The Lymph system in your body is a pretty intense topic that can get a little complicated. Here’s a quick summary:
It’s an internal network of fluid-filled nodes, vessels, glands, and organs, which touches almost every part of the body. It’s one of the most important (and often forgotten) systems of the human body. Its primary purpose is to cleanse toxins and protect your body. It spends the day carrying waste away and it a major key to detoxification. When toxins enter, they are purified through lymphatic tissues. If this system is functioning correctly, there can be some trouble, trouble.
Your lymphatic system can quickly become stagnant when it becomes overwhelmed with toxins (stress, bad foods, colds, viruses). When this happens it can create cellulite, edema (fluid retention), chronic pain and fatty deposits, sinusitis; swollen glands, ankles, and eyes; eczema; arthritis; upper respiratory, sinus and ear infections; throat problems; colds; tonsillitis; bronchitis and pneumonia.
It’s that serious people!
Now we wouldn’t share all of this without providing a solution. Here are a few ways to activate your lymph nodes.
1. Dry Brushing
Just take a dry brush with coarse bristle and brush the skin towards the heart. It stimulates the sweat glands, opens pores, gets rid of dead skin cells, and encourages the movement of lymph which helps clear toxins. It’s also been known as a way to reduce cellulite.
2. Drink Water
One of the most common reasons for a congested lymph is dehydration. Lymph is about 95% water, so stay hydrated by drinking half your weight in ounces of water a day. If you want to expedite the process, add lemon to your water. Lemon is alkaline and helps to mineralize the lymph (just be sure to use a straw)
3. Massage
Get a lymphatic massage that specifically targets the flow of lymph in the body. Lymphatic massages have been known to push up to 78 percent of stagnant lymph back into circulation.
4. Yoga
Yoga is a great way to stimulate lymphatic flow. With all of the twisting of the abdomen, the organs and muscles are squeezed, forcing the lymph out of the tissues. Relieving congestion and encouraging its detoxification.
5. Jumping
Yes, like Kris Kross. Grab a trampoline and, “jump, jump.” Rebounding moves the lymph while stimulating the circulation of blood throughout the body. (And is just plain fun)