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Activating Your Fountain of Youth

By: Ulla Anneli, R.N.

Your lymphatic system can be compared to a freeway. When congested, nothing moves. The same thing happens in your body. When your body harbors inflammation and infection, lymph nodes become swollen, especially in the neck, groin and underarm areas.

The lymphatic system affects every organ and cell in the body. When the lymphatic system's drainage becomes blocked, it cannot eliminate toxic material. Left on its own, the lymph system's to fill up and the body can swell with unreleased waste that can leak into the tissues and through the skin, resulting in lumps, a foul smell and fatigue.

As a result the lymph glands become clogged and lymph fluid does not drain properly and premature aging can set in.

If you can do it, a weekly lymphatic flushing is very healing. By learning to stimulate the lymph nodes you can stay healthy longer and have a stronger immune system.

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymph nodes are located throughout the body and generally remain unnoticed. They are most pronounced in the neck, groin, armpits and intestines. Swelling or soreness of the glands in the nodes is a sign that they are clogged.

Gentle manipulation of the lymph nodes throughout the body drains and opens up congested lymph nodes and channels, enabling toxins, cell debris and waste to be filtered out.

A healthy lymphatic system can:

Absorb and discharge unwanted body fat.

Carry away excess body fluids.

Aid in healing problems associated with the muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems.

Lymphatic cleansing

A clogged lymph system can benefit from outside help. A professional can use her/his hands manually to massage and stimulate your lymph nodes or use special equipment designed for the purpose.

Some practitioners use a Light Beam Generator (LBG™), which is a cold gas ionization technique that allows the practitioner to go eight times deeper than with manual treatment. People with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, inflamed joints and varicose veins have claimed relief from this treatment.

LBG is a hand-held device which emits an intermittent pulse of light and a stream of electrons. It softens nodules and creates an environment for cell healing, rejuvenation, and prevention of breast and prostate cancer.

Many physical and emotional problems can be aggravated by blockage of the lymph flow. When the lymphatic system is blocked or not functioning well, it creates stagnation, disease, hair loss, pain and premature aging.

Blockage and benefits

Constipation Stress

Unexpressed emotions, such as anger, fear or resentment.

Lack of movement and regular exercise

Inflammation

Poor eating habits

With treatment for a sluggish lymphatic system, you may see some improvement in:

Allergies

Menstrual cramps

Arthritis

Prostrate disorders

Ulcers

Breast lumps

Parasites

Eating disorders

Cancer

Respiratory infections

Cellulite

Emiphysema

Sinus headaches

Skin problems

How does lymphatic cleansing work?

Lymphatic cleansing essentially cleans out waste material, thereby allowing, oxygen and vital nutrients to flow freely through the blood stream. This starts the rejuvenation, healing and balancing process.

Another way to keep your lymphatic system healthy is taking regular saunas. Sauna are not only deeply relaxing, but they do a terrific job of revitalizing your overall health.

Echinacea also can help to clear up toxic conditions, since it stimulates macrophage action, which in turn helps to maintain a healthy lymph flow. Macrophages are large cells located in your lymph nodes and they help to destroy viruses and foreign invaders circulating in the lymph fluid. Other beneficial herbs include mullein, poke and red clover.

The sauna

Your skin is the largest eliminative organ and about one third of your system's toxins are excreted through it, which comes to about a pound a day. Unfortunately, the skin is not always exposed to life-giving air, baths or sea air.

Other factors can also hamper the natural cleansing process. Artificial and restrictive clothing (such as polyester blouses and tight jeans), air-conditioned rooms and even deodorants prevent excretion and natural cleansing.

From the land of the midnight sun, the sauna is an old custom for purification and longevity. As a native of Finland, I highly recommend the sauna for its beautifying and healing properties. After a sauna, I experience a spiritual, as well as physical, cleansing.

Sauna helps your body eliminate waste that your kidneys and lungs are not able to fully filter. For example, lead, cadmium, and other metals can be discharged during a sauna.

Sauna can be enjoyed in spas and private homes all over the world, but not everyone knows how rejuvenating and pleasurable it truly is. It relaxes tired muscles and joints and does wonders for your skin. The warmth and moisture of the steam softens the skin and opens up your pores throroughly cleansing the entire body.

Your circulation is stimulated and a fresh flow of blood bathes the vascular system. The kidneys are activated, uric acid and other wastes are eliminated, and the entire metabolism is given a boost.

To get the most from a sauna

Avoid a heavy meal for at least one to two hours prior to the sauna. Clean the skin carefully so that the pores can breathe freely. When toxins accumulate, then become sluggish, pores become choked with dead cells and impurities. Enter a sauna naked with dry skin, as wet skin prevents perspiration.

Lets your body adjust slowly to the temperature change, beginning from 120°F to as much 140°F.

Raise your legs on the wall to drain congested blood from your limbs.

Throw water on the stones and breath slowly and deeply. Dry heat can be harmful to the lungs and rupture tiny air sacks. Saunas can be used at home, but be certain to check first with your physician if you have any serious physical ailments.

Exfoliation of the skin (shedding) is a natural process that can occur in the sauna as the the moist heat softens the skin and dead cells are sloughed off rapidly.

After the skin has softened in the steam for five minutes, dry brush yourself with a natural bristle brush. Massage firmly towards the heart for 10 minutes until the skin turns a reddish color. Do this once a day for four weeks.

This will stimulate blood vessels, eliminate toxins and dead cells and improve muscle tone. It can also help drain congested lymph nodes and in some cases, help prevent cellulite.

Aromatherapy in the sauna

The essence of flowers has been used for centuries for beautifying and relaxing and when aromatherapy is applied in the sauna, you will find the benefits revitalizing or soothing, depending on the essential oils selected. For example, lavender relaxes the nerves and helps rid you of headaches and insomnia. Other oils that can be used include:

Peppermint and eucalyptus will help open congested nasal passages.

Chamomile and orange soothe and soften irritated skin. Add 20 drop either oil into two liters of water.

Birch leaves are used traditionally for their skin-healing Properties. You can buy birch leaves already red or gather them fresh from the forest.

Ulla Anneli, R.N. is a yoga instructor, lymphatic therapist and anti-aging expert. She is the author of Rejuvenctic which will be at Barnes & Noble in EncinoJan 25