Cleaning up your lymphatic system
I recently had some thermal imaging (click here to learn more about thermal imaging). My purpose was to add to my post cancer imaging protocol, as well as get a base line of any inflammation in my body. It was soooo interesting!!
Thermography isn't a standard option in the USA. In fact, it isn't really recognized, and most traditional doctors are not fans of the process. However, it is radiation free, has been used for many years around the world and gives another look at the body, and hopefully peace of mind for people like me who are working really hard to stay cancer free.
I wasn't having any real issues. It was just time for my 6 monthly imaging so I wanted to add this to my routine. Costly, yes, but also very worth while. I have been having some neck pain, and sinus congestion as well as some other minor discomfort. After receiving my imaging and doctors diagnosis, I was amazed at the amount of toxicity in my lymphatic system. I have been working really hard to clean it up since I finished cancer treatment, including regular lymph drainage massages, but it didn't seem to be enough. So, I started a new protocol! I will return for follow up imaging 3 months after the first, and I really hope to see some improvement. For more about your lymphatic system, check out this article by Dr Axe.
I decided to incorporate many detox protocols to my daily and weekly schedule. Here is what I am doing to keep things moving.
Dry Brushing
I dry brush every day. The great thing about dry brushing is it only takes about 5 minutes, but leaves your skin feeling invigorated. Using a special dry brush, you brush your skin towards your heart. It encourages the lymphatic system to move, and helps remove toxic build up. Your lymph system doesn't have a pump, so this is a nice way to get it moving and leaves your skin feeling softer. Dry brushing has become really popular and there are lots of articles available about the correct method. The nice thing to know is you can't do it wrong. Your lymphatic system is made up of one way valves, so even if you brush the wrong way, you won't do any harm! Some days I add a little essential oil to my skin first, then brush my skin. It is especially nice just before you get into a hot shower, or when you are getting ready for bed.
Bentonite Clay
I also like to use bentonite clay each week or every 10 days or so. Bentonite clay can be used in many ways, but I like to consume it as a paste to aid in removing toxins from my body. It cleanses the body and promotes healing. The biggest reason I like to use it is it helps remove heavy metals from your body, but at the same time offers many healthy minerals. It is reported to have many other benefits too, such as alkalizing the body, healing skin conditions, killing bacteria and viruses and so on. I like to use this one:
Legs Up The Wall
Like many people, I like to incorporate some yoga into my day. One of my favorite poses at the end of the day is Legs-Up-The-Wall, or Viparita Karani (I believe that is correct!). This pose has so many benefits and you really don't need to spend very long in it. I like it because it helps my lymphatic system drain, it aids in adrenal rest / support and it makes you sleep really well! I find 10 minutes is enough. If I spend too much longer, my feet begin to tingle. Yoga Journal has a nice step by step here.
Neti Pot
Since my imaging showed a lot of sinus congestion, I decided to make a better effect at neti potting. I suffer from seasonal allergies, which is probably why my sinuses appeared incredibly inflamed so the nasal irrigation helps to flush out the nasal cavity. There are proper ways to do this, and using the right water and salt is important. When I feel a sinus headache coming on, using a neti pot helps clear this up pretty quickly. I try to use a neti pot 2 or 3 times a week.
Castor Oil
I am also a big fan of castor oil packs. On my imaging, I had a couple of suspect looking areas on my chest. I decided to incorporate castor oil packs to help break up any congestion in my tissue. It also is anti-inflammatory and stimulates the lymph. Laying with a castor oil pack for at least an hour is the most beneficial, but some days, finding a free hour and a half (it is a messy process, so set up and clean up takes some time) just can't be found. On these days, I use a little oil and massage it into my skin. I like to use castor oil a few times a week. When using castor oil packs, most people recommend a few days on, with a few days off in between. Wellness Mama offers great information on the process and benefits.
Tea
I also like drink tea made with fennel seeds, coriander seeds and manjistha powder. The manjistha powder is suppose to help scrub the lymph system. I brew up a pot each day, and sip on 3 or 4 mugs during the day. It is bright red and stains everything, so use with caution!
Infrared Saunas and Cardio
When detoxing, it is really important to sweat. I have been trying infrared saunas and found them to be really beneficial. I will write more on these another time, but they work in a different way to regular saunas and have proven to aid the body in detoxing, especially when it comes to metals. You don't need to spend very long in an infrared sauna. Just 15 minutes will help the body release toxins.
Cardio also helps the body get rid of toxins. Incorporating cardio into your week and working up a sweat is great for detoxing and moving the lymph. I aim to run or use cardio equipment at least 4 times a week, in addition to daily dog walks with my furry friends.
These are just some of the things I incorporate into my week. These work for me, but may not work for you. Always check with your doctor and take special care when starting any new self care.
Thermography isn't a standard option in the USA. In fact, it isn't really recognized, and most traditional doctors are not fans of the process. However, it is radiation free, has been used for many years around the world and gives another look at the body, and hopefully peace of mind for people like me who are working really hard to stay cancer free.
I wasn't having any real issues. It was just time for my 6 monthly imaging so I wanted to add this to my routine. Costly, yes, but also very worth while. I have been having some neck pain, and sinus congestion as well as some other minor discomfort. After receiving my imaging and doctors diagnosis, I was amazed at the amount of toxicity in my lymphatic system. I have been working really hard to clean it up since I finished cancer treatment, including regular lymph drainage massages, but it didn't seem to be enough. So, I started a new protocol! I will return for follow up imaging 3 months after the first, and I really hope to see some improvement. For more about your lymphatic system, check out this article by Dr Axe.
I decided to incorporate many detox protocols to my daily and weekly schedule. Here is what I am doing to keep things moving.
Dry Brushing
I dry brush every day. The great thing about dry brushing is it only takes about 5 minutes, but leaves your skin feeling invigorated. Using a special dry brush, you brush your skin towards your heart. It encourages the lymphatic system to move, and helps remove toxic build up. Your lymph system doesn't have a pump, so this is a nice way to get it moving and leaves your skin feeling softer. Dry brushing has become really popular and there are lots of articles available about the correct method. The nice thing to know is you can't do it wrong. Your lymphatic system is made up of one way valves, so even if you brush the wrong way, you won't do any harm! Some days I add a little essential oil to my skin first, then brush my skin. It is especially nice just before you get into a hot shower, or when you are getting ready for bed. Bentonite Clay
I also like to use bentonite clay each week or every 10 days or so. Bentonite clay can be used in many ways, but I like to consume it as a paste to aid in removing toxins from my body. It cleanses the body and promotes healing. The biggest reason I like to use it is it helps remove heavy metals from your body, but at the same time offers many healthy minerals. It is reported to have many other benefits too, such as alkalizing the body, healing skin conditions, killing bacteria and viruses and so on. I like to use this one: Legs Up The Wall
Like many people, I like to incorporate some yoga into my day. One of my favorite poses at the end of the day is Legs-Up-The-Wall, or Viparita Karani (I believe that is correct!). This pose has so many benefits and you really don't need to spend very long in it. I like it because it helps my lymphatic system drain, it aids in adrenal rest / support and it makes you sleep really well! I find 10 minutes is enough. If I spend too much longer, my feet begin to tingle. Yoga Journal has a nice step by step here.
Neti Pot
Since my imaging showed a lot of sinus congestion, I decided to make a better effect at neti potting. I suffer from seasonal allergies, which is probably why my sinuses appeared incredibly inflamed so the nasal irrigation helps to flush out the nasal cavity. There are proper ways to do this, and using the right water and salt is important. When I feel a sinus headache coming on, using a neti pot helps clear this up pretty quickly. I try to use a neti pot 2 or 3 times a week.
Castor Oil
I am also a big fan of castor oil packs. On my imaging, I had a couple of suspect looking areas on my chest. I decided to incorporate castor oil packs to help break up any congestion in my tissue. It also is anti-inflammatory and stimulates the lymph. Laying with a castor oil pack for at least an hour is the most beneficial, but some days, finding a free hour and a half (it is a messy process, so set up and clean up takes some time) just can't be found. On these days, I use a little oil and massage it into my skin. I like to use castor oil a few times a week. When using castor oil packs, most people recommend a few days on, with a few days off in between. Wellness Mama offers great information on the process and benefits.
Tea
I also like drink tea made with fennel seeds, coriander seeds and manjistha powder. The manjistha powder is suppose to help scrub the lymph system. I brew up a pot each day, and sip on 3 or 4 mugs during the day. It is bright red and stains everything, so use with caution! Infrared Saunas and Cardio
When detoxing, it is really important to sweat. I have been trying infrared saunas and found them to be really beneficial. I will write more on these another time, but they work in a different way to regular saunas and have proven to aid the body in detoxing, especially when it comes to metals. You don't need to spend very long in an infrared sauna. Just 15 minutes will help the body release toxins.
Cardio also helps the body get rid of toxins. Incorporating cardio into your week and working up a sweat is great for detoxing and moving the lymph. I aim to run or use cardio equipment at least 4 times a week, in addition to daily dog walks with my furry friends.
These are just some of the things I incorporate into my week. These work for me, but may not work for you. Always check with your doctor and take special care when starting any new self care.