Detox: How Do I Know
If My Lymphatic System
Is Clogged?
Health Issues
Many health problems stem from or are made worse by having a clogged lymphatic system. Lymphatic Detox can help make those conditions better.
Click here to watch a video on understanding the lymphatic system and how lymphatic massage can help with unclogging the lymphatic system and detoxing the body.
Simple issues that you have probably had at one time or another include swelling of the hands where the rings that normally fit are suddenly tight and having enlarged lymph nodes in your neck when you are sick.
However, there are many other symptoms that can indicate a clogged lymphatic system that you might not know about. Let’s take a look at what else can indicate that you may have a clogged lymphatic system.
Clogged Lymph Causes a
Toxic Environment in the Body
Backed up lymphatic fluid is usually thick and congested. This blocked fluid (and the waste that sits inside it) that are hanging out in the tissues are unable to get into the lymphatic system to be processed of by the body. Fluid is removed from the bloodstream by the kidneys (meaning you pee it out) and the waste proteins are broken down and recycled by the liver.
That is how it should happen, but when it doesn’t due to lymphatic congestion, this backup prevents the cells from getting necessary nutrients. In essence, the congestion blocks new nutrients from the bloodstream from making it to the cell.
Having a clogged lymphatic system is like having a toxic waste dump in the body.
If the cells are unable to get the nutrients they need, they lose metabolic efficiency and can not perform as they should. When too many cells are trapped in this less-than-ideal state, tissues degenerate, and disease or sickness can set in.
Effective lymphatic drainage (lymphatic massage) is essential for basic tissue detoxification and is a vital part of any healing process. A detoxified body has the power, resistance, and a potential needed for healing.
Symptoms That Indicate Your
Lymphatic System is Clogged &
Lymphatic Detox May Help
1. Headaches and Brain Fog
Headaches and brain fog (including that of Long Hauler Covid) are two common side effects of congested lymph which can benefit from a lymphatic detox.
When there is swelling in the head due to a lack of proper lymphatic (and often sinus) drainage, pressure increases causing a headache.
The lymphatic system is also how the cerebrospinal fluid naturally drains out of the brain taking with it waste byproducts and allowing room for new fluid to be produced. These fluids bathe the brain tissues and when they are drained, they help to remove proteins that lead to plaque buildup.
Electro-Lymphatic Therapy is a particularly good detox method that targets the sinus cavities and can reach deep beneath the skull to facilitate the drainage of the cerebro-spinal fluid.
2. Digestive Issues from a Clogged Lymphatic System
Bloating and digestive issues can be directly related to a clogged lymphatic system.
Approximately 30% of our lymphatic system is linked to our gut or is in the immediate vicinity. Constipation is a common symptom of congested lymph as are unexplained food sensitivities.
Many clients often will notice that they have an extra bowel movement or two within a few hours of a lymphatic detox session that targets the intestines.
3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) & Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and brain fog/confusion are commonly caused by a congested lymphatic system.
Recently, it was discovered that the fluid that surrounds our brains and spinal cords (cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) is drained by the lymphatic system.
4. Brain Fog
If this fluid is not draining, plaques and other toxins can build up in old CSF and make us feel groggy, confused, and lethargic. Similarly, depression has been tied to clogged lymphatics.
Lymphatic detox massage helps to open these pathways to improve fatigue associated with CFS and Fibromyalgia as well as clear your head from brain fog.
5. Skin Problems
Likewise, skin problems such as dry or itchy skin and acne can indicate that our lymph is not flowing as it should.
Approximately 70% of our lymph system resides directly under the skin. Cold hands and feet sometimes can be attributed to a backed up lymphatic system.
Lymphatic detox massage carries away the wastes from our tissues and allows nutrients to diffuse better from the bloodstream. This nourishes our tissues more effectively, helping the skin to correct whatever deficiency it has that is causing the issue.
6. Ankle Swelling
Swollen ankles may be caused by a congested lymph system. A damaged lymphatic system can also be a cause of swollen ankles.
Lymphatic massage is effective at reducing this fluid. When coupled with compression stockings, this is a great method to keep your ankles from swelling.
7. Sinus Infections & Allergies
Frequent sinus infections and worsening allergies are signs that your lymphatic fluid is not moving effectively, as are an increased occurrence of colds and the flu.
When there is head congestion bacteria and viruses can travel from the nasal cavities into the stagnant fluid located in the sinus cavity, causing an infection.
The feeling of having a stuffy head, congestion, lots of mucous on waking in the morning, or dental infections might also point to a backed up lymphatic system.
8. Soreness / Stiffness
If you often wake up sore or stiff in the morning, you may have sluggish or congested lymph.
You may also notice that you feel pain that tends to move around from place to place in the body.
9. Tender Breasts
Tender breasts are generally caused by retained lymphatic fluid in breast tissue.
Elsewhere in the body, general bloating and water retention are commonly caused by a lymphatic system that isn’t up to par.
How Do You Fix a Clogged Lymphatic System?
Lymph can be unclogged by Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Electro-Lymphatic Therapy.
Both therapies are offered at Pain & Swelling Solutions. They are relaxing sessions that will leave you feeling revitalized and ready to take on the world!
