The lymphatic system requires movement

The lymphatic system runs alongside the cardiovascular system and is partly responsible for the clearance of waste products from out body and for the production and movement of immune cells. However unlike the cardiovascular system, it has no heart to keep it moving. The only pump available to our lymphatic system is our muscles. Therefore, movement is key to keeping it all flowing. Lymph carries waste to the heart which then sends it to the liver for processing. The best way to enable this process is regular exercise. Choose the type that you feel supports your healing and suits your constitution.

When the lymphatic system becomes congested, there is a build-up of waste products in the body which can result in illness, particularly colds and flus.

How a naturopath can help

Part of a naturopathic assessment is identifying diet and lifestyle factors that contribute to lymphatic congestion and providing suggested changes that work in with an individuals’ ability to alter behaviours.

There are also herbal medicines known as lymphatic or depurative herbs that help to clear waste in the lymphatic system.