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Finding Balance: Could you benefit from Manual Lymph Drainage…AKA Lymphatic Massage?

Finding Balance:Could you benefit from Manual Lymph Drainage…AKA Lymphatic Massage?

By Kimberly Burns, OTR/L, CLT

Balance can have a great many meanings. It can be balancing a check book, balancing your tires, work-life balance, nutritional balance .Sometimes we need to look at how our body is balanced. Our blood, organs and tissues all have a certain amount of fluids, oxygen, blood, etc. that they require to keep them working properly. When there is too much or too little of those substances, systems can become burdened.

For those of us who find our systems lacking in balance by feeling too much pressures from inside your body or a feeling of constant inflammation or bloating, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a wellness therapy to consider. MLD is a technique that aims to support body’s fluid balance by utilizing a gentle yet stimulating hand technique to assist your lymphatic system in removing fluids that build up in our bodies and causes inflammation. It is a great tool for wellness as it relaxes your nervous system and leaves you feeling cleansed. While commonly known as a Lymphatic Massage, this skilled technique does not utilize kneading or rolling of muscles. It is a gentle movement of skin to stimulate the delicate vessels of the lymphatic system. Continue reading “Finding Balance: Could you benefit from Manual Lymph Drainage…AKA Lymphatic Massage?”

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Your Lymphatic System and Snoring

Your Lymphatic System and Snoring

Did you know that wearing compression stockings worn during the day can help you reduce or prevent snoring?
Compression Therapy is the application of controlled graduated external pressure to the limb to reduce venous pressure within the limb and to reduce lymph process (edema).  Compression stockings are specially designed knit legwear with the following goals in mind: •To aid the venous system in getting blood back to the heart, •To reduce or prevent edema, •Reduce progression of venous or lymphatic disease.

The lymphatic system is a group of small organs (nodes) and vessels through which lymph fluid flows. The lymphatic system functions in cooperation with the circulatory system, which carries blood throughout the body. Impurities are removed from the circulatory system by the lymphatics and are broken down by cells important in fighting bacteria and viruses. The lymphatic system also plays a role in maintaining fluid balance throughout the body.

To prevent or reduce snoring, wearing compression stockings during the day can reduce fluid accumulation in your legs during the day which will reduce excess fluid being returned to the circulatory system at night as you lie down in bed. The rational for this approach is supported by a study of patients with chronic venous insufficiency. These subjects experienced significantly reduced apnea and hypopnea when they used support stockings during the day. By preventing fluid accumulation during the day, much less fluid pooled around their necks at night, resulting in improved breathing during sleep. The rationale is applicable to just about anyone who snores.

Compression stockings work by compressing the superficial veins that are located right under the skin and in the fat layer underneath. The pressure exerted on the surface then pushes the blood into the deep venous system that runs inside the muscles of the legs and on to the heart, reducing the pooling that occurs in spider and varicose veins. Thus, the role of compression therapy is to assist the muscle pump system of the legs, a major mechanism promoting the return of venous blood to the heart during normal locomotory activity (e.g., walking, running).

Having snoring and/or leg health problems? Call Sensory Intuition, Inc. at 215-499-0444  for a custom fitting and start your day right with a Lymphatic influence!

 

 

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Tomatoes: cooked or raw?

Did you know…
Eating cooked tomatoes vs raw tomatoes provide more nutritional benefits to help fight free radicals?

Tomatoes are known for their lycopene source which is known for its anti cancerous activity. Lycopene has the ability to reduce free radicals 10 more times than vitamin E. Cornell University researchers found that cooking tomatoes enhances the nutritional value of tomatoes lycopene content. By heating tomatoes at 88 degrees for 2, 15, and 30 minutes, the lycopene content increased by 54%, 171%, and 164% respectively. Amazing that in only 2 minutes you can double you benefits of this fabulous fruit!

Start your day with a great caner fighting food!
Recipe for a delicious poached egg, mozzerella and tomato breakfast that’s gluten free below:
Ingredients:

2 slices tomato
2 slices mozzarella cheese to taste
A few leaves of fresh basil
1 Millet and Flax bagel
1 TBSP vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Slice bagel in half and place mozzarella, basil and tomato on top of bagels and place in toaster/broiler for desired amount of time to get the lycopene benefits you want and desired toasting. Boil a small pan of 2-3 inches of water then add vinegar. Crack the egg into a small cup or bowl, and then gently slide into the pan of simmering water and cook until the egg white has mostly solidified, but the yolk remains soft. The ‘perfect’ poached egg has a runny yolk, with a hardening crust and no raw white remaining. Place egg on top of tomato and add desired seasonings! You can add a little side of salmon and get your omega 3 benefits!