Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is used to bring nourishment to cells and to remove wastes. The lymph nodes, located in the lymph vessels, break down toxins. The breakdown of toxins is especially important during infections and other acute illnesses. Deep breathing and movement help keep the lymph moving through the lymph vessels. Lymph cleanses are often recommended during or after acute illnesses or after an extended period of inactivity.

Simple Cleansing Ideas:

1. Regular exercise (e.g., walking) is an excellent way to keep the lymphatic system from stagnating. However, if exercise cannot be performed due to your condition (e.g., CFIDS), then consider Yoga (including breathing exercises).

2. Deep breathing exercises should be performed to help keep the lymphatic system moving (e.g., pranayama/ yogic breathing, Hendricks breathwork, holotropic breathwork).

3. A whole body massage is a great way to revive a stagnant lymphatic system. If you can afford it, definitely give it a try!

4. Lymphatic Cleansing Tea: 1/2 part Red root 1 part Red clover tops 1/2 part Echinacea root 1 part Lemon peel 1/4 part Ginger root Simmer 2 ounces (1 part) of herbs in 10 ounces (5 parts) of spring water for 20 minutes. Strain and drink 1/2 cup twice per day.

Lung Cleansing

Persons who have eaten a standard West European diet for many years, especially with a lot of dairy foods, tend to have lungs tissue that has excess fat and lungs that have excess mucus in them. The fat and mucus coupled with physical and/or emotional stress in the chest or upper back can lead to asthmatic attacks. In addition, the lungs can often bare the brunt of the toxic chemical attack on the system as the chemicals are, for some people, constantly being breathed in. It is important to cleanse and heal the lungs as well as to remove toxic chemicals from the air. Not to mention smoking...

Lung cleansing techniques are very advanced and should only be done under the guidance of an experienced holistic health practitioner.

Lotus Root Tea:

This tea helps dissolve and eliminate mucus and lung congestion over time. Fresh Lotus Root (preferable) Grate a 2-inch piece of fresh lotus root and squeeze out juice through a cheesecloth. Add 2-3 drops of ginger juice squeezed from freshly grated ginger root and a tiny pinch of sea salt. Add an equal amount of spring water and boil for a few minutes.

Lotus Root Powder:

Add one teaspoon of lotus root powder to a small cup of water. Add a tiny pinch of sea salt and 2-3 drops of ginger juice. Heat on low flame and turn off flame when boiling begins.

Ginger Compress (Can be bought from a health store or mix, in equal measure, a teaspoon of Platycodon Root, Ephedra, Elecampane, Wild Cherry Bark, Mullein, Liquorice Root, Ginger Root, Cinnamon and Wild Ginger (Asarum Canadensis) - So it's easier to buy it ready made. Or see the Ginger compress formula under the Kidney section.

Lotus Root Plaster Lotus root plasters are excellent for dissolving mucus deposits in the bronchi and sinuses. Supplies needed: 1. Everything that is needed for Ginger Compress (see above). 2. White flour. 3. Fresh lotus root (check Chinese grocery stores or natural food store). 4. Cotton cloth. 5. A sheet or other cloth to keep plaster in place.

Steps: 1. Perform a ginger compress for 10-15 minutes on lungs region. 2. Grate fresh lotus root. 3. Mix lotus root with 5% grated ginger and 10-15% white flour. 4. Spread paste on cloth about 1/2 inch thick. 5. Apply cloth so that plaster directly touches the skin. 6. Tie in place with sheet or large cloth. 7. Keep plaster on for several hours. You can sleep with it on if you tie it in place. 8. Procedure should be repeated for 7-21 days. Thick mucus will start to be discharged.

Ayurvedic Lung Cleanse:

Another way to eliminate mucus and congestion is through Ayurvedic Emesis Therapy (called "Vaman"). This cleanse is contraindicated for children, elderly, debilitated, very weak patients, pregnant women, obesity, and patients with stomach ulcers, lung trauma, and heart disease. The cleanse involves drinking oil (e.g., olive oil) and eating oily foods for three days before the enesis (vomiting). Daily application of heat to the chest and upper back are performed (e.g., castor oil compress ). On the day of the emesis procedure, a mixture of calamus root tea is carefully measured and prepared (by the practitioner). After drinking the tea, emesis is then encouraged by rubbing the back of the tongue. A short two-day juice, broth, herbal tea fast is then performed. Lots of rest is indicated.


Rebuilding & Strengthening:

1. Well-ventilated bedroom
2. Taking walks along the ocean or in the mountains can be extremely beneficial over time. If that is not possible, any walking outside (away from pollution) or even deep breathing by an open window can be helpful.
3. Lung-strengthening herbal formula.
4. Healthy, natural foods diet that strengthens the digestion and avoids overly cold foods and too much flour and fruit.
5. Yoga, pranayama, and emotional healing techniques (especially Holotropic Breathwork) can be very helpful over time.
6. And, finally, give up smoking!