When it comes to our overall health it is important that we have a fully functioning lymphatic system. However, this does not happen often as many people do not even know what the lymphatic system is.
The lymphatic system includes your tonsils, bone marrow, adenoids, spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, and lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic vessels are a web of extremely thin tubes that lie beneath your the surface of your skin. This system provides a wide variety of immune functions that ward off infections, viruses, injury, and even cancer.
The lymphatic system has no pumps of its own and has to rely on the movement of the bodies musculoskeletal system in order to circulate. This meaning when you move you are being used as the pump itself. The methods listed below are the best ways to activate your lymphatic system.
Deep Breathing
This type of breathing helps the lymph move through the bloodstream and increases the elimination of toxins.
- Breathe deeply through your nose and hold for four to six counts.
- Exhale through your mouth for two counts and increase the time as you get better.
This is simply vertical movements, like jumping up and down on a trampoline. These movements are particularly effective because of the continuous contraction and relaxation of muscles as well as the compression and release of the connective tissues.
- Bounce gently, run in place, do jumping jacks, etc.
- Start with just five minutes and work your way up to thirty.
Dry Skin Brushing
This should be the first thing you do each morning. It will release any toxins you have built up while sleeping.
- get a natural bristled brush and brush your skin.
- Begin with your feet and brush upward as you move up the legs.
- This should only take about five to ten minutes.
- Do this three to five times a week for the best results.
Any sort of movement of your musculoskeletal system will activate your lymphatic vessels.
Do any of the following:
- Dance
- Garden
- Climb stairs
- Walk
- Run
- Yoga
- Tennis
- Golf
- Swimming
- Weight Lifting
- Rope jumping
- Jumping Jacks
Alternate Hot and Cold in Your Shower
When exposed to cold these vessels contract and they dilate in response to heat. Alternating temperatures in your shower will move stagnant lymphatic fluid and increase circulation drastically. Do this after your dry skin brushing.
This information is priceless and will benefit you more than you know in the long run. Keeping your lymph moving doesn’t have to cost money. You can do all of these right at home.