Reflexology…Keep Your Lymph Circulating!

                                                       

                                             “Nature’s Internal House Cleaner”

Physical, mental and emotional health all depend on the body’s ability to not only circulate blood, but also lymphatic fluid.

Our blood is pumped by our heart to keep the circulating moving; however, the lymphatic fluid has no pump to circulate it. It is propelled by the contraction of our breathing and by the body movements, causing pressure against the arteries and  muscles which help assist it’s flow.

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is one of the body’s natural cleansing processes. It has a variety of jobs to do; it works to guard the body from various viruses or diseases. The lymph nodes or glands are filtering devices for removing dead cells and other foreign matter. They carry away the wastes, bacteria and viruses from the body’s connective tissue. It also flushes out toxins and excess water, which could otherwise cause congestion and edema. 

 

                                            

Nature has placed more than 100 of these little “seed like” nodes around the tonsils, in the neck, armpit, down the center of the body and in the groin area – as a safeguard against infection. The spleen and thymus are also made of lymph.

Lymph plays an important role in our immune system. As scavenger cells fight infection and antibodies attack harmful invaders, the fluid clean tissue, filter out bacteria and stop the spread of infections.

 

Example

When a throat is infected, the many lymph nodes in the neck become swollen and tender due to antibody activity. This sign indicates that the nodes are doing their job – Yipeeee!

 

Where reflexology can be very helpful – is when someone is confined to a bed or wheelchair – due to age, illness or paralysis.

In this case, body movement is very limited; however, reflexology can effectively support the lymphatic system in circulating lymph fluid; simultaneously giving a “boost” to the immune system.

You can either contact a professional reflexologist to inquire whether they make “house calls” or if you are a family member, friend or caregiver – you can share some reflexology yourself.

When shared in a gently and loving way – reflexology will always benefit for the highest good! 

Before administering, please review the Foot Map Page on this blog to familiarize yourself with the location of these reflex points.

 

Reflex Points of Focus

~ Groin

~ Chest

~Neck

~ Upper Lymphatics

~ Shoulder

~ Spleen

~ Thymus (located 1/2 inch below the neck reflex point, on the inside edge of the foot – along the spine reflex)

 

How to Work Points

~ Using your thumb or index finger – gently press, rotate, then release.

~ Work each reflex point on both feet for approximantely 1-2 minutes.

~ This can be done twice a day (morning and evening)

~ If time is limited – administer whenever is convenient.

 Extra Tips

~ When applying to the upper lymphatics reflex point – you can use your thumb and index fingers to gently squeeze between each toe.

~ By simply pointing, flexing and rotating the feet – you will also increase lymph circulation.

~ Use this technique whenever you start to feel a “bug” coming on – so that your immune system has some extra support. 

~ Can also be used during and after a “bug” – to help rid the body of the “ickies.” 

 

Caution Care

* Always work gently.

* Do not apply more than twice a day – as to not overtax the lymphatic system.

 

Please feel free to explore the Book Page on this blog – where you will find some enjoyable and easy reads on the topic of Reflexology. Also check out Find a Practitioner on the sidebar – to locate a professional in your area.

Remember – reflexology will always support the body in functioning as it was naturally designed.

So, if you or a loved one needs a little circulation…try using the feet…your lymph will be so happy you did!

Get circulating…and be well

 

Portions of this post gratefully supplied by: “Healing Yourself with Foot Reflexology” – Mildred Carter/Tammy Weber