I listened to a lecture this weekend by Dr. John Douillard, an Ayurvedic practitioner whom I really enjoy listening to. The main take away I got from his talk was on the importance of a well functioning lymphatic system.

In Ayurveda the lymphatic system is the first system to be addressed, as it relates to your body’s ability to care for itself. The lymph is the largest circulatory system in your body and is responsible for draining waste from your body.

He mentioned how this critical system is generally overlooked in Westernized medicine until it is too late (and things like cancer take hold). Too much focus is spent on the health of your blood, which is, in fact, a direct reflection of the health of your lymphatic system.

If Westernized doctors find something wrong in your blood then effort is taken to lower this factor, instead of looking to the cause of this imbalance — a backed up lymphatic system.

Symptoms of Lymph Congestion

Dr. John said that the reproductive organs drain into your lymphatic system. So many of the symptoms that I’ve experienced throughout the years that I’ve related to endometriosis are actually all signs of a backed up lymphatic system including:

  • painful periods
  • irregular periods
  • heavy periods
  • missing periods
  • swollen/tender breasts prior to menstruation
  • skin issues — breakouts and eczema
  • intestinal issues — bloating, constipation, diarrhea
  • fatigue
  • allergies
  • joint pain
  • headaches
  • cellulite
  • swollen glands

Suggestions to Clear Out the Lymphatic System

As mentioned, in a natural healing journey, your lymphatic system should be addressed first. John describes these as the “drains” in the body. If the drains get backed up then gunk gets stuck and builds up in your body.

I’ve had swollen glands in my neck for a long time…. dating back to a really bad episode of mono (glandular fever) when I was a teenager. I also have swollen glands near my reproductive organs. I’ve asked about these issues with various doctors throughout my life and they’ve always just been shrugged off.

Now that I’ve been educated more on this issue — I am going to shift focus to clearing my “drains”.

John offered up some suggestions to help clear out your lymphatic system:

  1. Sip plain hot water every ten minutes everyday for two weeks — the hot water dilates the cells and keeps the lymph nodes open so that they are better able to clear out
  2. Drink half of your body weight in ounces in room temperature water each day
  3. Eat a diet made of 60-70% alkaline foods
  4. Skin brush
  5. Frequent massages — including self done warm oil massages
  6. The herb Manjistha — supports natural function of the lymphatic system and purifies the blood

In addition to John’s suggestions above, I’ve read that jumping is good for clearing your lymphatic system. This can easily be done for 5-10 minutes each day on a rebounder or with a jump rope.

Another way to help clear up your lymphatic system is to do frequent sauna visits. I’ve been contemplating the purchase of an at home one for awhile now 🙂

On the Positive Side?

Many of the suggested strategies to help clear your lymphatic system can easily fit into the day. While I already eat an alkaline diet, drink lots of room temperature water and skin brush, I’m going to give the others a shot. I will report back 🙂

I believe that the missed focus of my lymphatic system is a crucial one and once addressed, hopefully my body will be better equipped for healing. Can’t hurt to try it out and see 🙂

What about you? Have you tried any of the suggestions to get the lymphatic system moving? Or have any other suggestions to share? I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time…

Much love,

 

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This