The lymphatic system: what it does.
The lymphatic system consists of tissues that produce, store and transport white blood cells and a complex network of vessels, ducts, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, adenoids and tonsils. This expansive system is present throughout the body, eliminating waste from each cell and helping to regulate the immune system.
Lymph is the fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system. It is composed of different components as it flows through different parts of the body. Sometimes it contains proteins, sometimes it contains bacteria and fats. Whatever the content of the lymph at any given time, it must circulate freely to prevent debris from accumulating in the tissue. Breathing and other muscle movements help to propel the lymphatic fluid and carry it through many filtration points called lymph nodes. These lymph nodes contain accumulations of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that identify and help destroy pathogens or harmful toxins.
The lymphatic system: why is it important?
This network of vessels and lymph nodes acts as huge drainage and filtration system for the body. Like the water pipes in your home, your lymphatic system needs to stay clean and flow well to function properly. When the lymphatic flow stagnates and becomes blocked, waste and toxins begin to accumulate. This can lead to poor immunity and a variety of health problems.
The improper disposal of waste in the lymphatic system can affect almost all parts of the body. If your lymphatic vessels are blocked, you may experience:
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Fluid retention
- Rigidity, especially in the morning.
- Brain fog
- Itching and dry skin
- Cellulitis
- Stubborn weight gain
- Chronic sinusitis, sore throat, colds and ear problems.
- Swelling of the breast with the menstrual cycle.
- Inflamed glands
- Cold hands and feet.
Lymphatic stasis can have several causes. Although the body is naturally designed to eliminate waste and toxins, imbalances can affect its ability to detoxify and accumulate waste. Stress and indigestion are two main causes of lymphatic obstructions that affect your ability to clean effectively. They are discussed below.
Cause of lymphatic stasis:
Stress.
When the body is under stress, biochemical and hormonal changes occur. Over time, this stress chemistry contributes to inflammation that can damage cells and generate waste. This hinders the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is also stimulated directly by the fibres of the sympathetic nervous system, which are activated as part of the stress response. Studies in mice show that chronic stress can even alter the lymphatic vasculature and lead to the spread of cancer.
Cause of lymphatic stasis: indigestion.
The digestive system is particularly susceptible to the presence of stress, especially when it becomes chronic, and the lymphatic system is closely related to the gastrointestinal tract. The largest accumulation of lymphatic vessels in the body, the so-called lymphoid tissue associated with the intestine (GALT), surrounds the gastrointestinal tract.
GALT is found in the vicinity of the intestinal villi, where nutrients are absorbed. A healthy intestinal lymphatic system is necessary to maintain a balanced microbiome and preserve the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. This barrier prevents toxins and harmful pathogens and allows the selective absorption of nutrients. Intestinal lymphatic vessels also play a key role in the supply of dietary fat that is incorporated into the liver for processing.
If the intestine becomes inflamed or irritated with chemical additives in food, allergies or food sensitivities or with a diet with too much-processed food, the GALT may become clogged. This is an important cause of stagnant lymphatic drainage, deficient detoxification, digestive problems and impaired immunity.
Relieve your lymphatic system to rebalance your body
Mudra for congestion in the body
Aakash mudra or Aakash-vardhak mudra are useful to reduce congestion in the body. The practice of Aakash mudra helps to detoxify the body.
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Before practicing Mudras it is very important to find your Ayurvedic Body type To find your Ayurvedic body type follow this link
Aakash mudra or Aakash-vardhak mudra
How to do Aakash mudra
Join the tips of middle finger and thumb finger to form Aakash mudra.
You have to do mudras with both the hands. Just a simple touch of the tips of the finger is enough to get results of mudra practice.
Duration of mudra practice
45 minutes of regular practice or 15 minutes thrice a day.
Precautions
If you are a Vata excess person then do this mudra in moderation only.
I think this mudra is helpful for you.Also, read my book "Complete Hand Mudras." It will give you more information about mudras read more
