I would like to share the effect of Pranayama on our Lymphatic system.
Our body has more than one trillion cells. Breathing is the primary factor in maintaining the health of these cells. Deep breathing oxygenates the blood, which is then circulated in the body to nourish the cells. A good supply of oxygen to these cells boosts our immunity.
Lymphatic system is well known but least bothered by many of us. As much as how nourishing the cell is important, removing the waste from these cells are as important too. Blood circulates throughout the body releasing oxygen and nutrients into the lymph. If we maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, our cells will have the intelligence to absorb the nutrients and release the waste and toxins to the lymph. Lymphatic system has a network of vessels, tissues, and nodes to circulate lymph. Lymph is a transparent fluid rich in White Blood Cells. This is an important part of body's immune system which helps in removing toxins. It is a primary component of immune system in protecting the body from a broad range of pathogenic factors. Lymphatic system could be described as the body's sewage system. Imagine what will happen when the sewage system does not function properly?! Toxins, including dead cells, accumulate in the body slowly causing mild to severe damage to the whole system.
When Lymph node is damaged or removed due to a trauma or infection, the flow is disrupted and toxic fluid gets accumulated. You might have noticed swollen lymph node on either side of the neck in some people, especially kids, during severe cold. It is usually considered normal and untreated by many of us. But this denotes fluid accumulation. This stagnant fluid causes the tissue to swell and reduces the amount of oxygen available to the lymphatic system. This increases the risk of infection. According to western science, disease like Alzheimer's are caused due to accumulation of big protein chunks in the brain. After the recent discovery of lymphatic system in the brain, it is assumed that these chunks are not removed when the lymphatic vessels in the brain are not functioning properly. It is believed that for all neurological disorders, lymphatic system plays a major role.
Lymph nodes are present in many parts of our body including
- armpits
- neck
- groin
Our circulatory system has the heart to pump blood throughout the body but lymphatic system does not have a pump. It depends on deep breathing and good physical movements to function properly. Expanding and contracting the lungs and diaphragm stimulates the respiratory system. Deep diaphragmatic breathing creates a vacuum that sucks lymph through the blood stream and accelerate the pace at which the lymph eliminates the toxins. Nature has taught us a wonderful and easy way to cleanse our Lymphatic system through Pranayama. You don't have to strain yourself while doing pranayama to get this effect. Just do it gently and mindfully. It will do wonders.
Herbs such as Brahmi(Vallaarai in Tamil) and ginger are some readily available herbs that help in cleansing lymphatic system in a gentle way. Cooked Brahmi greens(Vallaarai keerai) + roasted black urad dhal + ginger (or black pepper) + roasted cumin + coconut + Indian gooseberry (or Garcinia Cambogia(Kudampuli in tamil)) makes a yummy chutney which is good for your lymphatic system as well as your memory.
To gain full benefits of pranayama, try to follow a healthy diet, gentle yoga/exercise, abyanga(oil massage) and meditation. These are all the pillars of a healthy life. Just following one alone will not help completely. Oil massage stimulates the lymphatic system. A good oil massage once a week will boost immunity and heals both your mind and body. Our body is a doctor on its own. It knows how to heal itself. What we have to do is, trust the intelligence of our body and help our body heal in a better way. Feed your body good food, give regular abyanga and involve it in some gentle tasks. As a return gift, it will provide you stress-free happy mind and a life-long immunity.
Let us teach our kids the benefits of pranayama and try to raise a healthier generation.
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