Did you know there is no such thing as the immune system.
It is just a name we have given to our body's defence
mechanism. What we do have though is truly amazing part of
our body that can truly defend our bodies from viruses and
bacteria and its name is the Lymph System.
Lymph comes from the Latin word lympha, meaning "clear
water."
As quoted by Marcelle Pick OB/GYN/ NP "Think of a river: a
healthy river runs clean and clear. A brackish river chugs
along, thick with soot and silt that gets snagged,
pocketing pollution in small pools along the way.
Eventually, the sluggish river can become a breeding ground
for bacteria and disease. The same is true for your lymph."
This truly incredible system is a network of organs, nodes,
fluid, ducts, vessels and tissues that produce and
transport lymph. The nodes are strung along the lymph
vessels like pearls knotted on a string. There is 3 times
more lymph fluid in the body than there is blood. Lymph
fluid is a clear, slightly yellow fluid that flows around
the body, carrying white cells and antibodies to the
tissues and organs. This system assists in the production
of white blood cells. These cells search for, grab and
destroy bacteria and remove them from the body.
Unlike the heart the lymph system does not have its own
pump. It moves through the system in the right direction
because of the large number of valves that permit fluid
flow only in one direction. Most of the flow is against
gravity or "uphill". This movement is due to breathing
movements and skeletal muscle contractions. Exercising and
proper breathing helps the lymph fluid move around the
body. Proper breathing is when the diaphragm is extended on
an inward breath. Imagine your lungs are like a triangle.
Most people breathe in and only inflate the top of their
lungs, which means their chests inflate. Learn to breathe
properly and extend the belly (diaphragm) on an inward
breath. This will fill the whole lungs with oxygen, which
in turn, helps our bodies to cleanse itself of bacteria.
An easy exercise to help move the lymph fluid, is by taking
a good deep breath in for the count of 5 seconds, hold it
for 20 seconds and then release for 10 seconds. Do this 10
times, 3 times a day and flood your body with oxygen and
energy. We have to breathe all day long so why don't we
learn to do it properly and also make it work for us.
Another way to help the lymph system is with massage.
Massage moves the lymph fluid around the body, again
assisting in the cleansing process. There are many forms of
massage including lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage
massage is a therapeutic deep- tissue massage treatment
that uses thumb pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes
to increase lymphatic flow and eliminate toxins from the
body. As with acupressure or shiatsu, the pressure during
the treatment is quite powerful and can really relax and
relieve the muscles. Lymph is so important in keeping the
immune system working properly that improving its flow and
drainage around the body is helpful in many ways.
As a consequence of modern unhealthy and unforgiving
lifestyles, we are continually putting toxins into our
bodies through bad diet, pollution, excess alcohol and too
much sugar. Boosting the lymphatic system helps to flush
all the toxins away and keep the body healthy. Lymphatic
drainage massage can also help the body fight infection and
speed up healing and recovery from illness. It reduces
water retention, boosts weight loss and can even be an
effective treatment for cellulite! Manual lymph-drainage
is used in the treatment of lymphoedema.
Rejuvenating your lymph system. The lymph system is there
to keep you clean and well. It does this non-stop 24 hours
a day 365 days a year and for the rest of your life. To
help rejuvenate your lymph system here is a list of
considerations: -
• Watch what you are eating. Reduce your body's toxicity by
avoiding processed food, sugars and too many carbohydrates.
Eat organic where possible. The less waste the lymph system
has to deal with the easier it is to flow.
• Drink plenty of purified water or filtered water. At
least 8 glasses a day. Remember we are 70-75% water, so
keep this topped up and help the fluids to run.
• Get some exercise. The best exercise for the lymph system
is jumping on a rebounder (mini trampoline). This helps the
lymph fluid to be pumped around the body. Walking, cycling
or running are all good forms of exercise. Just don't sit
and do nothing is my recommendation. Exercise makes you
feel and look great as well as help the lymph system. When
exercising don't be afraid to get sweaty. If you are
sweating this helps detoxify the body.
• Proper breathing. Learn to breathe properly and carry out
our exercise (as above) 3 times a day. Your body will thank
you for it. My tip is also try it when you are feeling
tired or stressed. A good deep breath that fills the lungs
works wonders for making you wake up and also for relieving
stress
• Avoid tight clothing that puts pressure on the nodes. For
women try and not wear a bra for at least 12 hours a day
and don't wear one in bed. If you feel you can't then get a
stretchy t-shirt.
• Watch your stress level. Stress causes acid in the body
and acid is toxic which adds to the burden of your lymph
system.
So take care of your lymph system and it will take great
care of you.
Make the rest of your life the best of your life ®
----------------------------------------------------
Simon Jordan is the inspirational health coach and founder
of The Simon Jordan Foundation. For more information and a
FREE health guide to help you feel great, visit
http://www.simonjordan.com
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