Lymphatic Congestion By Steven Horne, RH (AHG) & Kimberly Balas, ND
Isn't indoor plumbing a wonderful thing? We can all be
thankful that we can turn on a tap and have fresh, running
hot and cold water for drinking, bathing, and washing.
On the other hand, we have all experienced the frustration
of a clogged drain. When the dirty water we have washed with
won't go down the drain, we have got a stagnant mess on our
hands. Because we all understand that stagnant water is not
healthy, we do whatever is necessary to unclog that drain, so
the wastewater isn't standing around polluting the internal
environment of our home.
Most people are not aware that the body has a drainage
system, too. It's called the lymphatic system, and it works
hand in hand with the circulatory system to keep the various tissues and organs alive and healthy. It's the lymphatic
system's job to make certain the fluid around the cells in
the body doesn't become stagnant.
Sometimes, however, the
lymphatic system becomes congested, and—like a cloged
or sluggish drain—an unhealthy stagnation of fluids occur.
Without the lymphatic drainage working properly, the tissues in the body become like a clogged kitchen sink, a trash-laden back alley, or a stagnant swamp—none of which can
be considered healthy conditions.
Lymphatic congestion contributes to swollen lymph
nodes, earaches, sore throats, chronic sinus and respiratory
congestion, tonsillitis, appendicitis, breast swelling, lumps
and tumors, lymphatic cancers and other health problems.
Here are some ways to clear the lymphatic congestion.
First, deep breathing, combined with muscular movements,
is the key to "pumping" our lymph and keeping it moving.
Exercise, for example, increases lymph flow as much as five
to fifteen times. One of the best forms of lymphatic exercise
is gentle bouncing on a mini trampoline. If a person is unable to stand on the mini trampoline, he or she can still obtain benefit by sitting in a chair next to the trampoline with
his or her feet on the trampoline. Another person stands on the trampoline and gently bounces up and down. This
passively moves the lymphatics as the seated person's legs
move up and down. If you don't own a mini trampoline,
don't worry. Just walking and breathing deeply will greatly
enhance lymphatic circulation, as will any other form of
moderate exercise.
The second key to reducing lymphatic sluggishness is to drink an adequate amount of water. Even moderate dehydration will contribute to poor lymphatic drainage.
Dietary therapy may also be helpful. Certain foods seem
to "clog up" the lymphatic system more than others. For
many people, dairy products are major culprits. Wheat is
another lymphatic "clogger" for many people. However, any food that creates allergic reactions for a person may contribute to lymphatic stagnation. Avoiding these foods is the third key to improving lymph drainage.
The fourth, and final key is using herbs that improve lymphatic function such as the following.
Below is a list of suggested products. Those in bold are key products for the health issue explained on this page.
For details and ordering simply copy a product's name in the search box above or click on the bold name.
1994 - 2023 Four Winds, Inc. USA Disclaimer: We do not directly dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of herbs or supplements as a form of treatment for illness. The information found on this Web Site is for educational purposes only and to empower people with knowledge to take care of their own health. We disclaim any liability if the reader uses or prescribes any remedies, natural or otherwise, for him/herself or another. Always consult a licensed health professional should a need be indicated.
1994 - 2023 Four Winds, Inc. USA