Have you tried everything you can think of to boost your health, yet you’re still feeling slow and sludgy?
A slow or underactive lymphatic system may be the culprit. It is one of the lesser-known debris clearing methods our bodies have and it’s often times overlooked.
Lymph is a yellowish fluid that is stored in the tissue layers of the body. It’s a byproduct left over from the plasma in your blood, which delivers the nutrients you eat to your cells to keep you healthy.
Unlike blood, lymph flows in only one direction – upward towards the neck. As the heart does not pump it, its movement depends on motions of your muscles and joints. (Yet another reason why exercise and staying active is so vitally important.)
When working properly the lymphatic system helps your immune system destroy waste, pathogens, toxins and even cancerous cells. It absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins delivering them to the cells and removing excess fluid and waste.
If lymph nodes are damaged or not working properly toxins build up in your body and can cause an array of illnesses. The lymph system’s impact is so far reaching that many don’t even realize that minor aches and pains, low energy or susceptibility to colds and flu right up to and including full-blown cancer. Without the lymph system, our bodies would simply swell up like toxic balloons.
There are a couple easy suggestions to get things flowing again.
Skin Brushing: This is a wonderful thing you can do daily to keep your lymph system in tip-top working order.
Castor Oil Packs:
Benefits:
– Stimulates healing and proper function of your liver and your digestion by healing the tissues and organs beneath the skin.
– Assists in reducing joint pain and inflammation reducing pain, swelling, arthritis, bursitis and other joint complaints.
– Helps relieve headaches and nervous disorders.
– Works to aid the body in elimination of all waste and toxins including gallbladder issues.
– For infants and new mothers – Castor oil packs will heal the umbilicus of a newborn and increase the milk flow of the mother when placed on the breast area. *please consult a physician before using a heating pad on your infant.
What is a castor oil pack?
A castor oil pack is made from several layers of flannel-like material, the standard size is 11” x 30” – enough to absorb and hold the castor oil during application. The flannel should be natural wool or cotton. Either of which you will need to saturate with cold-pressed castor oil before using.
To apply:
First – Saturate the material allowing it to soak for a little while.
Next – Lie down and get comfortable. You will be applying the pack to one of these 2 areas:
- The right side of your abdomen (between the rib cage and hip bone).
- Across your whole abdomen (from hip to hip up to the belly button).
Then – Place a heating pad on top of the pack to get the oil nice and warm.
Once the oil has heated up, flip the pack over so that the pre-warmed side is against your skin. Keep it very warm the entire time. This will feel very soothing.
Leave on for 1 to 2 hours
After the session clean the oil from your body with soap and water.
Follow by taking 1 teaspoon of virgin olive oil (not castor oil) by mouth as it will further assist in the elimination process by absorbing toxins while passing through your body and carrying them out.
*These packs can be reused – just store them in a sealed plastic container in a dark cool area like a closet or basement.
Lymphatic Massage – Is also a wonderful way to get your system going again. Lymphatic drainage massage should be performed by a trained therapist. It is done with a light touch and includes specific movements and directions.
With all of these therapies please remember to drink plenty of water in order to really flush out your system and derive the most benefit.
Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.