| Lymphatic System Maintenance | |
by Chris Kipp, from the April 2004 newsletter
Breast and prostate cancer awareness has increased over the last few years and people are getting checked more often to rule out these diseases. But what do we know about prevention? The lymphatic system is usually overlooked, until a breast or prostate cancer survivor gets swelling in an extremity.
The lymph system is designed for transport of protein cells, toxins, cancer cells, destroyed cells, vitamins and hormones back to the blood stream and out of the body. It serves to clean tissues through drainage, but also acts as a protection and defense mechanism carrying out vital functions for cell regeneration.
There are many lymph nodes in our bodies, specifically in the breast, base of the neck, in the armpits, inner elbow, groin, and behind the knee. These nodes act as filters and are superficial enough to open and start the drainage process of unwanted waste products.
We need to be proactive in our quest for better health, and opening our lymph nodes may help prevent cell degeneration and accumulation of fluids plus aid in prevention of disease. Persons with chronic venous insufficiency, post-surgical swelling, post-traumatic swelling, lipidema, amputee stump edema or migraine headaches can also benefit from lymph drainage techniques.
The process is simple and takes only a few minutes to complete. Deep, belly breathing begins the process and firm but gentle massaging of the nodes follows. Because the lymphatic system does not have its own pump, exercise is important also. Women should definitely open the nodes under their arms and at the base of the neck. Men, and those with lower extremity circulatory problems, need to open the nodes at the groin and behind the knee. This process should be done at least once per day.
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