Letting Go and Lymphatic Flow

We all know at Laughing Sage that our bodies hold amazing powers to heal themselves. When our bodies are out of whack, we often notice tenderness or swelling in our breasts, joints, ovaries, neck, or armpits. These could be signs of a congested lymphatic system.

Lymph is one of our bodies' greatest defense systems. The lymph system carries fluid, nutrients, and waste through our tissues and blood streams. Little grape-like nodules all over our bodies trap bacteria and other gunk (even yucky cancer cells!), which are then destroyed by our avengers-- white blood cells. So what happens when the system gets backed up? Hormonal imbalances, fatigue, soreness, lumpy breasts, allergies, sinus infections, edema, headaches, cellulite, puffy eyes, and dragging ourselves to work!

Lymph nodes are everywhere- even in our vulvas and breasts. Though the number of lymph nodes each person has varies, there are typically more than 20 in our breasts and over 30 attached to our reproductive systems! Lymph nodes may swell in these areas due to a simple infection or possible cancer. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to feel your boobies once a month and get recommended check-ups at your gynecologist. Read on to discover ways to keep your lymph system in check!

Think of your lymph as a waste disposal system-- a series of one-way alleys (vessels) and filters (lymph nodes) to a thoroughfare (veins). If the alleys are neglected and filters aren't cleaned, garbage piles up and becomes difficult to get rid of. It starts to fester and smell, and soon, everyone has to find a new path to the main street! Lymph fluid, like wastewater, isn't under any pressure to travel. The only way it cycles through our bodies is through movement. So when lymph is backed up, your body can't get rid of its garbage, and nutrients and "good" bacteria have a difficult time navigating to their proper destinations. Lymph nodes swell to fight infection, overflowing with white blood cells! And, of course, when our systems of elimination are not functioning properly, estrogen increases, exacerbating hormonal conditions. Exercise combined with proper nutrients means a clean lymph system with a healthy company of white blood cells that can travel quickly to fight infection.

So what do you do when pesky bacteria creeps up on you and settles in your lymph nodes? First of all, wear loose-fitting clothing! Don't put any more restrictions on your poor system, your lymph deserves to flow free! Next, breathe deeply. Long, slow, deep breaths stimulate lymphatic flow. Swap massages with your best friend--you'll feel better physically AND emotionally! Unleash your inner child by skipping or jumping---these exercises fire up your lymph system. You can also rub 2-3 drops of bay laurel essential oil onto your swollen nodes. Diuretic drinks are another way to help free the junk in your system. Questions on how to clean your lymph? Contact us!