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Lymphatic System
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The lymphatic system is part of our immune system. It includes lymph vessels and nodes, thymus gland, tonsils, spleen and appendix. It is a network of tubing that drains waste products from tissues. It is often referred to as a secondary circulatory system under the skin; it assists the bloodstream with millions of tiny ducts that collect tissue fluid not needed by the capillaries or skin and returns it to the heart for recirculation. The lymphatic system functions to rid the body of toxic wastes, bacteria, dead cells, trapped protein and fat globules. It acts like a garbage disposal for the body. In addition, it produces disease-fighting white blood cells (lymphocytes) and antibodies, and carries most of the body’s waste from the cells to the final elimination organs. The valves of the lymph system move the waste to be flushed and filtered. But since the lymphatic system is not connected to the heart (to be pumped), lymph circulation depends upon other activities to create the necessary “pumping action” it needs to circulate. Some of these activities include: breathing, muscle movement (exercise) and massage. One of the best forms of exercise to stimulate the lymphatic flow is with a rebounder (a mini trampoline) for just fifteen minutes a day. Another way is to dry brush your body everyday after showering.
Steps for Dry Skin Brushing: - Use a soft natural brush so it won't scratch the surface of the skin.
- It is best to use a brush with a long handle, so you're able to get to those hard to reach areas of your body.
- Do NOT brush when skin is wet, since it stretches the skin. The body has to be dry.
- Always brush lightly and gently and avoid broken skin, thread veins and varicose veins.
- ALWAYS brush skin towards the heart with a sweeping type motion not a scrubbing motion.
- Do one side of the body first and then the other.
- Brush the soles of the feet first, because the nerve endings there affect the whole body. Start with the bottoms and tops of your feet. Brush up and down, ending with an upwards stroke on the front, sides and backs of your calves. Around the knees, back of the knees and then the thighs. Do the outer and inner thighs, including the hip area. Now do the other leg.
- Next brush across your abdomen, lower back and buttocks using circular counter-clockwise strokes.
- Do gentle circular strokes over, around and under the breasts, but do NOT brush the nipples.
- Start on one side and brush your hands and arms. Be sure to brush under your arms and down the side of the rib cage.
- Brush up and down, ending with the stroke that brushes towards your chest. Brush up to the shoulders, and do your shoulders well. Start up around the neck and brush down to the shoulders, back and chest. Remember to always brush toward the heart so not to cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins.
The lymphatic system is a vital part of being healthy; all the other systems in the body depend upon it for detoxification. A sluggish lymphatic system can lead to many health problems from cellulite to cancer. Some signs -and symptoms of a sluggish lymph system include: edema, cellulite, showing signs of weakened immune system-frequently sick, prone to infections, allergies, skin afflictions (eczema) excess sweating, headaches, fatigue, weight gain, ear or balance problems. Some suggested holistic health supplements include:
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