A good healthy body requires a clean lymphatic system and healthy lymph nodes.

lymphatic cleansingThis can be achieved in a variety of ways, primarily through lymphatic drainage. However as with any type of treatment or exercise, reinforcement magnifies the treatment regime. In other words use more than one method of treatment in conjunction with the other.

 

What you can do for lymphatic health

We recommend combining massage treatments with lymphatic stimulating exercises. For example a dry brush massage where a rough towel is brushed against the skin in the direction of the heart to stimulate blood flow, used in conjunction with mini trampoline exercises compounds the affects of the treatment and dramatically increases the lymphatic drainage.

Or the combination of gentle, hands on, lymphatic drainage massage in combination with mini trampoline exercises which is a more direct method of stimulating the lymph nodes.

The reason we promote the use of the mini trampoline or as it is known in gymnasiums “ a rebounder “ is because of the stimulation of the immune system that occurs from jumping. Sheer gravity affects us on the cellular level, which in turn boosts blood flow and immunity. The bouncing movements help to lubricate muscle tissue decreasing joint stiffness and pain. Ultimately the act of sweating increases the cleansing mechanisms in primary lymph gland locations like the under arm and groin.

In addition to these advantages Lymphcising, jumping on mini a trampolin, stimulates the meridians of the body which assist in lymphatic detoxification, there by compounding the effectiveness of the regime.

The key to lymphatic massage is to be gentle because lymph vessels are sensitive so always use a light touch.

Other exercises like modern yoga practices, or martial arts which require exertion of muscle areas can be used in conjunction with massage techniques and rebounder exercises to obtain added lymphatic drainage.  With regularity this combination of massage and exercise will promote a great sense of wellbeing.

Herbal remedies like AIM Herbal Release are specifically designe to clean the lymphatic system.

Why Detox your lymph system?

The lymphatic system is a series of lymph nodes, or glands. A network of lymphatic vessels connects and extends to all parts of the body. The system which drains a fluid called lymph back into the bloodstream from the body's tissues. This system is a primary means of avoiding and fighting infection in the body. It also protects the body from the development of cancerous cells by filtering out infectious organisms.

Lymph nodes trap and destroy infectious organisms and cancerous cells that have entered from bloodstream and body tissue. These nodes contain large numbers of cells and antibodies and perform a major role in a healthy immune system.

The Lymph fluid contains white blood cells aptly named lymphocytes which allow fats and protein to flow along a network of lymphatic vessels for re-entry into the bloodstream where it began. The nodes are the bodies natural filters and are clusters which are located close to the surface of the skin in the armpits and groin. They are also found within the chest, abdomen and neck.

Problems with the lymphatic and immune system

Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy, is a condition in which the lymph nodes become enlarged. It is quite painful but not always a cause for alarm. More concern should be placed on swelling that is not painful as this may be a sign of a more serious condition such as cancer. Swollen glands or enlarged lymph nodes usually develop as a response mechanism to an infection already present in the body. Bacterial or viral infections being most common. Swelling usually occurs close to the skin in lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or armpit

Of course with any malady, age, gender and lifestyle play a key role. Children exposed to flu viruses who develop throat infections often have swollen lymph nodes in the neck due to the infection. This painful condition clears up as soon as the infection subsides.

Lymphangitis

Lymphangitis, is a condition in which lymphatic vessels are inflamed, and cannot drain properly, causing the limb to swell. This condition is often associated with other treatment regimes like radiotherapy.

Lymphangitis can develop as the result of an injury due to bacteria spreading into the lymph if it is close to the infection. The condition may be accompanied fever, headache, and a general sense feeling unwell and usually affects a leg or other injured spot. Red streaks may appear over the inflamed, infected lymphatic vessels which become tender and hot. Swelling of the Lymph nodes near the affected area is common. When any symptoms develop after an injury, your doctor should be consulted immediately.

If your doctor suspects that you have lymphangitis from your symptoms after a physical examination, they may take a sample of your blood, which will be tested in a to determine whether the infection has spread into the blood. Antibiotics could be part of a rehabilitation regime prescribed by your doctor to treat the lymphangitis. The symptoms of the condition are fast to clear up with the correct antibiotic treatment.

Lymphedema

Most commonly in females when fluid accumulates in one spot that causes painless swelling. However this is also considered to be a genetic condition which can run in families making it a condition that is not directly related to age or lifestyle.

When a lymphatic vessel is defective or clogged and  prevents the drainage from a limb it causes lymphedema. Surgery and radiotherapy are the major causes of this dysfunction and sometimes occur after breast cancer treatments. It is rare for the blockage to be caused by a cancerous growth.

The symptoms of Lymphedema usually first occur at puberty, but can also be from birth. Lymphedema is usually painless. The skin becomes thickened and rough over the affected limb. If you experience infection after an injury that spreads fast, lymphedema may be present and your doctor should be contacted immediately.

Lymphedema often is a lifelong disorder and treatment regimes target relief of the symptoms by way of elevating the limb or wearing an special sleeve to help prevent swelling.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancerous condition arising in the lymphatic system and is more common in males. It is also hereditary in some cases. The condition involves uncontrollable cancerous growth of the immune cells in a lymph node and although a single node may be affected the potential for spread to other nodes and tissue is quite high and in some circumstances spreads into bone marrow.

Lymphomas are usually divided into two categories: Hodgkin's and non Hodgkin's lymphomas. A Hodgkin's lymphoma is where a particular type of cancer cell is present. All the other types of lymphoma are classified as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is much more prevalent  than Hod-kin's lymphoma, and it often develops in people over the age of 50. Hodgkin's lymphoma most commonly occurs in people who are between the ages of 15 and 30 and the ages of 55 and 70. Different types of lymphoma grow and spread at different rates.

The causes are not known but the condition often runs in families, suggesting the genetic factor. Lymphomas are more common if immunity is reduced. The major symptoms are swelling in the armpits, groin and neck caused by inflamed lymph nodes. Fever, sweating, weight loss and abdominal swelling and pain. In some cases tiredness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

Treatment regimes involve further testing to establish how far the illness has spread or progressed. Often blood testing or tissue sampling are used to determine these factors.
Traditionally, Radiotherapy for mild cases and chemotherapy for advanced cases are common.