It's that time of year—the holidays have become merely a fond memory as the winter months drag slowly on and the short hours of light and the cold weather are starting to affect us all. We're tired. We're either sick or surrounded by others who are sick, crossing our fingers that we won't be next. We need something to keep us going until the days of long sunshine and blooming greens arrive at last. So what can we do to get that boost we desperately need?

One of the most important ways to support the immune system is to keep the lymph system healthy. The lymph system is a network of organs, nodes, ducts and vessels that produce and transport lymph fluid from tissues to the bloodstream. It is also responsible for the production and storing of white blood cells.* The body encounters toxins every day—in the air, in food and in some lifestyle choices like alcohol and tobacco.

Toxins also include bacteria, infection and other foreign material that make their way into the body. It is the job of the lymph fluid to collect and remove these toxins from the body as it moves through the tissues. But the system has a flaw: Unlike the cardiovascular system which is a closed system, the lymph system is open and has no mechanism to pump the fluid through the tissues.* That responsibility falls on the owner of the body.

The basic, daily movements of the body, including breathing, provide a base for pumping lymph fluid; but when toxins build up, the lymph system gets overwhelmed and slows down. When this happens, physical symptoms start to appear in the form of pain and illness. Luckily, there are many ways to support the lymph system. Depending on lifestyle and preferences, there is something to fit everyone.

Getting the body moving plays a key role in giving the lymph system what it needs to function optimally. Bouncing movements in particular get the fluid moving well. Dancing, jumping lightly on a personal trampoline, or attending an invigorating NIA class are great ways for active people to have some fun while keeping healthy. Yoga is also an effective way to boost the lymph system—poses that involve inversion and twisting are especially beneficial.

For those who are limited in range of motion or activity levels, there are massage therapists trained in a particular form of bodywork called lymphatic drainage. In this modality, the therapist uses several specific massage and movement techniques designed to target and activate the flow of lymph fluid.

Chiropractic care is also useful, as it can help to clear blocks in the lymph flow—particularly around the joints. With blockages cleared, the lymph fluid can flow freely, allowing it to continue to keep the body healthy.

Some healthcare practices report that during certain times of the year the body is more susceptible to toxin buildup and, in turn, a weakened immune system.
The transitions from fall to winter and from winter to spring are the most vulnerable times. As the weather turns darker and colder, activity levels drop and illness rates rise as people spend more time in closed quarters.

Sometimes, seasonal body cleansing is suggested to clear these buildups. Ayurveda, a practice from ancient India that includes specialized diets and herbal supplements, places particular importance on seasonal cleansing as a necessary element to healthcare.

Maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water helps to lower the amount of toxins in the body, making it easier for the lymph system to keep up with its elimination duties.** Acupuncture also calls for seasonal cleansing and is an important element in recharging the immune system. Balancing the energy of the spleen and large intestine, the major organs of the lymph system, can give the body the boost it needs to stay healthy.

The bottom line is this: The ability to help yourself stay healthy rests in your own body. Take a minute to think about how you feel and if it might be time to start feeling better. The key is to find what works for you and do it. Practitioners are closer and more accessible than you may think, ready to answer any questions you may have.

 

To wish to be well is part of becoming well. - Seneca 

Sources:

*www.nlm.nih.gov

**www.ayurveda.com 

 

		Julia C. Brunelle is a certified massage therapist at Creative Wellness in East Lansing. Brunelle specializes in relaxation, neuromuscular therapy, reflexology, mysofascial release and cranial suture massage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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