Here is the last or our 4 part series from our fantastic guest blogger:
Cathy Allen LPN, Certified Reflexologist for Feet & Hands at Reflexology
Your Lymph System
The lymphatic system, or lymph system as it is also
called, is a system made up of glands, lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus gland
and tonsils. It bathes our body’s cells and carries the body’s cellular sewage
away from the tissues to the blood, where it can be filtered by two of the
body’s main detoxification organs: the liver and kidneys. This sewage is made
up of the byproducts of our bodily processes, over-the-counter and prescription
drugs, illicit drugs, cigarette toxins, other airborne pollutants, food
additives, pesticides and other toxins.
80 percent of women have sluggish lymphatic systems and
that getting them flowing smoothly is the key to easy weight loss and improved
feelings of well-being.
If you are suffering from injuries, excess weight or
cellulite, or pain disorders like arthritis, bursitis, headaches or others, a
sluggish lymphatic system may be playing a role. Here are 11 ways you can
get your lymph flowing smoothly.
1. Breathe deeply. Our bodies have three
times more lymph fluid than blood, yet no organ to pump it. Your lymph system
relies on the pumping action of deep breathing to help it transport toxins into
the blood before they are detoxified by your liver. So breathe in that sweet
smell of healing oxygen. Breathe out toxins.
2. Get moving. Exercise also ensures the lymph system flows
properly. The best kind is rebounding on a mini trampoline, which can
dramatically improve lymph flow, but stretching and aerobic exercise also work
well.
3. Drink plenty of water. Without adequate water,
lymph fluid cannot flow properly. To help ensure the water is readily absorbed
by your cells, I frequently add some fresh lemon juice or oxygen or pH drops.
4. Forget the soda, trash the
neon-colored sports drinks, and drop the fruit “juices” that are more sugar than fruit. These sugar-, color- and preservative-laden
beverages add to the already overburdened workload your lymph system must
handle.
5. Eat more raw fruit on an empty
stomach.
The enzymes and acids in fruit are powerful lymph cleansers. Eat them on an
empty stomach for best digestion and maximum lymph-cleansing benefits. Most
fruits are digested within 30 minutes or so and quickly help you feel better.
6. Eat plenty of green vegetables to get adequate
chlorophyll to help purify your blood and lymph.
7. Eat raw, unsalted nuts and seeds to power up your lymph with adequate fatty
acids. Choose from walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias, Brazil nuts,
flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
8. Add a few lymph-boosting herbal teas to your day, such as
astragalus, echinacea, goldenseal, pokeroot or wild indigo root tea. Consult an
herbalist or natural medicine specialist before combining two or more herbs or
if you’re taking any medications or suffer from any serious health conditions.
Avoid using herbs while pregnant or lactating and avoid long-term use of any
herb without first consulting a qualified professional.
9. Dry skin brush before showering. Use a
natural bristle brush. Brush your dry skin in circular motions upward from the
feet to the torso and from the fingers to the chest. You want to work in the
same direction as your lymph flows—toward the heart.
10. Alternate hot and cold showers for several minutes. The
heat dilates the blood vessels and the cold causes them to contract. Avoid this
type of therapy if you have a heart or blood pressure condition or if you are
pregnant.
11. Get Reflexology. Studies show that a reflexology
can push up to 88 percent of stagnant lymph back into circulation. Reflexology frees
trapped toxins and targets lymph flow in the body. Reflexology feels great and
balances the entire body, plus it has wonderful lymph-stimulating effects.
Get Rubbed the Right Way ~ Reflexology
Cathy Allen LPN, Certified Reflexologist for Feet & Hands
920-370-0313~
Email:
reflexology995@gmail.com
www.ReflexologyDoneRight.com
~ www.NaturesMagickSalves.com
Facebook: .facebook.com/#!/Reflexology995 ~ Facebook: .facebook.com/NaturesMagickSalvesLLC
LinkedIn: .linkedin.com/pub/catherine-allen/13/820/22b
