Rebounding for the Lymphatic System

Rebounding basically means bouncing on a mini trampoline and is an excellent way to improve the movement of the lymphatic system!

Movement of the lymphatic system is important for detoxification and immune system function. By improving lymphatic movement we can improve circulation of the immune system - important for warding off the everyday cold and flu as well as prevention of cancer.

The lymphatic system consists of vessels throughout the body however unlike the vascular system, the lymphatic system lacks a pump and one way valves to control movement. To move the lymphatic system we largely rely on the action of our muscles.

When the muscles of our body contract, they pump the lymphatic vessels and move the lymph fluid throughout the body.

While any type of exercise will improve lymphatic movement, rebounding is known as one of the most effective exercises in accomplishing this.

Try rebounding for 10 minutes each day and incorporate as much arm movement as you can. Aim for small, controlled bounces while swinging the arms as if swimming, doing jumping jacks, boxing, touching your elbows to your knees, etc.

Rebounding for 10 minutes has a cardio effect comparable to jogging for 30 minutes. Additional benefits to rebounding include: weight loss, improved energy levels, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved oxygenation of the body and stress reduction.

Dry Skin Brushing

The skin is one of our organs of elimination just like the lungs, kidneys and colon. It functions to remove wastes and toxins via sweat.

Dry Skin brushing is one of the ways we can support elimination from the skin. It removes dead skin cells, allowing the skin to breathe and also stimulates lymph and blood circulation.

If the pores of the skin become blocked with millions of dead cells, impurities will remain in the body. The other elimination organs, mainly the kidneys and liver, will have to increase their function to compensate for this and will eventually become overworked.

If toxins and wastes begin to build up in the tissues because the kidneys and the liver cannot cope with the added workload, then sooner or later disease will follow. This is the importance of keeping healthy and well functioning skin.

Dry skin brushing is also useful for stimulating movement of the lymphatic system. All detoxification occurs primarily through the lymph and thus, dry skin brushing can help the body to eliminate wastes and toxins from below the skin’s surface.

Dry skin brushing can change the health of your whole body. Circulation, skin softness and quality, skin infections and irritations, whole body freshness, your level of stimulation, the prevention of colds, and you personal rejuvenation are all areas of improvement you can look for, once you make this a regular habit.

To brush the skin, use a natural bristle brush (like a back brush) and start at the soles of the feet and work your way up your legs, your front and your back, brushing as vigorously as you feel able. Then do your hands and up your arms. Always brush towards your heart. Don't do your face, but do include the back of your neck and your scalp. For hygiene reasons you need a separate brush for each member of the family, and of course, you need to wash the brush itself every couple of weeks.

Contrast Showers

Contrast showers are a fantastic way to improve your health and vitality!

Contrast showers are a form of hydrotherapy (healing with water) that promote circulation of the blood as well as the lymphatic system. Overall, contrast showers are a part of building a solid foundation from which health arises. They are a health habit I think everyone should adopt.

They are fantastic for improving circulatory and vascular conditions, immune system function and generalized detoxification. Contrast showers can specifically help with fatigue, varicose veins, and prevention of infections.

Improve your circulation and the function of your immune system by taking a contrast shower every day:

Take your regular warm/hot shower but at the very end, turn the faucet to cool for 30 seconds. The more contrast you can do, the better - but do whatever you can tolerate. You don't have to have it so cold that you're clenching your teeth or cursing me.

or

Alternate a hot shower with cold water sprays throughout. Give yourself a 15-30 second cool blast three times during your shower. Always end your shower on cold.

Trust me, this feels great! And since your circulation has been given a kick start - you warm up much quicker once you get out of the shower.

And...one of the best things about hydrotherapy is that its free!