The term “lymphatic detox” has become exceedingly popular in recent years, but do you know what your lymphatic system is or does? Can you locate the lymph nodes on your body? And are you aware of the symptoms that arise when the lymphatic system is clogged and impaired? If you’ve answered “no” to at least one of these questions, keep reading.

Detox concept with green vegetables: spinach, lettuce, cucumber, ginger, asparagus, broccoli and lime. White wooden background. Clean eating Vegetarian food Healthy fitness lifestyle. Top view.

You may have heard of lymphatic cancer (the leading type of cancer in the world today), which is extremely difficult to treat. Lymphatic cancer implies that the cancer has spread to the lymphocytes (infection-fighting cells in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and other parts of the body). When you have this type of cancer, known as lymphoma, your lymphocytes grow out of control. Think of your body’s main defence system as being infiltrated, and you have lymphatic cancer. It is so difficult to treat because it can get out of hand, aggressively attacking the immune system and rapidly spreading all over the body in spite of surgery or chemotherapy.

But most cancers can be prevented if caught early. Sometimes, all you need is to listen to your body and work towards balancing it through your day-to-day habits. Detox can assist with that, especially in the case of lymphatic drainage.

Understanding the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a silent yet vital and continuously-working supporter of your entire body. Practically a drainage system, it plays an important role in removing toxins, balancing fluids, and maintaining the immune system. It is also connected to every major organ in the body as well as the endocrine and cardiovascular system. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to fight infections, regulate your blood pressure, breathe, and generally keep yourself alive!

lymphatic system of female front with skeleton

The lymphatic system is comprised of lymphatic organs (the thymus, spleen, tonsils and others) and a vast network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear bodily fluid known as lymph (which translates from the Latin to “water”). This sightly alkaline fluid circulates through your entire system with a direction towards the heart, carrying white blood cells as well as proteins, salts, glucose, urea and other substances. The lymphatic system’s main job is to make sure this fluid doesn’t “sit” in the tissues and cells, thus constantly circulating it and returning it to the blood. To do this, it filters as much as 2 litres of blood daily! So long as this fluid is being pumped through the body efficiently, the body’s immune system works optimally and all bodily fluids are balanced.

It is when the various filtering channels (lymph nodes, tissues, organs) of the lymphatic system get congested that lymph drainage problems arise. Thankfully, the human body machine likes to warn us that something is wrong through physical symptoms.

Lymphatic Congestion Symptoms to Look Out For

When toxic or infectious gunk gets into your cells and tissues, you may see some of your lymph nodes swell (there are 600 of them in the body!). You might also begin to feel sluggish, heavy and weak. This is when a lymphatic detox may be recommended.

The following symptoms may also arise due to an impaired lymphatic system:

• Breast tenderness
• Swollen ankles and/or legs
• Swollen armpit lymph nodes
• Restricted range of motion
• Acidosis
• Vision problems
• Sinus congestion
• Recurring infections
• Aching or discomfort
• Uterine fibroids
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Hardened skin (fibrosis)
• Hormonal disruption

Close-up Of A Woman’s Hand On Breast Suffering From Pain

If you have any of the above symptoms, particularly persistent lymph node swelling, you must make an appointment with your doctor. If you choose to follow a detox plan, an Ayurvedic practitioner is highly advised if you opt to go the natural, holistic, drug-free route.

Lymphatic Detox Self-Help Tips

In our YATAN Holistic Ayurvedic Centre, we have been successfully helping patients detox through what is known as Panchakarma for two decades. Panchakarma is a popular Ayurvedic rejuvenation experience that can be tailored for you only by a professional Ayurvedic practitioner.

You can, however, implement some lymphatic detox self-help tips at home. Our own in-house practitioners usually recommend the following:

• Your fasting capacity greatly depends on your health history, weight, gender and age. If you cannot consult a professional dietician, simply start with cutting out sugars, salts and processed foods. You can then move on to cutting out dairy, meat and even gluten. Water-fasting is also advised, but do seek professional advice if you have never tried it before.

• Lymphatic Massage. This will ultimately assist with lymphatic drainage, but you must massage towards the direction of the heart. There are self-help YouTube videos that you can watch to see how this is done properly (do not attempt on your own at first).
• An Alkaline Diet. Depending on your body type (known as Dosha in Ayurveda) certain foods may help you reduce acidity within the organs, a factor that may also assist with lymphatic drainage. Think of greens when unsure what alkaline means!
• Posture-Yoga and Pranayama (Breathing). Yoga is known for its multiple health and wellness benefits, especially when it comes to blood circulation. Lymph is similar to blood plasma and must circulate as effectively. Recommended Yoga postures (asanas) include Sun Salutations, Twists and Legs-Up-The-Wall pose. Pranayamas that benefit lymphatic drainage are Bhastrika Pranayama and Kumbhaka (Breath Retention) Pranayama for 10-20 minutes.

Looking for a customised, all-natural and drug-free way to detox your lymphatic system before it begins to wreak havoc on your entire body?  Contact us for a free no-obligation Ayurveda consultation today!

All information and resources referenced in this article, including medicinal preparations, exercise and dietary recommendations, are based on the opinion of the author. All content is intended to inform and encourage the reader to seek professional advice if the aforementioned conditions and symptoms are present. No information in this article should be considered a diagnosis or prescription.