The lymphatic system
plays a very important role in the human body’s fight against disease.
It’s largely made up of a network of thin tubes (filled with clear
lymphatic fluid) and lymph nodes. The thymus, spleen and bone marrow
also all play vital parts in the function of the lymphatic system.
The
lymph nodes house the lymphatic fluid which contains lymphocytes and
other white blood cells, vital components of our blood that fight
infection and cancer.
If
our lymph fluids get backed up in the nodes or if there are problems
with our lymph ducts, it can cause the nodes to swell and become
inflamed, on top of compromising the body’s immune system. [1]
White blood cells
are the primary reason why the lymphatic system is so important. If
your blood is drawn during a medical checkup, WBC levels are one of the
things your doctor will look at in determining if you have an infection.
When pathogens invade the body, white blood cells exit the lymph nodes
and enter the bloodstream to fight the infection – this is characterized
typically by two things: a fever and a high WBC count. Low WBC counts
in the presence of a fever can signify a problem with your immunity. [2]
Unlike
the cardiovascular system however, the lymphatic system is not a closed
system – and in humans it does not have a pump. This means that the
movement of the lymph fluid relies on the physical movement of the body
in order to circulate and prevent the nodes and ducts from becoming
blocked with dead white blood cells. Without adequate movement of the
fluid, lymph nodes can become infected and disturb the normal
homeostasis in the body’s immune and vascular systems. In the brain, a
lack of lymph drainage can damage memory and contribute to Alzheimer’s
disease. The same thing happens when the lymph nodes near our major
organ systems don’t flow and drain effectively – it can cause widespread
organ dysfunction. [3]
Certain kinds of movement and
exercise are regarded as beneficial to the lymphatic system as they
assist the movement and drainage of the lymph.
Natural Drainage Of Lymph: 3 Methods
#1: Massage
This
method is one of the most popular ways to manually drain your lymph
nodes, particularly in areas like the breast and armpit. When massaging
the breast, gently make circular motions that lead away from the areola
and towards the armpit, then downwards. This promotes drainage of the
lymph fluid away from the nodes of the breast and axilla to the body’s
vasculature. You can also apply this technique to other lymph nodes of
the body. [4]
#2: Exercise
Another
way to effectively get all your lymph nodes properly drained is to
exercise! Moderate exercise that helps improve vascular circulation also
promotes adequate drainage of lymph fluid, about two to three times
better than not doing any exercise at all. This is because lymph flow in
and out of the nodes is increased during exercise. You can try jogging,
walking, cycling, or other similar exercises for at least 30 minutes,
three times a week to promote proper drainage of your lymph nodes. [5]
#3: Rebound Therapy
This
last method is technically a form of exercise but warrants its own
special focus as a unique and valuable drainage method. Rebound therapy
is slowly gaining recognition for a variety of health benefits that
range from physical to emotional. Have you ever wondered why kids
instinctively want to bounce – on anything from a bouncy castle to your
newly made double bed? There might be something to it…
Through
the gentle bouncing or rebounding on a trampoline (or similar surface),
circulation and lymph drainage is improved, aside from promoting an
increased state of wellbeing. The science behind is lies with the lymph
ducts’ valves. Bouncing can be likened to a more intense form of
walking. When pressure is placed on the lower extremities (when you
prepare for a bounce or take a step), the valves in the lymph ducts
close and open when the pressure is released. When you bounce, the
valves close and open more fully than walking or jogging, promoting
better lymph fluid evacuation. [6][7]
Many people who are into this exercise obtain a special rebounding trampoline
– a portable 36″ (or similar size) mini-trampoline that allows them to
get in their bounce time. It’s a great form of exercise and lots of fun –
put on your favorite music and bounce to it, what could be more awesome
than that? Here’s an example of a rebounding trampoline on Amazon that
got great reviews if you want to learn more: Stamina 36 inch Folding Trampoline
Source: herbs-info.com/blog
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