Few of us ever think of our immune system, or the elaborate system of tubes, valves and filters that make up our Lymphatic System. Few of us, that is, until it doesn't function properly. Our immunity is working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year in and year out. However, we don't pay attention to the little signs of low immunity or compromised immunity that we may get months before a more serious condition occurs.

Some studies show that although our lifespan is significantly longer than at any point in history, we actually are being assaulted daily by chemicals, toxins, drugs and stresses that would have killed even the strongest human at any other time. We believe that because we are so advanced, we should be able to live a long, healthy life. But the reality is very different. Studies show that infection and immune dysfunction are the strongest factors contributing to chronic disease and debilitation. Diseases that used to occur only in the elderly are occurring at alarming rates among teenagers and people in their 20's. We are sick more often and for longer periods of time. Many of us live with chronic illness. We use our immune system every day, not just to ward off bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, but also to eliminate dead cells, worn-out body tissue and toxins that we are exposed to every day of our lives. Even the use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, antihistamines and aspirin on a daily basis can wreak havoc with our immune systems over time. Many of us are even adding to this strain by consuming exogenous hormones or antibiotics in the meat we eat.

So What Can We Do For Our Lymphatic System?

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy can help to increase lymphatic movement by gently pressing lymphatic fluid through the nodes and tissues of the body. Since natural lymphatic movement relies on muscular contraction, breathing and even the muscles of digestion, there can be many times when our lymphatics may not get pumped enough. Periods of illness when we are confined to bed, sedentary occupations, poor digestive function such as constipation and even dehydration when there is just not enough water to liquefy the lymph; everyone has experienced these situations at one time or another.