Look after your Lymphatics

The lymphatic system isn’t the popular system of our body.  Not as snazzy as the cardiovascular or as talked about as the digestive system, but it is vital for our health.
 
So what does the lymphatic system do?
 

• The lymphatic system transports the lymph, a fluid dull of infection fighting  blood cells
• Rids the body of toxins, waste and a variety of other unwanted materials
• The lymphatic system has a network  that reaches the vast majority of the body’s tissues
• It returns fluids from the tissues
• Is part of the cardiovascular and immune system

 
Our muscles helps to massage the lymphatic system, moving the lymph through the system.  So what happens when we are:

• Stressed
• Have an injury
• In chronic pain
• Suffer a chronic condition
• immobility

The simple answer is the muscles tighten and they no longer massage the lymph, preventing the function of this very important system.
 
What can this lead to?

• Lymphedema
• Cancers
• Skin issues
• Infections
• Fluid retention
• Eczema
• Chronic pain
• Chronic cystitis
• Arthritis
• Bronchitis/pneumonia

 
So what can you do?

• Movement – rebounding(mini trampoline), yoga, swimming, low impact aerobics, deep breathing, mediation.
• Massage – lymphatic drainage massage, cupping, reflexology, dry body brushing
• Herbs – this should be done with the help of a qualified herbalist.  My favourite lymphatic herbs are: red clover, cleavers, manjistha, bupleurum and rhemania

 
Some simple changes can help to keep this system healthy, prevention is always better than cure, so the next time you find yourself running around like a headless chicken, stressed, tension in your neck and shoulders, remind yourself to slow it down, take some time for self care now or you will be needing medical care in the future.
 
 
To find out more, you can contact Carina at
T -(087) 0978880,
E -  info@itsanaturalchoice.com
W - www.itsanaturalchoice.com,
A - Lisnolan, Manulla, Castlebar, Co Mayo, F23 C922