The importance of lymphatic drainage: maintains homeostasis, removes waste, absorbs fats & proteins & produces lymphocytes & immune cells.
The importance of lymphatic drainage: If you think of our skin as the first line of defence against injury or disease, then the lymphatic system takes a very close second. In fact in ancient Indian medicine, (Ayurveda), the lymphatic system is considered to be the most important system in the body. Lymph is known as “Rasa” (aka “water of life”).
In summary, your lymphatic system:
– Maintains fluid levels in your body (homeostasis) collecting excess fluid in the body’s cells & delivering it back to the blood circulation.
– Filters & removes waste & cells from the lymph.
– Absorbs fats & proteins from your digestive system, again delivering these to your blood.
– Produces lymphocytes & other immune cells that identify and fight harmful pathogens.
So, now we know how vital our lymphatic system is, then the next question is, how do we keep our lymphatic system in tip-top shape?
1. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps your lymph to move more efficiently throughout your body.
2. Move your body. Your lymphatic system relies on the movement of smooth muscle tissue to push the lymph back towards the heart. Everything from yoga, walking, or weight lifting will help. One of the very best exercises to get lymph moving is rebounding – i.e. jumping up and down on a mini trampoline.
3. A healthy, balanced diet. Eat plenty of nutritious fresh fruit and vegetables and limit processed foods.
4. Maintain a tox-free life as much as possible by avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals such as pesticides/cleaning products.
5. Specialised lymphatic massage aka lymphatic drainage will reduce swelling (oedema) and heavy legs as well as relieve the symptoms of some health conditions like lymphedema and fibromyalgia. Endermologie is 3 times more effective and faster than manual lymphatic massage.
