Maintaining body fluid levels.
When the lymphatic system is not working or flowing properly, it can cause toxins to build up in our bodies. A number of chronic illnesses (i.e. Lyme Disease and Fibromyalgia) can cause blockages to the lymphatic system, causing more inflammation in the body, perpetuating symptoms and keeping us sick.
Signs that Your Lymphatic System Might be Clogged
If the lymph is not flowing well your cells are poisoned from their own waste and the lymph fluid becomes toxic. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. The result is increased inflammation, inflection, fatigue, disease, and more symptoms:
- Swollen Hands and Feet
- Brain Fog
- Anxiety and Depression
- Food Sensitivities
- Excessive Weight
- Frequent Colds
- Weakened Immune System
- Allergies
- Bowel Issues
We know that keeping your lymphatic system moving is an important part of ensuring it’s removing toxins from your body and fighting off infection. A well moving lymphatic system helps increase circulation, can increase energy and promote healing.
What Are the Best Ways to Stimulate Your Lymphatic System?
1) Stay Hydrated
The lymph system flows better when it’s hydrated. To get your lymph system flowing try sipping hot water throughout the day. Dehydration is a common symptom of lymph congestion and one that is easy to avoid.
2) Dry Brushing
This is a fairly inexpensive and easy way to promote lymphatic drainage of toxic waste. Find a soft bristle dry brush at your local pharmacy and use it to lightly dry brush your skin before every bath and shower. Brush your skin from your toes to your neck and always towards your heart. This is also a great way to improve immunity, refresh skin and reduce cellulite.
3) Alternate Hot and Cold Showers
Alternating between heat and cold in your shower will contract and dilate lymphatic vessels and help promote circulation. Alternate between hot and cold shower for about 90 seconds and remember to always end your shower on a cold cycle to bring you back to life and awaken your senses.
4) Keep Your Body Moving
Stagnation from sitting all day is a major problem that most of us face. Prioritizing exercising and moving throughout your day is very important in keeping your muscles active and your lymph system moving. The circulation of the lymphatic system heavily relies on large muscle activity. Moving every 15-20 minutes, whether it’s a stretch, a walk, or a bend, when your body moves your circulatory system flows.
5) Red Light (PBM) Therapy
Photobiomodulation(PBM), also known as Red Light therapy, penetrates deep into your skin and provides your cells with usable energy by removing oxidative stress from the cells and allowing more oxygen in to produce ATP (cellular energy). Red light therapy helps reduce inflammation in the body and also encourages the production of new, healthy cells that can help to combat and fight infection and strengthen the immune system. Overall Red Light therapy can help the lymphatic system by improving drainage, reducing swelling and restoring normal lymphatic activity.
At Luminous, it is our mission to help you lead a healthier, more pain-free life. This means that with our Photobiomodulation Light Bed and hand – held targeted PBM treatment, you get to experience a non-invasive, all-natural way to treat pain and inflammation, and stimulate your lymphatic system for optimal healing.