The lymphatic system is one of two major circulatory systems in the body. Its primary job is to move immune cells and dead cellular debris through the body to where it can be removed or reused. A poorly functioning lymphatic system is a risk factor for the development of cancer and other chronic diseases.
While most of modern science and the allopathic medical community have spent their time researching the blood vascular system, the lymphatic system is gaining its deserved attention from the holistic community. Today, much of the 21st century research is diving deeper into understanding lymphatic system function and its dynamic role with the health of the human body.
What is the Lymphatic System?
What little you may have heard about the lymphatic system is that it is comparable to drains. When there is a clog in any of the pipes at home you may experience an odor from the sink basin. This is where a buildup of particles such as hair and food become a breeding ground for bacteria. You regularly maintain your pipes in order to avoid a clog, but you should be paying far greater attention to your lymphatic system in doing the same.
A congested lymphatic system can lead to serious illnesses and chronic diseases which stem from a weakened immune system. A clog in your lymphatic “drains” can lead to the accumulation of toxins which the body initially tries to remove. Perhaps your symptoms of body rigidity, headaches, bloating, skin concerns, and cold extremities are actually a result of a sluggish lymphatic system that needs improving.
Detoxification Strategies to Improve Lymphatic System Function
1. Actively Reduce Stress
The following techniques may improve the flow of lymph fluid through your body by limiting both mental and physical stress on your lymphatic system:
- Good posture
- Stretching regularly
- Deep breathing exercises
- Yoga and pilates
All excellent strategies to relieve anxiety and support immune function, such practices relieve congestion and stimulate the removal of pathogens from your body.
2. Exercise
Exercise may possibly be one of the most effective and easiest ways for you to improve your lymphatic system function. Exercising increases the oxygen supply to tissues and cells and stimulates blood circulation. When the body does not regularly move, toxins remain in muscle. A condition known as hypoxia in which there is a lack of oxygen to an area of the body leaves the door open for the invasion and metastasis of cancer.
A fun way to exercise is by bouncing on a mini trampoline (called a rebounder) which is often used in sports therapy to help athletes heal from injuries. This low impact exercise is called rebounding. As the body moves against gravity, the lymphatic system is stimulated to pull lymph fluid carrying toxins through the vessels and circulate.
3. Chiropractic Care
The obstruction of any anatomical structure on the thoracic cavity or upper chest region can prevent the final dumping of toxins from the lymphatic system for cleansing. The rib cage works as a major lymphatic pump which is critical for lymphatic circulation. Correcting anatomical abnormalities or displacement from everyday activities helps to promote pressure within the thoracic region which also assists to oxygenate cells.
4. Herbs
Herbs are a great source which we can utilize to detoxify the lymphatic system and remove toxins. Some of the most popular herbal treatments to help the lymphatic system heal include the following:
Essential Oils: Traditional practices have used essential oils to help the body heal for centuries. The PDQ (Physician Data Query) Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine Editorial Board reports that essential oils stimulate healing through neuroimmunomodulation. The use of essential oils strengthens the cancer patient’s immune system by relieving anxiety and stress and improving one’s emotional response.
Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is a strong detoxification agent known to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidneys, and to promote a healthy thyroid. Use milk thistle to help fight inflammation in your body to support a healthy immune system.
Essiac Tea: This herbal treatment may be recommended to patients newly diagnosed with cancer. Essiac tea detoxifies and works to heal the immune system.
Manjistha: Manjistha tea is associated with purifying the liver and blood and can help improve menstrual and skin problems while strengthening the immune system.
5. Perspire
Perspiration is one of the mechanisms by which the human body eliminates toxins. Although exercise can promote perspiration, infrared saunas offer a method to circulate toxins out of organs and muscle for the removal through our pores. Infrared saunas use a non-invasive therapy which is a great alternative for those who cannot participate in vigorous activity to detoxify the body. (Note: The use of saunas is not recommended for those who have had numerous lymph nodes removed as it can increase the risk of lymphedema.)
6. Dry Brushing
Dry brushing aids the removal of toxins that have built up on our skin. Dry brushing involves using a coarse brush to gently be moved along the skin in the direction of the heart. This technique boosts lymph flow by stimulating sweat glands and supporting circulation below the skin.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Consuming a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and full of healthy fats is critical to support a healthy immune system, especially as we age. Pathogenic agents cannot thrive in alkaline environments which makes eating fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy cell-supporting fats absolutely necessary. Red foods are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods you can consume such as:
- Cranberries, raspberries, and cherries
- Vegetables, especially beets
- Manjistha, also known as “red root”
Lymphatic vessels exist at the site of the intestines and are easily susceptible to destruction from unhealthy diets. Maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract helps to ensure not only immune system healing but it also decreases your risk of developing obesity and cardiovascular disease.
8. Hydrate
The lymphatic system is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function at the highest level. Drinking purified and mineralized water and water with antioxidant extracts such as lemon water is an excellent detoxification strategy to push toxins from the body.
Dr. John Douillard recommends a lymphatic rehydrating technique which involves sipping warm water every 15 minutes throughout the day for 2 consecutive weeks. This procedure is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system to flow fluidly and relieve congestion and symptoms of a sluggish immune system.
9. Massage
Massage therapy improves immune function and can relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue and pain. Massage techniques such as connective tissue massage promote the flow and drainage of lymph through the body. Patients having been diagnosed with cancer and those receiving a second diagnosis can greatly benefit from massage therapy.
10. Avoid Tight Fitting Garments
Avoid tight fitting garments such as underwire bras to prevent any unnecessary restriction on lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes are highly concentrated around the chest region to drain fluid from breasts, arms, and the chest. Do not constrict the lymphatic flow.
Supporting Your Lymphatic System When Healing From Cancer
It is critical for individuals with cancer to boost the health of the lymphatic system and detoxify regularly. Removing toxins and supporting lymphatic flow have been shown to decrease the reoccurrence of cancer. One in 5 individuals who have received treatment for breast cancer will be affected by lymphedema later in life. Will you incorporate these detoxification strategies into your daily lifestyle to improve your lymphatic system today?
Live your life without the threat of cancer. Go here to be notified each week about new, cutting-edge information that impacts your health.
Editor’s Note: This article was initially published in January 2016 and was updated in May 2021.
I have read so many contradictions it is difficult to know what is what. I was told by an oncologist masseuse that massage is NOT recommended if lymph nodes have been removed in the past.
I also read the benefits of near infrared saunas, and now read not recommended if lymph nodes have been removed….I am so confused!
Yes, Lou me too! But I think one way is to detox bacteria and fungus first with the gut and kidneys as help and then only do the trampoline moves and massage etc. for the lymph. Means NO oils, naturemedicine only for the lymph system to detox. Just an idear…
Yes, Is quite confusing when the cures are so general and ambiguous, I was diagnose 3 years ago with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma stage 3 cancer at age 55, I did all the common sense plus many of the recommendations minus the oils and other concoctions and healthy exercise more than the average person; before I knew about my diagnosis. Best for me is to exercise at least 5 times a week either brisk walking, jogging or a combination of both 5 miles in less than an hour, bicycling 25 miles on weekends, and a diet full vegetables, fruits and fish. No starches, or yeast. no dairy products, or meats. The only oils I need is to lubricate my bicycle or suntan I take two jell pills one fish oil,flax seed, and b complex and so far have work for me have not been sick or ill except for a cold earlier this year. Do what you feel is best for you; eat because is good for you not only because taste good, on the other hand massages are OK as long are not deep tissue massages, they are to remove toxins via urine from your body, they work best when you drink plenty of water after it. Sorry, there is not a perfect oil or pill, only common sense however plenty of people are ready to sell you anything in the name of health. “Not everything that shines is gold”
I agree,essential oils first of all are not good during treatment.and no cell protecting oils such as frankinsense they will protect even the cancer cells.the lymph massage they say may move cancer cells through the body they are on the fence still about that.and you will feel cappy a day after.certain cancers require certain diets.mine myeloma requires eating animal protien a few days a week,and to avoid certain fruit and veggies,so one healthy diet may not meet all cancer diets.needs.I eat what my body craves and have been.I have always ate bad being 2nd shift nursing staff we eat crap on the run.oddly enough I was dx with stage 3 myeloma 90 percent in my marrow started treatment mid December .I have it in many places,I eat terrible,and my numbers have droped off to no more cancer spike in 5 months.although it left me with much damage from fractures from the myeloma,I’ve gone down 4000 in my igg numbers .normal.wait I still smoke too.I know terrible but due to the fractures being on medicle home arrest isn’t easy.so I’ve done everything I shouldn’t do.so really how important is it all? Or is there more the genetic link that decides?
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A lot of claims. References please.
Bob, at the bottom of every article there is a little spot that says “Sources and References.” Simply hit the icon and it will show you all the peer reviewed medical literature that was analyzed to write this article.
Could you please let me know when this article was authored?
Hey Julie, this article was written in the fall of 2015.
I have had my gall bladder removed. Is it still safe to drink Essiac tea?
Dear Dr Jockers
Firstly , thank you for the advice given here!
Please give me some advise, I had skin cancer in my lower leg, they removed 16 lymphatic nodes from my groin and this of course caused lymphedema. Very recently another growth appeared very close to the original, this was removed again and tested positive.
So my lymphatic system is compromised already, cancer reappeared and I lost trust in my doctor for insisting to do the biopsy.
My first question is, should I wear my compression garment or should I try to cope without it?
Second question, would you recommend further surgery on the site?
If you’re not comfortable answering my second question I’ll understand.
Thank you,
Don
cannabis oil works wonder with skin cancer. Check Rick Simpson on FB or Youtube. Good luck!
Also OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT. Most powerful antioxidant you can get easily, I think. Look it up. I cured melanoma growing on my back, shoulder part. It was getting black and deep and wider. Applied this oil several times per day for few days and gone! Not came back.
DO NOT OVERUSE ANYTHING. Never keep taking stuff which you do not need. You need breaks from super healthy stuff or your body will get used to it.
Good advice here. I over used it and suffered a horrible detox. FYI
I had melanoma in the lower left extremity (leg), clarks 4 in 1979, and underwent treatment at md anderson in houston at age 39. After 10 years of checkups, they gave me the all clear due to no re-occurances. In 2002, a lympth swole up in my groin, and i had it removed by a surgeon in corpus christi texas. He sent me to houston back to md anderson, and they proceeded to remove all the lympth nodes in my left leg. At this point 2016 i have had no re-occurance, even though the one removed in corpus christi had melanoma. All of the remainder of the lympth nodes in my left leg tested negative for any cancer. Sadly i regretted having that proceedure, but there was really no choice. I have had to wear compressio n garments since, and manage it as well as possible. I am always looking for information involving the lympthatic system, but is is far and few between. You are kind of on your on after that happens.
Also OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT. Most powerful antioxidant you can get easily, I think. Look it up. I cured melanoma growing on my back, shoulder part. It was getting black and deep and wider. Applied this oil several times per day for few days and gone! Not came back.
DO NOT OVERUSE ANYTHING. Never keep taking stuff which you do not need. You need breaks from super healthy stuff or your body will get used to it.
Some of the advice in the article is not really necessary. The best advice – drink plenty of water (as long as you are medically fit to do so), keep moving, deep breathing exercises are great. Exercise is great – any type. Avoid hot tubs/sauna’s (unless your lymphatic system is working perfectly and you are fit to do so). If your lymphatic system has been compromised (eg with cancer treatment), get advice from a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
Actually any citrus oils are great for boosting circulation and lymph drainage. Also peppermint is an especially great one for the lymph, too! Thanks for sharing Dr. David!
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Perhaps conflicting advice shud be dissected and exposed if it is less than factual. I run into the same problem with dietary and exercise advice particularly as well as disease prevention. It’s very hard to tell who is right…just have to use intuition more or less and be very sensible when it comes to the body. We could all at least enact the “no brainers” for starters.
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I have had my gall bladder removed. Is it still safe to drink Essiac tea
Hi there –
Thank you for your comment.
Unfortunately, we are unable to give any kind of medical advice. The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the experts we interviewed in the Global Quest series so they can give you the most appropriate advice based on your exact condition.
Please note that we are not able to select an expert for you.
We’ve created a page with the experts’ contact info as it was available to us.
Here’s the link to the actual webpage:
http://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
We do have one more resource you may be interested in. During our Live Event 2017 series, Dr. Patrick Quillin suggested contacting The Institute of Functional Medicine to locate a practitioner in your area.
If you are interested, here is the link to search for a Functional Medicine Practitioner in your area: https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
Hope this is helpful to you. Blessings and love!
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