The Lymph System By sleeping on your left side, you help facilitate the draining process by allowing gravity to do part of the work. On the other hand, sleeping on your right side actually makes the lymph system work harder to properly drain away all the fluid.
In holistic medicine, the left side of the body is the dominant lymphatic side. Sleeping on this side gives your body plenty of time to filter toxins, lymph fluid, and waste through the thoracic duct and the lymph nodes. Sleeping on your right side may make your lymphatic system run more sluggishly.
To begin, Lanini suggests standing in front of the mirror and pressing on the area just below your collarbones to get the drainage started. "Then press the armpit three times with your right hand and vice versa." Lanini urges clients to move their strokes in the direction of the lymph node, or upward, always.
Looking After Your Lymphatic System
Drink plenty of water – Dehydration is one of the most common causes of lymphatic congestion which can further exacerbate existing lymph problems. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day encourages healthy lymphatic function and reduces water retention.
Regular physical exercise is a great way to get your lymphatic system pumping and detoxing your system of waste. Jumping, walking, stretching, yoga, Pilates, and other moderate exercises done on a daily basis will really improve the state of your lymph.
Three days is considered the minimum time it takes to completely flush out the lymphatic vessels and nodes throughout the body.
Please don't apply oil or lotion before your treatment. Empty your bladder right before your treatment begins. The goal of a MLD treatment is to encourage the lymphatic system to work more efficiently and move stagnated fluid. This process will cause fluid to find it's way to your bladder.
If the lymph system gets blocked or overrun lymph fluid backs up. This chronic lymph blockage can cause swelling, joint pain, nausea and fatigue, as well as the symptoms listed below. Stagnant lymph can be stored within lymph nodes for a long time but will eventually become too toxic for the body to manage.
Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes. A feeling of heaviness or tightness. Restricted range of motion. Recurring infections.
Vitamins that support the lymphatic system include, vitamin A, C, E, and B-6. Common herbs that also help include goldenseal, echinacea, and poke root.
“The lymphatic system is stimulated by moving your muscles and getting your heart rate up,” says MD Anderson Senior Physical Therapist Sarah Cleveland. “All these things stimulate the lymphatic flow.” The contraction of your muscles becomes the pump that helps the fluid get around your body.
The lymphatic system requires water to flow properly. After all, lymph fluid is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function and flow. Drinking at least 1 litre of warm lemon water in the morning is a great way to get the lymphatic system moving to help expel toxins.
Detox with ACV
Apple cider vinegar's potassium content helps to break up mucus in the body and clearing the lymph nodes. This also aids in the removal of toxins.
Epsom salts work magic on the lymphatic system due to their high levels of Magnesium, a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In combination with the natural diuretic quality of mineral salts and the temperature of the water, Epsom salt baths have been shown to stimulate lymph circulation in the body.
Lemon. lemon juice and honey can be combined to create a delicious and healthy beverage. Lemon can also reduce the size of enlarging lymph nodes, ease sore throats, and thin down mucus.
Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.
Avoid diuretics (“water pills”), alcohol and caffeine.
They both could dilate the lymph tissue and cause more swelling, and as a result, exacerbate the lymphedema.
Common infections that can cause enlarged lymph nodes include strep throat, mononucleosis, HIV infection and infected skin wounds. Lymphadenitis refers to lymphadenopathy that is caused by an infection or inflammatory condition.