Lymphatic Health 01: It all starts with the connection and foundations of our body

Revealing the Hidden Power: Unlocking the Secrets of our Lymphatic Health

In the realm of wellness, there’s an often-underestimated hero silently working behind the scenes: our lymphatic system. I genuinely want to shine a spotlight on the captivating world of lymphatic health, a journey close to my heart. Why does this abstract term hold such fascination? Join me as we explore the untold story of the lymphatic system, its vital role in our well-being, and its profound impact on our overall health. The more I learn, the more amazed I am at the intricate interplay between our lymphatic system and our healthcare, unearthing a treasure trove of insights often overlooked but deserving of our attention.

The Lymphatic system is one of the foundational pillars of our health. Did you know that our immune health functions directly with our lymphatic system? By definition, our so-called “garbage disposal” cleans out the old to make room for the new. Ridding our bodies of toxins so our systems and organs can function optimally. The wonderful thing is that the things we do to support our lymph support many of our bodily functions, from the heart, brain, gut, and many more. 

 The lymphatic system is crucial for several reasons– This might be knowledge to some. Still, the more and more discussions I have with people, the more I’ve come to realize how misunderstood this system is. So let’s get down to basics:

What are the main functions of the Lymphatic system?

• Immune Function: The lymphatic system is a crucial immune system component. It helps defend against infections, diseases, and foreign substances by filtering and removing harmful pathogens, toxins, and waste products from the body. Lymph nodes, small bean-shaped structures throughout the body, contain immune cells that help identify and neutralize potential threats.

• Fluid Balance: The lymphatic system helps regulate the fluid balance in the body. It collects excess fluid, waste materials, and proteins that have leaked out of blood vessels and transports them back into the bloodstream. This process helps to maintain proper fluid levels, prevents fluid buildup in tissues, and ensures efficient circulation.

• Nutrient Absorption: The lymphatic system is involved in the absorption and transport of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system. Specialized vessels in the small intestine absorb these nutrients and transport them through the lymphatic system to the bloodstream for distribution to the cells throughout the body.

• Detoxification: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in detoxification in the body. It helps remove metabolic waste products, toxins, and cellular debris, aiding the elimination of harmful substances from the body.

• Tissue Healing and Repair: The lymphatic system involves tissue healing and repair processes. It facilitates the transportation of immune cells, growth factors, and nutrients to damaged tissues, thereby supporting their regeneration and recovery.

• Disease Defense: The lymphatic system helps identify and fight many diseases.

The first principle I learned regarding lymphatic health is that the stagnation of our blood, fluids, and bodies lies at the core of most of today’s common diseases and illnesses. The bigger the build up of waste and toxins, the more health issues we will face. Everything we breathe, eat, consume and think can accumulate within the body.

My personal experience: Stagnation & Lifestyle

My body battled in my twenties. I had a tremendous amount of energy, which I channeled in less constructive ways. I did not cherish my proverbial “temple.” Antibiotics were prescribed monthly, my immune system was chronically weak, and I battled with menstrual issues and persistent symptoms such as anxiety. I labeled myself as someone with a compromised immune system.

The common denominator was lifestyle choices and a desperately pleading body for change. Let us make this the word of the day STAGNATION.  

I came across this very relevant quote written in 239 BC: “Flowing water never grows stale, and a door-hinge never gets worm-eaten. Embrace fluidity, for it is in stagnation that decay finds its dwelling.” A.U.

Stagnation is the root of evil. Eastern medicine teaches us that physical symptoms are a powerful language, a direct message from our bodies. My body screamed at me, indicating that the system was malfunctioning. Seven years ago, on a summer day in Cape Town, I met a remarkable Reiki healer named Mok. Through the gentle(and simultaneously excruciating) touch of acupressure, he revealed that many of my ailments were interconnected, stemming from poor circulation and lymphatic drainage. The system was physically, mentally, and spiritually disconnected. More so, it was burdened and stagnant.

I will delve into this in a separate post, but it is worth mentioning that my mother is a professionally trained Tai Chi and Qi Gong teacher. The principles of Chi and vital life forces have been instilled in us since childhood. Could these principles be the root cause of my poor health and unexplained anxiety? Could it all be interconnected? Unveiling the essence of Tai Chi

Throughout this space and upcoming posts, I will explore the lymphatic system tips and tricks that I have learnt along the way, methods to activate it and share knowledge and TIPS on how to stimulate our lymphatic systems. Furthermore, I will explore: 

• Supplementation
• Theories
• Breath work
• Massages 
• Acupressure mats
• Acupuncture
• Cupping
• Exercise
• Movement 

I will introduce information from experts who have transformed my life and welcome discoveries as I continue on this journey—one I hope to pursue well into my old age.

Please leave comments and feedback below!  There is no better reason to get up, move, sweat, and thrive! Happy healing my friends

Love, Vie xxx

Ref: 

Why Our Neglected Lymph System Is A Key To Optimal Health

https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2023/researchers-zero-in-on-potential-new-function-of-lymphatic-system-producing-blood/