The lymphatic system is the body's drainage system that filters and removes various waste substances from the body. If the lymphatic system does not work properly, the cardiovascular and immune systems will also be compromised. If the spleen is thick and contains too many toxins, the muscle tissue will be deprived of blood, the organs will feel sore and tense, and you will feel a lack of energy. According to natural health practitioners, cleansing the lymphatic system is very important. Every part of the body will feel pain if the lymphatic system is blocked because every cell of the body relies on the lymphatic system to stay healthy. A blocked lymphatic system causes various health problems, such as heart disease, lymphedema, and lymphatic cancer.
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Method 1 of 3: With Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Step 1. Don't eat processed foods
Although it has not been scientifically proven that eating sugary foods causes the accumulation of toxins, reducing the consumption of processed foods, especially those containing sugar, lowers the levels of toxins in the body. As much as possible, reduce the consumption of processed foods that are made from simple carbohydrates and sugars or that contain artificial flavorings. The fewer levels of waste substances that must be filtered, the easier it is for the lymphatic system to get rid of these substances and cleanse the body.
Step 2. Don't eat red meat, shellfish, and hydrogenated fat
According to natural health practitioners, red meat and shellfish are difficult to digest and can cause blockage of the lymphatic system. If you need to eat protein of animal origin, eat organic meat. Hydrogenated fat is very easily oxidized and causes blockage of the lymphatic system and arteries.
Step 3. Reduce your intake of dairy products as well as wheat flour
Although it has not been scientifically proven that dairy products and wheat flour cause lymphatic system disorders, both foods trigger the formation of mucus in the body, which can lead to a blocked lymphatic system. Limit your intake of dairy products by consuming almond or rice milk instead of regular milk. Reduce consumption of wheat flour by using whole wheat flour or gluten-free products. Whole wheat flour is a better choice because it is more nutritious and contains higher amounts of vitamins.
Step 4. Eat organic fruits and vegetables
If you're shopping at a convenience store, buy fruits and vegetables that have organic labels on them. Alternatively, you can also ask the seller at the farmer's market about organic food. Organic foods reduce the levels of toxins that need to be filtered and removed by the lymphatic system. Organic foods also contain strong acids and enzymes that can help cleanse the lymphatic system.
- Labels of organic vegetables and fruits sold in convenience stores read "9" in front of the PLU code (the bar code that identifies the product).
- In the United States, the term "organic" foodstuffs refers to foodstuffs and agricultural products, raw or processed, that are grown organically. In other words, organic food ingredients are not genetically modified or given artificial fertilizers, artificial pesticides, sewage sludge fertilizers, growth hormones, antibiotics, artificial additives, or other artificial ingredients.
Step 5. Eat whole grains, nuts, seeds, nuts, and legumes
Whole grains, such as brown rice, as well as fruit and seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, and chia seeds, contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that are important for maintaining a healthy body, including the lymphatic system.
- Vitamin A needs to be consumed as much as 0.7-1 mg per day. This vitamin acts in the intestines, preventing germs and viruses from entering the body.
- Vitamin C needs to be consumed as much as 75-90 mg per day. According to the hypothesis made by Linus Pauling, vitamin C can boost the immune system and prevent viral infections.
- Vitamin E needs to be consumed as much as 15 mg per day. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is effective in preventing redox reactions that can damage arteries and the lymphatic system.
- Various types of B vitamins function to increase the immune system and energy.
- Zinc is a mineral that boosts the immune system through the formation of proteins.
Step 6. Drink at least 2 liters of water per day
The body needs water to stay hydrated. In addition, drinking adequate amounts of water also helps the lymphatic system to drain and flush out toxins. Every day, drink filtered or clear water as much as 1.5-2 liters. Do not consume soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices that have a high sugar content.
Step 7. Get tested for allergies or eating disorders
If you haven't been tested before, talk to your doctor about getting an allergy or food sensitivity test to determine if certain foods are causing your digestive system problems. The body's detoxification ability starts from the digestive system. Foods that cause disturbances in the digestive system can also cause blockage of the lymphatic system. By ascertaining the possibility of allergies to certain foodstuffs, such as dairy products or gluten, you can eliminate these foods from your diet so that the lymphatic system does not block.
Step 8. If you use deodorant, choose a product made from natural ingredients
Deodorants that contain aluminum cause blockage of sweat glands and increase levels of toxins in the body. Natural health practitioners believe that these chemicals can also cause the lymphatic system to become clogged. Aluminum accumulation has been suspected of causing Alzheimer's disease.
- Beauty products that contain a lot of chemicals should also not be used. Most of the lotions, toothpastes, creams, and sunscreens sold at convenience stores contain many chemicals that can cause the lymphatic system to clog.
- Choose beauty products that are organic and natural and contain no chemicals at all (or contain small amounts of chemicals). As an alternative, chemical-free beauty products can also be made at home.
Method 2 of 3: With Exercise and Physical Therapy
Step 1. Exercise regularly
Doing active sports, such as jumping or running, regularly improves lymph flow. When moving, the muscles trigger the lymphatic system so as to facilitate the flow of lymph.
Doing active sports, such as walking, running or playing certain sports, is the best choice to improve lymph flow. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, divided into periods of 30-60 minutes per day
Step 2. Have a manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage session by a Vodder certified MLD therapist
Vodder's MLD certificate can only be obtained by doctors, nurses, personal trainers, OCT, massage therapists, and therapist assistants through continuing education. Lymph vessels are under the skin and play a role in helping blood circulation. If lymph flow is compromised, the skin may appear dull or slightly yellowish or, worse, develop symptoms of an autoimmune disease. MLD massage is a massage technique that is carried out lightly and rhythmically to facilitate the flow of lymph throughout the body.
- Use the dry skin brushing method after soaking in warm water or while taking a warm shower. If this method is used in a warm shower, take advantage of cold/warm transitional hydrotherapy. Do this method with a coarse, natural body brush with a long handle. Don't brush too hard. Instead, brush in light, long strokes to stimulate the skin and remove dead skin cells.
- Brush the whole body in the same direction as an MLD massage performed by a certified MLD therapist.
- Sprinkle some sea salt and a few drops of aromatherapy oil on a body brush before use to stimulate the skin and draw toxins out of the skin.
Step 3. Do yoga
Yoga practitioners believe that the "Twisting Chair" and "Seated Twist" yoga postures can help the body get rid of toxins.
- To do the " Twisting Chair " or " Utkatasana " posture, stand on a yoga rug with your feet hip-width apart.
- Place both hands in a prayer position in the center of the chest. Inhale, exhale, then position your left elbow on the outside of your right thigh, just above your knee. The body should turn to the right with both hands (still in a prayer position) facing the right side of the room.
- Make sure your knees are parallel and your hips are perpendicular to the front of the room. Press your left elbow on the outside of your right thigh and turn your body further to the right while inhaling and exhaling.
- Hold the position for 5-6 inhalations and exhalations, then return both hands (still in a prayer position) to the center of the chest. Repeat the same posture for the left side, with the right elbow positioned on the outside of the left thigh.
- To perform the " Seated Twist " or " Marichyasana 3 ", sit on a yoga rug with your legs extended straight out in front of you and your toes pointing toward you.
- Bend your right knee and place the sole of your foot on the inside (or outside if you want more twist) of the left thigh. You can also straighten your left leg or bend your left knee and position your left foot on the outside of your right pelvis.
- Hug your right knee towards your chest with your left arm. Lift your right arm, then turn your body to the left. Position your right hand, on the yoga rug, a few inches behind you.
- Keep hugging your right knee as you turn your body to the left. If you want to twist your body more, press your left elbow on the outside of your right thigh. Inhale to lengthen your spine and exhale as you turn your body to the left as far as possible.
- Hold the position for 5-6 inhalations and exhalations, then repeat the same posture for the other side of the body.
Step 4. Do the deep breathing method
Although it has not been scientifically proven that the deep breathing method stimulates the lymphatic system, it can help improve the health of all parts of the body, including the lymphatic system. When you inhale, the pressure in the chest decreases and the pressure in the abdomen increases so that the lymph from the legs is pumped upwards and the lymph from the arms and head is drawn into the drainage area behind the clavicle. The drainage area in the clavicle is a one-way valve so toxins cannot flow back into the body's system (actually removed from the body). Do deep breathing exercises:
- Lie down on a flat surface, such as a yoga rug, placed on the floor, or a bed. Inhale deeply through your nose. As you exhale, tilt your head back slightly and point your toes away from your head. Hold your breath for a count of five to get as much air in your body as possible.
- Exhale slowly through your nose while pointing your toes toward your head. Lower your head slightly so that your chin is close to your chest.
- Repeat for 8-10 inhalations and exhalations. Remember, breathe only through your nose. If your head feels light, don't worry, it's a natural reaction to deep breathing.
- Do deep breathing exercises at least once a day, for 8-10 inhalations and exhalations.
Step 5. Take a sauna or steam bath
Taking a sauna or steam bath once per week allows the body to excrete toxins through sweat. Natural health practitioners believe that a sauna or steam bath can help cleanse the lymphatic system.
After a long sauna or steam bath, drink lots of water to help the lymphatic system flush toxins from the body
Step 6. Follow a lymphatic system acupuncture method performed by a licensed acupuncturist
Acupuncture is a treatment method that originated in China. The basic theory of acupuncture is based on the pattern of flow of energy (Qi) throughout the body which is important for health. Disruption of energy flow is believed to be the cause of disease.
- One of the main focuses of acupuncture is improving the lymphatic system. Before undergoing lymphatic system acupuncture, make sure the acupuncturist you choose is trained, certified, and licensed.
- Side effects of acupuncture include infection, due to using unsterilized needles, and partial lung collapse, due to accidental needle sticking of the lung. If the acupuncturist is trained and meets hygiene standards, the risk of side effects is usually very small.
Method 3 of 3: With Supplements and Detoxification
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about enzyme supplements
Before starting to take any enzyme supplements, consult your doctor first. According to natural health practitioners, enzyme supplements help the lymphatic system break down complex proteins and fats and improve the performance of the digestive system.
- Digestive enzymes are best taken with meals, while systemic proteolytic enzymes are best taken between meals.
- Proteolytic enzymes are the main means used by the body to digest organic waste in the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Taking proteolytic enzyme supplements helps the process.
- Proteolytic enzymes also function to remove CIC (Circulating Immune Complex) from the body. If it accumulates in the body, CIC can trigger and exacerbate allergic reactions. Taking proteolytic enzyme supplements helps the body get rid of CIC, allowing the immune system to carry out its normal function of preventing disease.
Step 2. Cleanse the lymphatic system with the three-day cleansing method
Although it has not been scientifically proven that cleansing the lymphatic system improves overall body health, some natural health practitioners believe that cleansing the lymphatic system stimulates the functioning of the system and removes various toxins from the body. Try the three-day cleansing method if you've never cleaned the lymphatic system and want to do it. In order for the lymphatic system to be completely clean, three days is the minimum time needed. One week before starting to cleanse the lymphatic system, do not eat meat, wheat flour, and sugar. Eat only raw fruits, club fruit, whole grains, sprouts, and vegetables for a day or two before starting to cleanse the lymphatic system.
- Choose one type of fruit juice that you can drink for three whole days: apple, grape, or carrot. The only other juice you will drink during this three-day period is prune juice.
- In the morning, drink 240 ml of water, then prune juice, mixed with lemon juice (from one lemon), as much as 240-300 ml to facilitate bowel movements. Slowly, sip and chew the fruit juice so that it is completely mixed with the saliva.
- Drink filtered water and fruit juice of your choice alternately throughout the day until each consumes about 4 liters. Mix the lemon juice into the water or juice of your choice if you prefer.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of whole grain kernels, flax seeds, or Borago officinalis, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Palmaria palmata or kelp powder, and tsp red chilies. Drink this solution 1-3 times per day.
- You should drink about 8 liters of fluid every day. If you want, also consume antimicrobial herbs, such as garlic and Echinacea. Defecation must be done every day. If you have difficulty defecating, drink 240 ml of prune juice mixed with lemon water before going to bed.
- Over a three-day period, it's a good idea to stimulate the lymphatic system by exercising for 30-60 minutes. However, if you feel tired, don't push yourself too hard. As the body gets rid of toxins, physical side effects, such as nausea, headache, back pain, or dizziness, may occur. These side effects, which usually subside after the first day, are a sign that the toxins in the body are being eliminated.
Step 3. Alternatively, cleansing the lymphatic system can also be done with herbs for 7-10 days
Natural health practitioners believe that several types of herbs, such as Echinacea, Hydrastis canadensis, Trifolium pratense, Phytolacca americana, and liquorice, can stimulate the lymphatic system, as well as clean up impurities that build up in the system. Herbal products to cleanse the lymphatic system can be purchased at health food stores. This herbal product should not be used for more than 7-10 days.
- According to theory, Echinacea can also boost the immune system.
- If you are taking other medications, consult your doctor or herbalist before starting to use herbs to cleanse the lymphatic system. Pregnant or nursing mothers should not cleanse the lymphatic system with teas or other herbal products.
