Whenever I see the trees with no leaves especially with the backdrop of a bright blue winter sky, the branches remind me of one of the most significant, but often overlooked systems of the body - the lymphatic and immune system.
I wonder if clever Mother Nature is sending us a subconscious message in the way the trees represent the lymphatic system of our body, to remind us of its role and importance to our immunity when we are more susceptible to falling ill at this time of the year, whatever our age.
The lymphatic system is vital in repairing the body from injury, as well as transporting fats and fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D E and K. When the body is circulating lymph fluid productively it is helping the immune system to activate the body’s natural antibody defences against bacteria, viruses and infections. The immune system is intricate and complications stem from under-activity, resulting in the growth of infections, or over-activity resulting in allergies and autoimmune disorders.
We can do some simple things to make our lymphatic system more effective and strengthen our immune system. Here are three ways to support your immune system in any season:
ONE: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Most adults lose around 2.5 litres of fluid a day and lymphatic fluid or “lymph” is 96% water. Drinking fluid (water/herbal tea) each day optimises lymphatic flow, ensuring your lymph doesn’t become stagnant or congested and can efficiently remove toxins from your cells.
TWO: Dry brushing*
Lymph vessels are located close to the surface of the skin and dry brushing is a quick and easy method to encourage lymph to move through the vessels. Use a natural soft-bristled brush, or just use your hands. Brush in the morning when your lymphatic system is waking up and brush towards the heart. Brush gently (particularly at first) and expect to see results after a few weeks (not days!). You can follow drainage and detox specialist Dr Caitlin
Czezowski on Instagram doc.talks.detox for free dry brushing tutorials.
THREE: Move your body*
Walking, tennis, golf, gardening, dancing – get your body moving to get your lymph moving. The heart doesn’t pump lymph around the body the way it pumps blood for the cardiovascular system, so exercise is vital to help lymph move. Massage is also an effective alternative option.
Reflexology is an ancient and relaxing practice that uses gentle, massage like pressure on the feet to improve circulation, provide deep relaxation and help stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal. As a reflexologist, I am looking for sensitivity on the reflexes of the feet, that might indicate a system of the body is not functioning as well as it could or is out of balance. For example, reflexes that would indicate the lymphatic system is sluggish or off balance would be the spleen, the thymus, and the tonsils. Reflexology can help to improve circulation and strengthen the immune system, making it an effective, non-invasive, and relaxing treatment, to prevent the colds and flu we are more susceptible to, in winter.
If you are considering using the suggestions mentioned in this article, please consult with a healthcare professional to make sure they are right for you.
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