What is the lymphatic system?

This is the fluid (plasma) that moves around the body, under the skin and feeds back into our bloodstream at the subclavian veins in the neck. The plasma is a component of blood. Plasma contains white blood cells, viruses, bacteria. damaged cells, cancer cells, protein, fats, minerals and nutrients. The lymphatic system is continuous narrow tubes and lymph nodes (bean shaped) throughout the body with approximately 600 lymph nodes, filtering lymph to our bloodstream. The primary organs are the thymus and bone marrow and secondary are spleen, lymph nodes, mucous membranes, appendix, tonsils and adenoids. The tonsils and adenoids help to protect the sinuses and the lungs and the digestive system from foreign matter.

Main lymph nodes are the armpits, breasts, groin, neck, abdomen, pelvis and chest. The neck nodes are easier to feel, and they usually get sore when you are sick with the flu or virus.

Your lymphatic system is part of your immune system to help with the first line of defence in attacking foreign invaders; White blood cells, B and T cells.

How to support for your lymphatic system naturally?

Hydration, a healthy Mediterranean style diet and eating lots of colourful vegetables and fruit in your diet, exercising regularly, don’t smoke, keeping alcohol in moderation, adequate sleep, washing your hands frequently before making meals, handling meat to avoid infection, minimise stress and avoid chemicals like PFOA. PTFE, pesticides and harsh cleaning products.

There is a large amount of lymphatic tissue around the breast, and underarms, make sure you relieve the pressure of a bra, by allowing no bra when you sleep. Foam rolling can oxygenate the blood and improve lymphatic movement and can be used as regular exercise to stretch our fascia to improve our overall structure of bones and joints.

Boost your immune system with supplements of vitamins or herbs for micronutrient deficiencies such as; Vitamin A, B6, C and E. Vitamin C we do not produce in the body, it is within our food source, daily supplementation helps with our line of defence against viruses and bacteria and the toxins attach to the vitamin C and are eliminated out of our bodies. Vitamin A supports the immune system, vision, reproduction, heart, lungs, organs and growth and development. Vitamin B supports your immune system especially B6 and B12. B12 deficiency is common in those with low immunity and immune disorders. This can be checked with a simple blood test regularly with your doctor.

Food, herbs and supplements to boost immunity are; Basil, Black Pepper, Caraway, Chamomile Flowers, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Echinacea, Elderberry, Fenugreek, Garlic, Ginger, Honey, Mushrooms, Neem, Olive Leaf, Oregano, Paprika, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Tulsi-Holy Basil and Turmeric.

Start and end with diaphragmatic breathing, activate the main lymph pump areas and neck and face lymph nodes first, then the liver node, lingual node and knee node then use long gentle pressure in slow and rhythmic action, or lymphatic drainage massage will help move stagnation of fluids and lymphoedema. Avoid crushing the lymph nodes.

Moving lymph fluid naturally; Dry brushing followed by clay mud placed all over the body once a week, left on till it hardens and you shower it off. The clay powder you mix with water; green is detox-which I love to use even though my skin is hypersensitive, pink for skin disorders and hypersensitive skin, yellow for sun damage, and white for very hypersensitive skin. Simple dry brushing method; or can be done while in the shower. A loofah or light natural brush bristle work from the tips of your extremities upwards from bottom to top with brush strokes on the skin to push the fluid upwards, from your toes to the top of your legs and, from the tips of your fingers up the arms to your shoulder and this can be done daily. You can also use Himalayan pink salt and rub it into the skin with the same motions, it will remove dead skin cells and help the lymphatic function, pushing the fluid up and helping you absorb minerals through your skin and can be done once a week, fortnight or monthly.

Regularly see qualified remedial massage, myotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage, aromatherapy, trigger point therapy, myofascial dry-needling, Gua-sha and/or cupping with a Chinese remedial massage therapist.

A healthy lifestyle, food, herbs and spices, water, exercise and brushing the skin, micronutrients and massage can be beneficial to support your lymphatic and immune system.

Clean lifestyle and living, enjoy!

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system/

The lymphatic system and cancer | Cancer Research UK

Lymphatic System: Diagram, Function, Anatomy, Diseases (verywellhealth.com)

How to Maintain a Strong Immune System (verywellhealth.com)

Lymphatic system | Structure, Function, & Facts | Britannica

7 Herbs and Spices for Immune Support | Everyday Health

Use These 8 Herbs & Other Ingredients to Boost Your Immune System (healthline.com)

6 Easy-to-Grow Herbs That Help Your Immune System (allrecipes.com)

36 Super Herbs and Spices to Boost Your Health | Fresh n’ Lean (freshnlean.com)

Moringa Shop Cairns Australian Grown Made Product of OZ Vegan

https://www.musclefreedom.com.au/2016/05/7-ways-to-boost-your-lymphatic-system/

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/foam-rolling-101-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

https://www.naturalhealthmag.com.au/content/body-brushing-essential-guide/