The Ultimate Way To Detox, Plus How Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Actually Works

Functions of the Lymphatic System

Lymphatic drainage therapy is one of the most effective ways to get your lymph system working properly. Among the various functions of the lymphatic system is its ability to carry waste away from the cells and bloodstream to the body’s organs of elimination.

The system is comprised of veins and capillaries, with one-way valves, that contains a clear fluid called lymph. This fluid also surrounds cells throughout the body and collects cellular debris before draining it into the lymphatic system. Lymph carries the waste on a one-way path toward the heart and passes through many filters (lymph nodes) where special white blood cells attack and eliminate foreign molecules. (Source)

So what does this have to do with Lymph Drainage?

If you suspect,  have the symptoms, or have been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, and want to help your body rid of toxins faster–I am glad you are here. Here is what I found:

The Best Way to Detox & Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

One of the most effective ways to maximize lymph drainage, that is free, cheap and you can do anytime is — exercise.  Walking, running, aerobics,  and pretty much any exercise is a  great way to get your lymphatic system going. However, the best and most effective way is to use a mini-trampoline ( I like this one) also knows as rebounding, even from the comfort of your home.

Rebounding on a mini trampoline is perhaps the most efficient and forceful means of flushing the lymph while stimulating the immune system and defending against cancer and other ailments. During rebound exercise the forces of the upward and downward bounces – acceleration and deceleration – are vertically aligned on the same plane with gravity.

It was proven by Albert Einstein in 1911 that the aligned forces of acceleration, deceleration and gravity result in an increased gravitational load (1). What this means for the body is that during rebound exercise cells adjust to the increased load by becoming stronger. Rebounding strengthens virtually every cell of the body at the same time and is equivalent to resistance training for the cells. (source).

Another way to detox is by juicing specific vegetables, using herbal tinctures, and of course detoxing herbs such as (dandelion root, milk thistle, wild indigo), and plants.  One of my favorite herbal supplements– especially for us women– that I use and recommend is Ashwagandha.

What? A herb going to help me detox and balance hormones? Yup!  Here is how it works:

Ashwagandha (try it here) is a natural source of energy and vitality. Being a super-powerful adaptogen, Ashwagandha supports adrenal and cognitive function by balancing cortisol ( hello stress hormone) release induced by physiological, mental, emotional, and environmental stress.   Hence, I love the way it makes me feel– especially after experiencing stress.  Plus, this is one of the best herbs to help balance hormones.  Overall I get a sense of well-being.

Another lovely addition to your healing arsenal could be my favorite medicinal mushrooms by RealMusshrooms (use code HEALYOU20) for 20% sitewide. Plus it’s evergreen, meaning it doesn’t expire! You can find 5 defenders with five different types of organic healing mushroom powder.

 I can’t begin to tell you how awesome I have been feeling.  Not only has my focus and vitality improved by at least 75%,  (no kidding I wrote three articles this week-rare) when It takes me at least two weeks for one usually.  My mood has been pretty balanced, I’ve had energy during the day– yet have been able to get solid restful sleep every night.

Good News for Both: Men and Women

If you have been having issues in the sexual performance department, I have phenomenal news for you. Ashwagandha builds stamina– known for male sexual endurance–and supports adrenal health.  How cool is this? A safe, effective super herb that you can both enjoy. (Try it  here)

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to promote longevity, energy, and vitality.  Ashwagandha can be beneficial for men and women with a safe and standardized ashwagandha extract that provides active withanolides, alkaloids, and saponins.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy for Allergies and Sinus Infections

If you are feeling miserable due to seasonal allergies or suffer from constant sinus infections— draining the sinuses and a lymph-draining massage– in the face and neck works amazingly.  No joke! I have been doing this for the past couple of years on and off and it absolutely works!  By the way,  I did sinus drainage therapy while I  was pregnant because medications that can affect the baby are not an option.

Additionally, try to avoid dairy and gluten at least for a few days, because dairy promotes mucus and so does gluten.  How?  The food culprits include gluten (from grass grains like wheat and barley), corn, yeast, and casein from milk.

We also know the lectins in nightshade vegetables can cause a leaky gut.  Any one of these could be causing your sinus pain. Well-established scientific research* has repeatedly made the connection between respiratory disease and certain food proteins.  And your sinus symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, they are an excellent warning sign that you have food intolerance! (source).

Check out this video  that shows you how to perform a self-lymphatic drainage therapy or massage, and also shows you how to clear your sinuses naturally to get instant relief.  I love, love this massage when I am congested.  I can’t recommend it enough. 

>> How To Get Rid of a Sinus Infection Naturally + Secret to Stop Recurrences

>>Must Read: The Ancient Golden Paste Recipe You Never Heard of

 

>> 9 Foods You Must Stop Eating Immediately For Breast Cancer Prevention 

Who SHOULD NOT Get a Lymphatic Drainage Massage

The National Lymphedema Network lists four circumstances under which lymphatic massage or drainage should be avoided:

1. When patients who have developed lymphedema after surgery experience a sudden, marked increase in localized swelling. Under these circumstances, patients are advised to stop treatment and to see their physicians for evaluation as soon as possible.
2. Patients with a sudden onset of lymphangitis (an infection) should immediately discontinue treatment until the infection is treated and completely clears up.   (source)

Additionally,  for the most part, lymphatic drainage therapy or massage is safe. With such a light touch, the danger of causing damage to the tissue is slim. However, there are a few conditions that are contraindicated, and these happen when an increase of lymph flow would be detrimental. It is a good idea to get clearance from their doctor if you ever feel uncertain about working on someone. Acute inflammation, Malignant tumors, Thrombosis and major heart problems are all contraindications to lymphatic drainage therapy or massage. Let’s look at these one at a time.

Acute inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, poisons, or allergens is contraindicated. You can tell if this is the case because the tissues will be hot, red, and painful, with congestion accompanied by fever. Lymphatic drainage therapy (or massage) will push these substances into the lymph channels before the body has a chance to eliminate them through phagocytosis in the interstitial spaces. If you perform lymphatic drainage therapy you can spread the toxic substances throughout the body. Wait a few days until the condition is not acute, and the body has had a chance to clean up the area.

Malignant tumors are a contraindication for lymphatic drainage massage because of the fear of spreading cancer. Wait until after the malignancy is treated to perform lymphatic drainage therapy.

Thrombosis and phlebitis are two conditions that can lead to free-floating blood clots. Usually, people with these conditions will be in a hospital on blood thinners. If you are working in a hospital setting, do not work on these patients. In your practice, one indication of a possible femoral thrombosis is when the client has pain in one leg and a sudden swelling and bluish discoloration of the skin. People who are bedridden have a greater likelihood of developing thrombosis in the legs. (source)

If you are a cancer patient whose surgery included the removal of lymph nodes in the area of the armpit and eventually developing lymphedema, you can benefit from lymphatic drainage therapy. **

The lymphatic system is as important as any other system in our body.  This is an all-natural way to detox, and get the lymph system moving without medications or invasive procedures.

In Conclusion

It is important to fine-tune your lymphatic system via exercise and as you may have learned– most effectively with a mini trampoline, drinking plenty of pure clean water, get a top filtering system (I like and recommend this one), and of course eat plenty of healthy wholesome foods.  Another excellent way to detox is by juicing certain vegetables-fruits combinations, drinking herbal teas, tisanes, & detox elixirs  to aid the body do its job.

If this post helped you at all or taught you something new, I would love to know. You can leave a comment below and you’ll likely see my reply within a few hours.

As usual thanks for reading, liking, and sharing!

To your best health,

Image soucre~by real body work
**Lymph drainage massage should be performed by a professional massage therapist.