What is Lymph?
It is a colorless fluid containing white blood cells, that bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream as it is pumped to the heart. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.
The movement of lymph is slow, at 3 liters/day. This compared to blood flow at about 5 liters/minute is exceedingly slow and requires yor conscious help. As there are no lymphatic pumps, the lympph is propelled through its system by action of the nearby skeletal muscles, the expansion and contraction of the lungs, and the contraction of the smooth muscle fibers in the walls of the lymphatic vessels. This requires your movements and activity to occur.
So what is the best way to cleanse the Lymphatic System?
One very simple method is a 20-30 minute vigorous walk daily, especially in fresh air especially in the mountains or by the water (ocean is better), as the concentration of negative ions in the air is beneficial as well. When you walk, do it at a brisk pace so your legs provide a pumping action to move the lymph through the lymphatic system. This is important because there is no lymphatic pump, additionally the upper half of the body also requires some assistance as well, so moving our arms as in power walking is important. As a matter of fact the more swinging action of your arms during your power walk, the more the upper body will succeed in its lymph cleansing.
When using your daily walk as a necessary healing practice, there is certainly no reason for being self conscious. That happens to be the primary reason — self consciousness — why people walk so stiff-armed and refuse to swing their arms. Remember, the more swinging action of your arms during your power walk, the more the upper body will undergo its lymph cleanse.
Now many people will be too self conscious to do power walking, so another suggestion may lay in the old Katas performed with full body action, vigorously, but not strenuously. Deep breathing during the walking or Kata practice is a vital link in the full cleansing process as well, breathing with the lower perennial muscles (Not the typically quoted belly or "Hara" as this is not the full potential). The perineum breathing is essential to fully incorporate many systems, muscles, physiological function as well as strength maintenance. (Instruction of this breathing method can be found in the "Key Aspects" at this link - Click Here)
And an extra benefit when doing these exercises are the release of endorphins which can accompany a vigorous walk or Kata session. And once you experience this release, you will be less inclined to skip the experience and therefore live a healthier life.
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