by: Gloria Gilbre, N.D., D.A. Hom., PhD
“Without the lymphatic system, life cannot be sustained – people rarely hear about it or understand its complex work. The lymph system is closely related to the cardiovascular system, although its major function is as a defense mechanism. It:
filters disease-causing organisms
manufactures white blood cells
generates antibodies
distributes fluids and nutrients
drains excess fluids and proteins left behind by capillary circulation preventing tissue swelling
is the inner excretory mechanism of the body, which is four times larger than the blood system
provides the means for each cell to eliminate waste.
The fluid that circulates within the system is called lymph. It is derived from blood plasma, although clearer and more watery, and lymph seeps through capillary walls to fill tissue spaces. Besides lymph, the lymphatic system includes lymphatic capillaries, larger vessel lymph nodes, glands, spleen, tonsils, and thymus.
Lymph and lymphatic vessels come into much more intimate relationships with metabolic tissues than blood. However, unlike the blood system which utilizes the heart as a pump, the lymph system, like veins, relies on skeletal muscle contractions to pump its components. Stimulating lymphatics with massage allows toxic sticky mucoid substances to be dumped into the colon for elimination.
There are several effective lymphatic drainage and stimulation techniques. A patient experiencing Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or chronic inflammation should consider that a toxic, sluggish lymphatic system is the core of fluid retention, muscle soreness and generalized inflammation.
After counseling thousands of clients with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Allergic Response Syndromes (MARS ), I found three methods of lymphatic stimulation to be most effective.
Rebounding Lymph Stimulation and Body Lift Functional foods, supplemental nutrients, and various detoxification and rejuvenation techniques cannot totally repair and maintain health when the lymphatic system is not stimulated to assist the body in eliminating toxic residue.
One of the most beneficial lymph stimulating exercises for overall benefits and reduction of symptoms from Fibromyalgia/inflammatory-type disorders is rebounding. Victims of these disorders do not have exercise tolerance. Rebounding works with gravity, not against it protecting against strains and injuries to bones and joints while stimulating lymphatic flow like no other stimulation method accomplishes. At first, start with three minutes and do not lift feet off the mat, simply bounce gently. (Note: Be sure to purchase a rebounder with a stabilizer bar.) Unlike mini-trampolines, rebounders have extra heavy shock absorbers.
According to Dr. Morton Walker, with each gentle bounce, approximately 60 trillion body cells are pitted against the earths gravitational pull strengthening every cell in the body while saving strain on its muscles and joints. Rebounding supports reduction of body fat, firms and strengthens muscles, increases agility, improves balance, provides aerobic effects, rejuvenates a tired body, and creates a state of health and fitness.
Skin Brushing Benefits Skin brushing, done concurrently with rebounding and gastrointestinal cleansing, is highly effective for gently stimulating lymphatic flow and overall detoxification. The skin, the largest organ of elimination and absorption, eliminates over one pound of waste per day. Dry skin brushing stimulates sweat glands and increases blood circulation to underlying organs and tissues a vital part of an intestinal cleansing program. (Note: Using a natural bristle brush, gently brush from the extremities to the center of the body.) For a detailed diagram of skin brushing, refer to the book entitled I Was Poisoned by My Body.
Manual Lymphatic Stimulation Massage This massage should be extremely gentle for Fibromyalgia patients. The therapist works from the colon to the periphery of the body creating space for lymph fluid to drain. Undulating hand moves and specific light compression is applied to move fluid through the lymph and eliminate it via the colon immediately reducing swelling. It is never acceptable to use aggressive massage for lymphatic drainage.
If you are a victim of the disorders described, consider a toxic, sluggish lymphatic system that needs gentle encouragement to dump accumulated toxins, naturally.”
Gloria Gilbre, N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D., is internationally respected as an authoritative influence in the discovery of the causes, effects and drug-free solutions for Fibromyalgia, inflammatory and chemically induced immune system disorders, and renowned for her Wholistic Skin and Body Rejuvenation (WSBR ) programs. She is author of I Was Poisoned by My Body, Invisible Illnesses, Pain/Inflammation Matters, Colon Cleansing Matters, and the WSBR Program.
The lymph system is indeed important! I suffer from lipedema, a hereditary condition which keeps lymph from circulating properly in my lower body. The results include increased vulnerability to skin infections, daily pain, decreased mobility and an inability to lose weight below the waist. So the lymph system is not to be sneered at!
If anyone reading this does seek manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), it is important to visit a therapist who has been properly trained in either the Vodder or Foeldi systems. Usually, these will be physical therapists or other medical professionals rather than ordinary massage providers.