Lymphatic System & Exercise - Shorts
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Unless something goes terribly wrong with it, the lymphatic system
is pretty much disregarded and undervalued in US medicine. The
lymph system includes lymph vessels and nodes, tonsils,
adenoids, appendix, spleen, and the thymus gland. These organs
and nodes provide much of the body's immune defense. Lymph
vessels carry interstitial fluid and all types of toxins and wastes
from tissues and organs to the subclavian veins where the fluid
enters the bloodstream. The waste can then be filtered out by the
liver and kidneys and eliminated from the body. Encouraging lymph
flow is not only necessary for health, it may also be a factor in
alleviating numerous health conditions including allergies, eczema
and other skin conditions, infections, chronic sinusitis,
inflammation, and edema.
Jule Klotter Published in the Townsend Letters for Doctors May 2003
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The lymphatic system, unlike the circulatory system, has no pump to move
lymph fluid. In an article for The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), Bryant
Stamford, who has a doctorate in exercise physiology, explains that any form
of exercise that incorporates major muscle groups and deep breathing will
encourage lymph flow. Muscle movement squeezes lymph vessels. The fluid
is then moved toward the subclavian veins near the heart. One-way valves in
the vessels prevent the fluid from moving backwards, away from the heart.
Deep breathing is especially beneficial because breathing muscles squeeze
the lymphatic thoracic duct, which dumps most of the body's lymph into the
bloodstream.
One form of exercise that seems especially beneficial for the lymph movement
is rebounding, which involves jumping or jogging on a mini-trampoline. An
article by Morton Walker (Townsend Letter for Doctors, July 1995) calls
rebounding "a lymphatic exercise." Jumping on a high-quality rebounder,
being propelled into a state of weightlessness at the top of the bounce, then
landing with twice the force of gravity creates hydraulic pressure that moves
fluids. In his article, Dr. Walker recommends using rebounders with a
Permatron mat. Low-cost, poorly constructed rebounding devices can be
harmful because they do not yield; "the abrupt jarring effect is the same as
landing on the floor."
"Lymphacizing" -- Lymphatic Exercise for Vibrant Health. www.Health101.org
Stamford, Bryant. Exercise helps lymphatic 'river' go with the flow. The
Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky) May 19, 2002. www.courier-journal.com
Walker, Morton, DPM. Jumping for Health. Townsend Letter for Doctors July
1995. www.needak-rebounders.com
COPYRIGHT 2003 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
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