Lymphatic Cleansing: 8 Ways to Clear Lymph Congestion

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lymphatic cleansingLymphatic Cleansing: 8 Ways to Clear Lymph Congestion

Your lymphatic system is crucial for your immune system and for protecting you from inflammation and illness. If your lymphatic system is congested, it cannot protect you effectively and makes you prone to infections and disease. Keeping your lymphatic flow smooth and free from lymph congestion is absolutely critical to your health and well-being.

In this article, you will learn what your lymph system is, how it may get congested, the symptoms of lymph congestion, and how your lymphatic system becomes clean. I will share with your 8 simple ways to clear your immune system.

lymphatic

What is the Lymph System?

Your lymphatic, or lymph system is a critical part of your immune system that is essential for protecting you from inflammation and illness. The main role of your lymph system is to keep your fluid levels in balance while protecting you from infections, bacteria, cancers, and other potential threats.

Your lymph system is a network of blood vessels and lymph nodes working together to carry fluids from your tissues to your blood and vice versa. It is basically your body’s inner drainage system.

Your lymph system is quite similar to your circulatory system which is made up of veins, arteries, and capillaries to carry your blood around. Your lymph vessels are smaller than your veins. They carry around a clear, watery fluid called lymph, as well as protein molecules, glucose, salt, and other substances (1).

Lymphatic Circulation

Via the lymphatic vessels, fluid travels around your body. Valves function as ‘stops’ to ensure fluids are carried to the right place and don’t move the wrong direction. Besides your lymph vessels and nodes, your lymph system includes several organs such as your tonsils, spleen, thymus, and adenoids.

Your lymph nodes are another important part of your lymph system. They are found in a variety of areas of your body, including by your throat, groin, armpits, chest, and abdomen. Your lymph nodes play a critical role in fighting infection, recovering from illness, and healing wounds because your immune cells are created within them. They can recognize harmful organisms and trigger the creation of infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes.

When you come in contact with microbes, bacteria, or toxins, they make their way into your body and the lymphatic fluid. Once the fluid makes its way into your lymph nodes, these organisms get trapped and your immune system can attack and destroy them. Inside the lymph nodes, these harmful organisms are filtered out and white blood cells are created to protect your body.

Your lymph system also helps to keep bodily fluids in balance. This means that if your lymph system is healthy and well-functioning, you won’t experience abnormal water retention or painful swelling. Your lymph system takes care of any fluid build-up or swelling due to injury or health issues.

How Does It Get Congested

Chronic stress is one of the main causes of most chronic health issues. It can also lead to lymph congestion. When you are under stress, your body creates stress-fighting hormones which result in free radical waste products that can lead to a variety of health problems (2).

Chronic illness may lead to lymph congestion throughout your body. When your body is fighting chronic inflammation and microbes, your body is creating more white blood cells to fight them. However, they may end up filling up your lymph nodes, backing up the system, and creating swelling.

Another reason for lymph congestion is digestive imbalance. Digestive imbalances may irritate the intestinal villi resulting in a common reason for lymph congestion. The majority of your lymphatic system surrounds your gut with the Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissues (GALT). Hence your gut health and the health of the intestinal villi is essential for lymph flow, detoxification, and immunity.

Not drinking enough water and lacking physical activity can result in your lymph fluid slowing down. Your lymph system relies on pressure from muscle movement and breathing to move fluids around. Lacking this pressure due to a sedentary lifestyle or chronic dehydration may slow and congest your lymph system.

Lastly, nutrient deficiencies may lead to lymph congestion as well. In particular, iodine, magnesium and vitamin C are important to mitigate the harmful effects of environmental toxins and to support your lymph system in protecting your body.

Symptoms of Lymphatic Congestion

Lymph congestion can affect your entire body. Symptoms of lymph congestion may include (3):

  • Fatigue
  • Stiffness
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Bloating
  • Holding onto water
  • Breast swelling during your cycle
  • Itchy and dry skin
  • Brain fog
  • Headaches
  • Weight gain
  • Swollen glands
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Chronic sinusitis, colds, sore throats, or ear issues
  • Skin problems
  • Cellulite

If you are experiencing symptoms of lymph congestion, you may benefit from trying some natural ways to stimulate your lymph system. Try the 8 ways I recommend my patients to clear lymph congestion:

8 Ways to Clear Lymphatic Congestion

While your lymphatic system is similar to your circulatory system, unlike blood, lymph does not have a pump, therefore has to rely on the contraction and relaxation of muscles to move it around. It’s no wonder that an unhealthy lifestyle that doesn’t stimulate the healthy lymph circulation can easily overwhelm and congest the entire lymph system.

The good news is that there are a variety of techniques you can use to clean your lymph system. First, let’s discuss how your lymph system is cleaned, then take a look at some specific ways to clear lymph congestion.

How Is the Lymphatic System Cleaned

When you thinking about cleansing a congested lymph system, your upper chest region becomes key for final drainage of toxins and ultimate cleansing. Stress reduction techniques can encourage the contraction and relaxation of the muscles to help push toxins out of your body and to decrease the chance of debris building up. Deep breathing can promote intrathoracic pressure to improve the oxygen supply to your cells.

Your rib cage is a major lymphatic pump that is necessary for healthy lymphatic flow. Healthy posture and exercise are also essential to facilitate the supply of oxygen to your cells and to support lymphatic flow. Furthermore, there are other strategies, including massage and dry brushing which you can utilize to stimulate the lymph system all over your body to remove debris from all parts of the system (4).

It is not difficult to keep the lymph moving around your body. All you need to do is to incorporate a few simple, natural lifestyle strategies, such as deep breathing, optimal hydration, regular exercise, dry brushing, and herbal remedies to clean your lymph system. Let’s look at 8 simple ways to clear lymph congestion.

lymphatic

Deep Breathing

Remember, your rib cage is a major lymphatic pump that is necessary for healthy lymphatic flow. This means that while exercise is essential for your lymphatic health, deep breathing is just as important. Deep diaphragmatic breathing allows your lungs to press into the thoracic duct which presses fluid back into your bloodstream. Deep breathing facilitates proper lymph movement and detoxification.

To practice deep diaphragmatic breathing, breathe deeply through your nose, hold it in for four counts, then exhale for two counts through your mouth. Gradually increase how long you hold and release your breath until you can hold for 20 counts and exhale for 10 counts. Repeat this two to three times per session. Practice three times a day for the best results. To learn more about the revitalizing power of breathing, check out this article (5).

Besides breathing exercises, you can try other stress reduction strategies to clear lymph congestion as well. Physical and emotional stress can both increase the risk of lymph congestion and health issues, so having effective strategies to cope with daily stress and to reduce overall stress is essential.

Mindfulness practices, meditation, guided imagery exercises, visualization techniques, grounding exercise, journaling, tai chi, yoga, spending time with loved ones, and playing with pets can help you to remain calm in the present moment, slow down, reduce stress, increase joy, and improve lymphatic flow.

lymphatic

Optimal Hydration

Lymph is about 95 percent water, hence it is not surprising that optimal hydration is absolutely key for the proper health and functioning of your lymphatic system. Without enough water, the lymphatic fluid cannot flow properly, which can lead to lymph congestion and dehydration (6).

Water is absolutely essential to hydrate and rehydrate your body. Adding lemon or lime to your water can expedite the process of hydration and achieving a healthy lymph flow. Lemon water is fantastic for hydration and detoxification. Lemon and lime also encourage an alkaline environment and helps to mineralize your lymph and body (3).

You may also want to try a specific Ayurvedic strategy to encourage lymphatic rehydration and lymphatic cleansing. Drink cold or room temperature water as you normally would to meet the daily requirement of 8 to 10 glasses. On top of that, sip warm water every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day to encourage lymph flow. Keep up this protocol for two weeks for the best results (3).

Regular Exercise and Movement

Regular exercise has many health benefits, including clearing lymph congestions. In fact, it is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your healthy lymph flow.

The best part is that you don’t have to focus on any specific form of exercise. Lifting weights at the gym, running, swimming, playing with your dog, hanging out outdoors with your kids, dancing, doing a home workout video, or going for a family hike can all benefit your lymphatic system and improve your immune function.

Regular exercise can increase the oxygen supply to your tissues, stimulate blood circulation, help the transportation of oxygen to your tissues and cells and reduce toxic buildup. As a result, exercise not only facilitates a healthy immune response but may prevent cancer by reducing the risk of a low oxygenated environment in the body where cancer may grow (7).

Rebounding for Lymphatic Health

A specific form of movement that is fantastic for purifying your lymph system is rebounding. Rebounding is an increasingly popular low impact exercise that involves jumping on a trampoline. Rebounding promotes the flow of lymph through your body. It can increase the drainage of fluids and the removal of toxins.

While you can certainly use your child’s backyard trampoline, you can also find mini trampolines online to use inside your house. Not to mention that trampoline jumping gyms are popping up in many cities offering a healthy and fun family activity. You can feel like a kid again while rebounding and taking care of your health.

Dry Brushing and Healing Baths

Dry skin brushing or dry brushing is an Ayurvedic technique that can boost circulation, lymphatic flow, and detoxification. This technique helps to remove dead skin cells and toxic waste, stimulate your sweat gland by opening your pores, improve immunity, prevent cellulite, initiate the development of new healthy skin cells, and promote lymphatic cleansing.

To practice dry brushing, find a brush with soft, natural bristles. Avoid synthetic or hard bristles. Begin with light, gentle brushing strokes always moving toward your heart to improve lymphatic flow back through the venous system toward your heart.

On your stomach, practice a clockwise motion to improve your natural digestive flow as well. The best time to practice dry brushing is before your shower or before a healing bath which will help to wash away dead skin cells and further improve lymphatic flow. You can learn more about dry brushing here.

Healing baths are soothing baths that can boost your immunity, reduce stress, lower pain levels, and help relaxation. You can make healing baths by adding essential oils, Epsom salt, sea salt, ginger, and other natural substances to your bath, all with different benefits. Essential oils, such as lavender or frankincense are fantastic for relaxation, an immune boost, stress relief, anxiety, and sleep. Epsom salt baths are fantastic for detoxification, circulation, and lymph flow. Sea salt baths are amazing for inflammation, detoxification, skin hydration, and skin issues (8, 9).

To learn how to make my 10 favorite healing baths and the benefits of each, read this article. Once you’ve picked your bath, soak for 20 to 30 minutes with a good book, music, or a relaxation audio guide.

dry brushing, Dry Brushing to Detoxify Your Body

Specific Herbal Therapies

To further boost lymphatic cleansing you can try some specific therapies to boost lymph congestion. Some of my favorite herbs to improve lymphatic function, detoxification, and overall health include:

Turkey Rhubarb

Turkey Rhubarb is a powerful herbal remedy that smooths the muscles of your intestines. It is highly effective for detoxification, cleansing, and constipation (10).

Sheep Sorrel

Sheep Sorrel is an effective herb to reduce inflammation, respiratory problems, swelling, and diarrhea. It may also be used for soups and sauces (11).

Slippery Elm Bark

Slippery Elm Bark is an herb that Native Americans used to remedy fevers, wounds, and sore throats. It may be effective for inflammation, sore throats, cough, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and digestive issues (12, 13).

Astragalus Root

Astragalus Root is commonly used for its immune-boosting benefits. It may also be beneficial for longevity, heart health, blood sugar issues, and sexual health (14).

Graviola Chuchuasi

Graviola Chuchuasi is a powerful remedy full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may be beneficial for blood pressure issues, blood sugar problems, stomach concerns, infections, and cancer (15).

Bioactive Carbon

Bioactive carbon works as a systemic biotoxin binder in your body. It contains a high-energy carbon with an increased binding ability. It supports detoxification of mold, ammonia, bacteria, and other harmful invaders effectively. It also boosts and supports your immune system.

lymphatic

LymphActiv

I recommend LymphActiv to my patients, friends, and family who want to clear lymph congestion because it utilizes all the benefits of Pomegranate, Rhubarb, Sheep Sorrel, Burdock Root, Slippery Elm Bark, Astragalus Root, and Artichoke Leaf.

LymphActiv is a unique Bioactive Carbon product that focuses on the drainage and immune support throughout your lymphatic system. It can improve your immune system, flush toxins from the body, and improve lymphatic flow. You can take it with or without food. Simply take one capsule twice a day and you are set to go.

lymphatic cleansing

Alternating Showers

Taking alternate showers can stimulate your lymph system and provide an array of great health benefits. Cold showers and alternate showers may improve chronic pain, give you more energy, boost your brain function, and improve your mood (16, 17, 18, 19).

Alternate showering can have a powerful effect on your circulation and lymphatic flow. The sudden exposure to cold constricts your blood supply, while the exposure to heat dilates and expands your blood vessels allowing your body to drive blood into areas that need it. Alternate showering improves muscle contraction through your body that allows whole-body contractions to squeeze lymphatic flow through your system and boost lymphatic cleansing. Hot-cold alternating showers can improve your inflammations and boost your overall health (20, 21, 22).

To practice alternate showering, finish your shower with 30 to 60 seconds of cold shower. You may experience similar benefits if you take a cold shower or jump into a cold pool after spending some time in an infrared sauna or in a hot tub. To learn more about the benefits of alternate showers, read this article.

Massage Therapy

Having a massage is not only relaxing and pleasurable, but it has also been shown to improve your immune function and relieve symptoms of chronic pain and fatigue. Massage can increase the flow of the lymph fluid and blood flow to your muscles while reducing fluid buildup, preventing swelling, helping tissue repair, enhancing performance, and aiding in quick recovery.

Lymphatic drainage massage is a specific form of specialized massage therapy designed to help your cells release toxic buildup, reduce lymph congestion, and help flush excess fluid within your tissues. It can lower your pain intensity as well (4 23, 24).

Other forms of massage therapy, such as deep tissues massage, shiatsu massage, or Swedish massage, can help to activate your lymph system, flush excess fluid, reduce pain in swollen lymph nodes, and reduce muscle and joint pains. You may also benefit from foam rolling for self-myofascial release and other self-massage strategies, especially before or after exercise. You may couple massage with essential oils or an Epsom salt bath for further lymph stimulation.

lymphatic

Infrared Sauna Therapy

There are over 80,000 toxic chemicals used regularly in the US and over 500 chemicals stored in the body of an average individual. Clearly, environmental toxicity is a huge concern that can lead to a clogged lymph system (25, 26).

Perspiration through sweating is one of your bodies key mechanisms to remove toxins. While exercising is essential for sweating and cleansing, infrared sauna therapy is something you can also benefit from to improve your lymphatic function and which will benefit your overall health (27, 28, 29 30, 31).

Infrared saunas are a non-invasive form of light therapy. They heat your internal muscles, push toxins to your circulatory system, and encourage removal of these toxins. Infrared saunas are much more effective than steam saunas.

While in traditional saunas that use air and steam to create perspiration, the sweat that leaves your body contains 97 percent water and 3 percent toxins. On the other hand, infrared saunas use heaters that emit radiant heat that helps you to perspire 80 percent water and 20 percent toxins. You can read more about the benefits of infrared saunas here.

Final Thoughts on Lymphatic Congestion

Your lymphatic system is absolutely essential for your immune system and for protecting you from inflammation and illness. If your lymphatic system is congested, it makes you prone to infections and disease. Keeping your lymphatic flow smooth and free from lymph congestion is crucial to your health and well-being.

Thankfully, there are some powerful and simple ways to clear your immune system. These lymph congestion clearing strategies include exercise, rebounding, deep breathing, infrared saunas, healing baths, alternate showers, optimal hydration, massage therapy, and specific herbal therapies.

If you want to work with a functional health coach, I recommend this article with tips on how to find a great coach. On our website, we offer long-distance functional health coaching programs. For further support with your health goals, just reach out—our fantastic coaches are here to support your journey.

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3. LifeSpa: The Miracle of Lymph Link Here
4. Lymphatic Education & Research Network Link Here
5. Bollinger, T. 4 Ways to Keep Your Lymphatic System Healthy. Link Here
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7. Hsiao PC, et al. Risk of breast cancer recurrence in patients receiving manual lymphatic drainage: a hospital based cohort study. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2015; 11:349-358. PMCID: 4354455
8. Wolf A. The Effective Use of Small Non-dehydrating Doses of Epsom Salt in Epilepsy: A Study of One Hundred and Nine Cases. J Neurol Psychopathol. 1936 Jan; 16(63):213-8. PMID: 21610827
9. Provksch E, et al. Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduce inflammation in atopic dry skin. Int J Dermatol. 2005 Feb; 44(2): 151-7. PMID: 15689218
10. Rhubarb. WebMD. Link Here
11. Sorrel. WebMD. Link Here
12. Hawrelak, JA, Myers, SP. Effects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: A pilot study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary MedicineVol. 16, No. 10. Link Here
13. Watts, CR, Rousseau, B. Slippery Elm, its Biochemistry, and use as a Complementary and Alternative Treatment for Laryngeal Irritation. A J Physiol Biochem Pharmacol. 2012; 1(1): 17-23. Link Here
14. Astragalus benefits. Indigo Herbs. Link Here
15. Graviola. WebMD. Link Here
16. Shevchuk NA. Possible use of repeated cold stress for reducing fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome: a hypothesis. Behav Brain Funct. 2007 Oct 24;3:55. PMID: 17958903
17. Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L. Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body. N Am J Med Sci. 2014 May;6(5):199-209. PMID: 24926444
18. Bleakley C, McDonough S, Gardner E, Baxter GD, Hopkins JT, Davison GW. Cold-water immersion (cryotherapy) for preventing and treating muscle soreness after exercise. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Feb 15;2:CD008262. PMID: 22336838
19. Versey NG, Halson SL, Dawson BT. Water immersion recovery for athletes: effect on exercise performance and practical recommendations. Sports Med. 2013 Nov;43(11):1101-30. PMID: 23743793
20. International Journal of Current Research and Academic Review. Effect of cold water immersion on blood lactate levels of table tennis players Link Here
21. Lateef F. Post exercise ice water immersion: Is it a form of active recovery? Journal of Emergencies, Trauma and Shock. 2010;3(3):302. PMID: 20930987
22. Brophy-Williams N, Landers G, Wallman K. Effect of Immediate and Delayed Cold Water Immersion After a High Intensity Exercise Session on Subsequent Run Performance. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. 2011;10(4):665-670. PMID: 24149556
23. Yan SL, Matsutani LA, and Marques AP. Effectiveness of different styles of massage therapy in fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Man Ther. 2015; 20(2): 257-64. PMID: 25457196
24. Ekici, G, Bakar, Y, Akbayrak, T, Yuksel, I. Comparison of manual lymph drainage therapy and connective tissue massage in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Feb;32(2):127-33. PMID: 19243724
25. Mills PK, Zahm SH. Organophosphate pesticide residues in urine of farmworkers and their children in Fresno County, California. Am J Ind Med. 2001 Nov;40(5):571-7. PMID: 11675626
26. Heudorf U, Angerer J, Drexler H. Current internal exposure to pesticides in children and adolescents in Germany: urinary levels of metabolites of pyrethroid and organophosphorus insecticides. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2004 Jan;77(1):67-72. PMID: 14551781
27. Hannuksela ML, Ellahham S. Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. Am J Med. 2001 Feb 1;110(2):118-26. PMID: 11165553
28. Oosterveld FG, Rasker JJ, Floors M, Landkroon R, van Rennes B, Zwijnenberg J, van de Laar MA, Koel GJ. Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. A pilot study showing good tolerance, short-term improvement of pain and stiffness, and a trend towards long-term beneficial effects. Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Jan;28(1):29-34. PMID: 18685882
29. Vatansever F, Hamblin MR. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics & lasers in medicine. 2012;4:255-266.
30. Crinnion WJ. Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant- induced and other chronic health problems. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Sep;16(3):215-25. PMID: 21951023
31. The Infrared Sauna Effect – Dry Sauna vs Steam Room Link Here
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  1. I was impressed with your knowledge and willingness to share it with us who want to know when you spoke on the Thyroid seminar. Thanks so very much.
    This article on the lymphatic system and its great need for it to work properly in the body is very impressive also.
    Thanks. So, it is a delight to find a functional doctor who understands the body completely and is willing to help.

  2. Dear Dr Jockers, A very interesting article. My question about the lymph system is, once we “move lymph,” where do the “toxins,” or cell waste, go? How are they flushed out of the body? Through the kidneys, skin and bowel? It would appear from the article that the lymph drains into the blood, which doesn’t seem right. The lymph really is our immune system, and lymph stagnation could cause all kinds of illness, especially if lymph is acidic. Thank you for your comments

    1. Hi Monica, The lymphatic system is an integral part of immunity but not the only one. The downstream flow of lymph is through specific capillaries towards lymph nodes and ultimately into the bloodstream. Waste is removed when it passes through organs such as the spleen and tonsils that produce agents that destroy foreign matter and waste. Toxins are dumped into the blood and filtered out of the body through the liver, kidneys and colon. You can read this article for more information on regulating the immune system: https://drjockers.com/immune-boosters-modulators/

      1. As a former colon hydrotherapist, I can tell you that the lymphatic fluid can be seen draining from the colon (in the view tube during the session) immediately after one has rebounded or received some sort of lymphatic drainage therapy/technique. It appeared as a milky whitish substance to me. One client came back months later and told me after that cleanse, some infections cleared in her body! I would suggest professional colonics or enemas at home while doing a lymphatic cleanse. Would you agree Dr Jockers?

  3. Thank you so much for this article. Do you have any information on healing the thyroid? I just was diagnosed with hypothyroid a month ago. I am in the severe catagory. Thank you,

  4. You have greatly helped me. Lymph nodes did me bad. But all thanks to your article. You have saved me from pain.

  5. Grateful for such a wonderful article in managing lymphatic cleansing. Having autoimmune disorder and connective tissue disease, it is prone to lymph infection. There are a lot of information about supplements for deficiencies but not much about the lymphatic system so this comprehensive guide about it is just as important to take advice from for overall health management.

  6. i remember more than 6 years ago reading about amalgams, so i immediately went and removed them but unsafely, shortly after my shoulder started aching and not eating meat only exaggerated the problem. i remember the chiropractor helped more than any massaging..but it wasn’t until i started detoxing with 2 spoons of sulfur that the joint pain went away..i have always looked at the world as an example of what not to do so drinking coffee was never an option to me..but some time ago after the anemia was treated i was barely able to wake up, luckily i read about hydrogen and that fixed the problem, no up and downs no addiction, only boosting!

  7. This is very informative article!
    I had a swollen lymph node for years on my right side of my throat, near of my thyroid above my clavicle bone. It was swollen all the time, did not hurt,I did not felt discomfort, I just knew, it’s there. It was visible with the naked eyes, and it was 1 inch long upward in my throat. When I got cold, it was swollen more and it was hurtful. I bought propolis to strengthen my immune system because of the lot’s of chemicals outside, chemtrails,etc. From the first dosage of propolis (20 drops in alkaline water) it disappeared, did not came back. Still hard to believe. And I going to continue to take it, because it’s good for my blood sugar level. I’m pre-diabetes.
    I don’t know either what was it and why was it there or if it was the beginning of goiter.

    1. My Pennsylvania Drivers license was taken away just because I turned eighty years old. I am an Exterminator and in good health. I have no abnormal memory problems. A young man rear ended my car deliberatly trying to get me out of his way because the police were chasing him for running a red light I was wearing my seatbelt. I was taken to Hopital because I banged my head on the Padded dash. I only had scrapes on my forehead. They took exrays and and brain tests and found no problems I had to take the Pennsylvania drivers test with no Problems. Is there any way to get my drivers license back leagaly?

  8. Thank you Dr Jockers, would you say the supplement is something you would do for 90 days only along with the other activities. I’m concerned with the amount of supplements I take.

  9. Thank you so much for this super informative article, Dr. Jockers! I so appreciate all the tips you’ve shared. I’m already doing quite a few but will incorporate some new ones now into my daily regimen. I do have two questions for you. In terms of the infrared sauna and rebounder, do you have a suggestion on how much time to spend each day in/on each for optimal health benefits? Right now I sit in our sauna at 14o degrees for 125 minutes 3-4 times a week. And I just got a rebounder (free from my in-laws garage… score!).

    Again, thanks for these tips!

    Be well,

    Mindy

  10. I had my tonsils and adenoids removed at age 10 (i’m 68). what can you tell me/us about the problems or changes in the lymph system that may be caused by this procedure (which was quite common back in the “bad old days”)?

  11. Thank you SO MUCH, Dr. Jockers. I was diagnosed with Classic Hodgkins Lymphoma. I am praying and believing in holistic healing. This article has confirmed and revealed much to me. I’m going to be trying the immune support! Thanks so much for your information and all the fab healing recipes you share. God bless you and yours immensely!

  12. Why don’t you ever comment on those with autoimmune disease, to NEVER decongest the lymph system?
    ( Never want toxins to back up, back into the lymph system from any kind of manipulation. )

    Thank you.
    Sage

  13. What role does the lymphatic system play in prostate health? I have struggled with slightly enlarged prostate for two years now.I had a thyroglossal cist pop up and the same day, experienced discomfort in the groin, the cyst became painful, and there were other lymph nodes in my upper body that became swollen as well. The Drs I am seeing do not seem to have a clue as to the catalyst for all of this. Any help appreciated.

  14. Why are you not excluding lymph drainage for everyone? It is NOT for everyone.

    The last thing a Hashimoto’s body needs through lymph massage, is a re-direct of lymph back into the system… allowing all that congestion and poisons back into the body’s lymph system. With any autoimmune disease, one should never do lymph cleansing; all your doing is re-directing all congestion back into the body… autoimmune disease is just that…turning your own body against itself.

    Why don’t you explain this here?

    1. Hello Sage, in our experience working with thousands of clients over the last 12 years, we have found that opening up the drainage pathways such as the lymphatic system is extremely beneficial for individuals dealing with thyroid and autoimmune issues. Obviously, everyone is unique and it is possible that someone may have a poor response, but we haven’t seen peer reviewed research or had any clinical experience to indicate otherwise.

      1. Dr Jockers,
        In regards to your experience with helping people with autoimmune diseases open their drainage pathways, including lymphatic system, do you prescribed Lymphatic Complete? It contains Astragulus which some believe should be avoid by people with autoimmune disease. Explanations as to why vary.
        Can you comment on this please? I recently purchased the product from your site. Thank you!

  15. Should you do a lymphatic cleanse massage when you have an open wound and infected lymph nodes in the breast area? Would the infection be directed or redirected to other areas of the body, causing the whole body to become infected?

  16. Thank you for this article. I have always thought about my lymph system when feeling a little too tired or sluggish. Dry brushing has been one of the easiest things to do. You cover a lot of things people can do to keep lymph system flowing. I noticed your reference to Life Spa in the Sources section. Dr. Douillard (hope I did not butcher the spelling) has videos on this subject. He is extremely helpful in this regard. Thanks again

  17. Hello! This is a wonderfully informative article. Thank you.
    I have had a bilateral swelling on my parotid glands due to a stone specifically on my right gland. It was too tiny to be removed but the stone has gone now. It has been a couple years and now I am living a healthier lifestyle, and I am ready to boost out the residual swelling.. any specific advice for flushing out the fluctuant fluid retention in the lower cheek/jawline area? I know to avoid too much oil, etc that triggers the glands. If you have any specific advice, I would be very grateful to learn.
    Thank you.

  18. Great article and I must share with some people who still don’t realize how important it is to keep the lymphatic system drained. I am dealing with mold toxicity (Fibromyalgia) and it took me years to recognize how blocked up my lymphatic system was. I did 19 liver cleanses and noticed a difference in lymph drainage and then I learnt that anyone who had had their tonsils removed will suffer with lymph issues all their life.
    I watched a summit on the lymphatic system and learnt from Kelly Kennedy, how to manually pump the lymph at major points. I have been doing this every morning now for the past year (at least and I will never stop now) and I now have pits in all these points where they were puffed before. It has helped me to control the Fibromyalgia to the point where my upper body is 70% better. I would love to see more coverage of how efficient these manual drainage techniques can be, and maybe see them included in recommendations for lymphatic drainage, they’ve saved my life. They take me 2-3 minutes every morning before I even get out of bed.

  19. Dr. Jockers,
    Would you please comment on the increase of lymphatic filiariasis, which is mosquito carried, like malaria. The larvae move into the lymph nodes and live out their life completely in the lymph nodes, creating major blockages. But in reality it is the filiariasis parasitic worm that is reaching global extremes. With many people from various countries moving around, it is a global concern. After the worms are dead, they calcify and create havoc within the lymph nodes and mammory glands and causing lympadema that many doctors want to label as breast or other cancers, etc. Unless one is cleared from having all of these filariasis parasites out their system, any “surgery” to remove the “questionable cells” only scatters these parasites to find another home. Problem NOT solved. Blood tests have to be done at night to see these nocturnal worms. Where does a night-working pathologist work? or do they? This going to get worse in the US, etc. How do you get these huge blockages OUT of the lymph system? Magnesium to dissolve the calcified filiarisis? Or what do you recommend. Major health issue that NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT, MUCH LESS PROVIDING SOLUTIONS. PLEASE DISCUSS!!!

    1. Did you get a reply? Very curious about this. Thanks for bringing it up.
      Sweet Wormwood?
      Activated Charcoal?
      Ivermectin?
      Fenbendazole?
      Lugol’s Iodine?
      Methylene Blue?
      Sodium Bicarbonate?
      …in addition to Lymph drainage suggestions.

  20. As someone who suffers from lower extremity lymphedema, this article was HUGELY helpful! I knew most of the “what to do’s”, but not why they worked! It all makes sense! My problem right now it that I’m having lymph build up WHEN I exercise. That’s the puzzle I’m trying to solve at the moment.

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