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You can support your immune system with more than just eating kale!
Ha! There are LOTS of ways to help your body's immune function. We know all the basics like eating healthy, getting enough sleep and supplementing with vitamins and herbs. (let’s not forget acupuncture & IV’s… but that’s a given!) But did you know that your Lymphatic System also plays a HUGE role?
The lymphatic system is known as the bodies sewer system! It’s made up of a complex network of tissues and organs.
It’s part of your immune system and it’s responsible for quite a lot!
Protects your body from illness-causing invaders
Maintaining healthy body fluid levels
Absorbs and moves digestive fats
Removing cellular waste
Unlike blood, which flows throughout the body in a continuous loop, lymph flows in only one direction — upward toward the neck. Also, unlike blood, there is no automatic regulatory system that pumps lymphatic fluids, it must be done by manual manipulation. What the world does that mean?!
3 Ways To Manipulate Lymphatic Fluid
Massage. Massage therapy is an excellent way to manipulate lymph flow. So the next time someone tells you that massage is just for pampering, refer them to me!
Exercise. The contraction of muscles creates a plumping action for lymph fluid which is excellent at getting things flowing!
Did you know we offer yoga now?
Click below for details!
Dry Brushing. Not only does it feel stellar but it's AMAZING at stimulating those lymph fluids! You can find natural bristle brushes all over, just make sure the bristles are not plastic.
How to dry brush - Before showering, use a natural haired brush and start brushing in a circular motion at the feet and move up the leg. Be gentle in the upper inner thigh as the skin is sensitive but there are also a lot of lymph nodes in this region. When doing the arms start at the hands and move up. Rule of thumb is to always brush in the direction towards the heart. Do this 1-2X a week. Bonus: massage in oil afterwards and wait 5-20 minutes before hopping in the shower. This gives the oil time to absorb which is especially beneficial if you are using a therapeutic infused oil. Email me if you have questions on this!
So, as you can see, it’s not hard to help out your body with lymphatic function, sometimes we just have to be aware that it’s “a thing!” Now a days staying ahead of the game is becoming more and more observed as we continue to do our best to avoid getting sick.
So keep calm and lymph on!
Chalee Nyenhuis
Clinic Director
