Today I went for a lymphatic massage and it was incredible.
“Lymphatic drainage massage or treatment uses gentle, repetitive strokes to facilitate the lymphatic system. It is a specialized massage that is sometimes referred to as a ‘detox massage’, supporting your body’s internal filtration system to help keep your immune system in check”.lymphatic-drainage-detox-massage
In early April of this year, just before getting Covid for the second time, I had started some research on lymphatic blockage. Although I was feeling amazing, I was still curious about why Covid had stayed in my body for so long.
What triggered my curiosity ?
On the weekend of April 1, I had been at a yoga retreat in Ripon, Quebec ( more on this later – totally awesome experience) and ended up seeing a Naturopath & Iridologist – Michel Stornello vos-hotes-nos-professionnels . Michel suggested that maybe my lymphatic drainage system wasn’t working as well as it should.
When I read an article on the signs of lymphatic blockage I was floored. So many of the things that I had experienced with Covid May 2020-December 2021 were listed (brain fog; lack of energy; ringing in the ears; morning mucous; reduced ability to fight infection; headaches; pain, pressure, or stiffness along your spine and shoulders; itchy skin)….whoah!
“Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. If the lymph is not flowing well, the cells are poisoned from their own waste and the lymph fluid becomes a toxic cesspool, resulting in fatigue, swelling, infection, inflammation, disease, and more symptoms (see below). A combination of a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and a toxic environment all contribute to this backup. Rapid improvements in the quality of the cells and blood occur once easy lifestyle changes are made so that the lymphatic system is activated and working efficiently”
16-ways-to-activate-your-lymphatic-system
I booked an appointment for a lymphatic massage, not knowing that I would soon fall prey to Covid a second time, not even a week later. Bring it on 🙂
I was fascinated to learn what might be causing a lymphatic blockage. These are the 3 that struck me the most…
Lack of Movement: Proper lymphatic flow requires deep breathing and body movement – the contraction of skeletal muscles force tiny one- way valves of the lymph system to open and close and push the fluid to the subclavian veins
Stress: The waste products of stress-fighting hormones are acidic and an acidic body leads to lymph congestion. Stuck in Fight or flight mode ????
Processed Foods: An unhealthy diet, particularly one containing processed foods and bad fats, will lead to a sluggish lymphatic system
The best part was suggestions on how to detox the lymphatic system .These are the ones that I have found most helpful :
- Take a few minutes for deep breathing
- Hydrate daily with water
- Dry brush your skin
- Alternate hot and cold in your shower
- Move around whenever you can yin-yoga-for-immunity
- Go for a walk
- Get a lymph massage
- Far infrared sauna * there was an amazing sauna at the yoga retreat ….heavenly 🙂
- Eat Whole Foods, especially healthy fats, fruits & veggies
- Drink herbal teas that affect the lymph *Michel suggested Nettle tea – I’m addicted 🙂
Hoping this was enlightening. Too good not to share!
More tomorrow on tips and recipes for detox.
K
PS It’s been way more than 48 hours since I mowed the lawn and yesterday my bike ride was heavenly. Things are definitely on the upswing 🙂
Coffee & Chardonnay 
Thank you Karen. It is so informative. I learned a lot about lymphatic system and concrete ways to detox. Easy habits or ways to activate on daily basis. It is worth taking few notes to be simply healthier!
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