YOGA AND AYURVEDIC MASSAGE FOR DRAINING LYMPH NODES- CAPT AJIT VADAKAYIL

YOGA AND AYURVEDIC MASSAGE FOR DRAINING LYMPH NODES - CAPT AJIT VADAKAYIL

This will be one of the most valuable posts on the internet about human health !  Health is wealth!!

The western world of medicine and surgery, has come to know about the human body's lymph node system only 60 years ago.

The Greeks Hippicratus, Ruphus and Hirphilos  came to know of the lymph nodes system from the Ayurvedic texts of India  , 2000 years ago.   You must understand that Ayurveda is 6000 years old.

The Ayurvedic massage for Lymph node drainage is amazingly scientific, using nav-dhanya dry powder. Nav Dhanya is 9 different grades of grain and pulses , having different scales of hardness and size.

When I wrote my post SURYA NAMASKAR, THE 11000 YEAR OLD VEDIC SUN SALUTATION- VADAKAYIL, I deliberately left out the physical aspect of Surya Namaskar.

I just referred to the blog statistics and have found out that my post SURYA NAMASKAR was downloaded 36278 times in a little under 10 months.  This could be a world record for a single post on an exercise.

Now I will talk about the physical YOGA aspect of Surya Namaskar. You will be amazed that this intricate and vast knowledge  is available in our Ayurveda books.

Yoga is NOT about twisting yourself like a pretzel to stretch and limber up. It had the amazing capability to boost your immunity to almost all diseases, and to help you to recover fast from existing ones. This works like magic, as it has everything to do with your body's lymph system.

Now let me digress-

Two years ago, I came back home on leave after a particularly torturous flight pattern from South America when I could NOT keep my legs up for nearly 2 days. I had difficulty in removing my boots when i reached home.

The next morning I found that both my legs were swollen , edema , as it is popularly known. At the first glance it looked like a simple case of lymph drainage problem. In which case I had to take care of it from a Lymph angle.When you sit still for a long time without moving, the lymph can't flow easily -- this is why you may experience swollen feet

  

Since I am not the type who jumps the gun, I waited for another 4 days. Gave my legs enough time to be rested at a high place with respect to my heart. The swelling was still the same. My wife got worried about my kidneys, as the kidney department beds of all Kerala hospitals are full, since the past 10 years .

So I told my wife, just show me the salt packet she used in cooking. It was a famous brand of Iodized salt. I just dumped the whole thing into the garbage and told my wife " let us go to the supermarket.  We need to buy "natural unrefined sea salt".  Never mind the spin of the manufacturers of this Iodized salt brand ".

I never got swollen feet after that. When there is too much Iodine in the body it upsets the Lymphatic system.

Main stream science and medicine has NOT caught up yet with the Lymphatic system. A good Lymph doctor can have one look at you, and tell you what is wrong with you. This science is so exact.

It is a shame to see middle aged women suffering from excessive bleeding, cramps and PMS.  In the West , due to the type of food they eat, women suffer needlessly from breast tumours and cancer. This category must pay special attention to this post. They have help in the form of an Ayurvedic Lymph drainage massage.

You will NOT appreciate the meaning of such a weird massage, unless you know the basics. Unfortunately your science books in school almost ignored this subject.

The lymphatic system in your body is a series of connected nodes, ducts and organs that play a vital part in your immune system.

The human arteries are like a two-lane highway bringing nutrients, oxygen and fluid to the body part. The vein is a one-lane highway taking away the used blood, and the lymphatic channels are the other one-lane highway draining away the lymph fluid. 

Two lanes in together, but two out lanes separate out. Blood is responsible for collecting and distributing oxygen, nutrients and hormones to the entire body where lymph is responsible for collecting and removing waste products left behind in the tissues. Plasma leaks out of the capillaries to surround and bathe the body tissues. This then drains into the lymph vessels.

The circulatory system processes an average of 20 liters of blood per day.  Roughly 17 liters per day of that gets reabsorbed directly into the blood vessels. The primary function of the lymph system is to provide an accessory route for these excess 3 liters per day to get returned to the blood. 

So colourless lymph is essentially recycled blood plasma. The biggest lymph vessel is the thoracic duct, which empties back into the blood circulation.  At the cellular level, the lymphatic system is a pathway through which fluid flows from the intercellular spaces into the blood.

The lymphatic system has vessels just like our circulatory system, but does not have a pump like the heart for the circulatory system . In order to clear the “lymph” (the clear extracellular fluid that is collected by the lymphatic vessels and filtered by the lymph nodes), the lymphatic system must be pumped manually.

Lymph is a clear fluid that travels through your body's arteries, circulates through your tissues to cleanse them and keep them firm, and then drains away through the separate lymphatic system.

Lymph nodes are the filters along the lymphatic system.  Their job is to filter out and trap bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other unwanted substances, and to make sure they are safely eliminated from the body.

Each cell is nourished by the nutrients, oxygen and proteins that flow across the walls of capillaries into the interstitial fluid. There is a dynamic balance between the forces that help those nutrients to first exit the capillaries, and then get reabsorbed back into the blood stream.

Proteins play a big part in this transfer because they have a tendency to draw water to themselves. This means that the proper amounts of protein on both sides of the capillary wall are vital to keep the tissues balanced. If there are too many proteins within the interstitial spaces, fluid will start to accumulate, causing edema. The lymph system’s role of removing proteins is vital to keeping edema down. If the lymph system becomes sluggish, edema can develop. This type of edema is called lymphostatic edema- or a high protein edema.

Other causes of edema can be a chemical imbalance in the body caused by liver disease, diabetes, or a variety of other ailments. This type of edema is called lymphodynamic edema, and requires other forms of therapy due to the fact that it is a chemical imbalance.

Below picture-- western women , can avoid breast cancer and tumors by knowing the nodes . and which way to massage. They wear tight bras, which restrict drainage.  Breast is loose flesh without skeletal ligaments and muscle , and hence cannot drain properly .

The lymphatic system, because of its physical proximity to many tissues of the body, is responsible for carrying cancerous cells between the various parts of the body in a process called metastasis. The intervening lymph nodes can trap the cancer cells. If they are not successful in destroying the cancer cells the nodes may become sites of secondary tumors.

Lymphatic blockages can result in a swelling at the lymphatic node junctions. This condition results in providing a breeding ground for viruses and pathogenic material.  The lymph system acts as a reservoir of infection, churning out billions of infected immune-system cells that eventually spill into the blood stream, where they travel to other parts of the body.  Up to to ten times as much virus may reside in the lymph system as in the blood.

Since there is no pump, the lymph movement relies on contraction of smooth muscle tissue lining the walls of lymph vessels. Movement of skeletal muscles is also important for driving lymph along the systems network of vessels to lymph nodes and from these to lymph ducts where the lymph tissue joins cardiovascular circulation. This is what the scientifically formulated Yoga positions do.

So lymph is basically the fluid and protein ( plasma ) that has been squeezed out of the blood. The lymph is drained from the tissue in microscopic blind-ended vessels called lymph capillaries. Lymphedema is the swelling caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid, which may occur if the lymphatic system is damaged or has malformations.  Enlarged lymph nodes may be caused by lack of sleep, imbalance and irregular meals, long-hour standing or seating, improper gestures, etc.

Lymph vessels run through the body in much the same way blood vessels do. The capillaries of the circulatory system leak the plasma and nutrients into the tissues of the body to feed the individual cells. Most of that fluid is not returned to the circulatory system, but rather stays in between the tissue layers as interstitial fluid. 

This fluid is filtered into the lymph vessels and travels back toward the heart where it will be returned to the circulatory system. When the interstitial fluid enters the lymphatic system the fluid is called lymph. Lymph nodes lie in specific locations along the lymphatic vessels and perform vital functions for the body's immune system.

6000 years ago, Ayurveda and Yoga  realized that many lymph nodes are situated near the region around the joints. Humans have approximately 500-700 lymph nodes distributed throughout the body, with clusters found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen. 

All lymph vessels lead to lymph nodes. Lymph nodes can be as small as the head of a pin, or as big as an olive . Half of the lymph nodes in the body, are  located in the abdomen, and many are in the neck.

The movements of the limbs help to act as a pump to move the lymph through the system. They are located in clusters around the knee, groin, elbows, shoulders and neck. Lymph nodes are also found in the central abdominal and chest area to assist with lymph drainage around the vital organs. 

Every Yoga movement take this into account. This is why Yoga must not be self inflicted.  Because the lymph doesn't have a heart to pump it so good circulation of the lymphatic system depends on getting proper stretching exercise and yogic inverted postures which use gravity.

Human lymph nodes are bean-shaped and range in size from a few millimeters to about 1–2 cm in their normal state.

Lymph nodes can become swollen for several reasons. When an infection invades the body, more white blood cells can flood into the lymph nodes to fight the antigen. If there is inflammation in the area of the lymph node, the inflamed cells can enter the node and cause it to swell.  

Malignant cancer cells can infiltrate the node, causing it to expand.  Lymphoma and leukemia also can lead to swollen nodes, caused by the multiplication of cancerous lymphocytes.

Fats are evacuated through lymphatic vessels. These vessels are located in virtually every area of the body where fats may accumulate. The functioning of the immune system is stimulated through increased lymph flow. 

The additional flow carries more antigens to the lymph nodes, thereby increasing antibody/antigen contact. This has been found to help with chronic or subacute inflammatory processes -- chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune disease, bronchitis, sinusitis, amygdalitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, arthritis, acne and eczema.

When the lymphatic system becomes blocked or begins working slowly then it effects all of the body. All of the toxins that your body will normally throw away will then be soaked into other organs and can cause other harmful health conditions, including obesity.

Fats in dairy, hydrogenated vegetable fats and fatty meats can slow the flow of the lymphatic waste system forcing the body to absorb these fats and toxins resulting in obesity, cellulite and disease.

The Ayurvedic lymphatic drainage massage works with the filtering and cleaning of the lymph nodes, starting at the arms and legs and moving towards the lymph nodes.  The lymph nodes are gently stimulated, encouraging them to discharge their contents throughout the lymphatic network, facilitating the removal of lymphatic waste from the body.

Ayurvedic Lymphatic drainage massage is a therapeutic massage treatment. The massage uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase lymphatic flow, with the aim of getting rid of toxins in your body. The amazing paradox is that such a superficial massage technique targetting just under the skin has such a deep impact. 

Lymphatic drainage massage must take place in a warm room, as warmth is an important factor in increasing lymphatic flow. 

The lymph flow has to go towards the heart.  When I did my lymph drainage Ayurvedic massage, the routine was one hour daily for 10 days.  Three people labored on me with nav dhanya - 9 different types of broken grains and pulses of different hardness and sizes.. 

The shallow abrasive dry grain massage causes the outer layer of skin slough off.  Initially you feel as if sand is being rubbed on the skin. It uproots all the body , arm , leg , hair too, as the long superficial stroke is mostly against the lay if the hair. If you do NOT use dry grain powder, you have to use a brush with bristles. 

The day you go for the massage eat only fruits, and drink lot of water. After the massage drink lot of water again.

See picture above-- a lot of  you have got yourself a HARD massage from IGNORANT massues and permanently damaged the non-return valves of your lymph nodes. Think back --when did you do allow a such a spurious massage on your back torso and shoulders.


It gently stimulates blood flow to the skin through the smaller capillaries in the skin's deeper layers. The increased blood flow both promotes skin renewal and supports proper elimination and detoxification.  

Approximately 70% are superficial lymphatic capillaries located  just under, the skin. The remaining 30%, which are known as deep lymphatic capillaries, surround most of the body’s organs. The deep ones can be stimulated only by Yoga. Like veins, the lymphatic vessels, which are known as lymphangions, have one-way valves to prevent any backward flow.

  

The lymphatic system drainage is organized into two separate, and very unequal drainage areas. The right drainage area clears the right arm and chest. The left drainage area clears all of the other areas of the body including both legs, the lower trunk upper left of the chest, and the left arm.

Lymph vessels make an intimate meshwork that covers every inch of your skin, and surrounds each organ in great detail.  By performing lymphatic drainage massage correctly, we can stimulate the opening of the initial lymphatic and increase the volume of lymph flow by as much as 20 times. But if  you push too hard, you collapse the initial lymphatic, diminishing the lymph flow. 

Excessive pressure can even break the filaments that hold the initial lymphatic in place. This is one reason that deep styles of massage are contraindicated in areas of edema. Luckily if deep pressure has broken any filaments, they usually reform within 48 hours. Be careful, as Lymph nodes that has been damaged or destroyed, does not regenerate.

Calendula, also known Calendula officinalis, is an herb that may be helpful in improving your lymphatic drainage.. The flowers of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, including stimulating lymphatic drainage.  Calendula is also a lymphagogue, or a substance that supports your lymphatic organs and stimulates your lymph system.

Lymphatic drainage massage ( use sesame or virgin coconut oil ) has a positive effect on the following conditions:

Fluid retention – puffy ankles, legs, eyes, and abdomen.

Arthritis and rheumatism.

Assistance for migraine, headaches, and MS

Constipation and digestive disorders.

Sinusitis and hayfever.

Hormonal imbalance.

Recurring infections – colds, flu, ear or chest.

Skin disorders – acne, scleroderma, eczema and psoriasis.

  

Wearing a tight compression garment during yoga exercise also provides resistance to further stimulate the lymph flow. This acts like wringing a wet towel. Like body inversions and head stand exercises, twists offer your body new ways to remove toxins and flush important lymph around the entire torso. 

Yogic asanas to aid lymph flow includes neck rotation, shoulder shrugs, ankle pumps, leg slides, shoulder blade squeezes etc. Yoga diaphragmatic breathing and many yoga positions open up the chest cavity, while poses like shoulder stands, enlist gravity to help lymph fluid get where it is supposed to go. 

Below video--Suryanamaskar for deep Lymph node drainage.  Surya namaskar can increase lymph flow 20 fold.  Two-thirds of the lymph is produces in the liver and intestines.

Because the lymphatic system is a closed pressure system and has one-way valves that keep lymph moving towards the heart, when one turns upside down like in Shirshasan , the entire lymphatic system is stimulated, thus strengthening your immune system.

 Lymph fluid is relieved from the legs and ankles and with regular practice prevents the buildup of fluid in the legs and feet.  Usually gravity is pulling us down and compressing our bodies, yet when we do inversions this process is completely reversed. So instead of working against us, gravity is working for us by decompressing our bodies and reversing the flow of the lymphatic system, which does NOT have a pump. 

Yoga asanasas help to shift Lymph fluids around your body in ways that you would not ordinarily be able to achieve in daily life .

Inverted yoga poses are particularly beneficial to the white collar office workers who have occupations that require prolonged sitting still . These work positions increase the occurrence of fluid build up in the blood vessels and lymphatic channels of the legs. With light yoga inversions, swelling, discomfort and other chronic conditions can be alleviated.

Recapitulation: Lymph drainage massage can increase the flow of lymph by as much as 20 times! A normal lymphatic flow is about 4 ounces of lymph per hour. This means that with Manual Lymphatic Drainage the flow can be increased to as much as 80 ounces per hour!  All by superficial skin massage gently stimulating the lymph nodes located just below the surface of the skin. The deeper nodes can be stimulated only by Yoga exercises.

Gentle lymphaticsurface  massage aids your weight loss , but not by hard massaging away body fat.

Warning: If there is an infection anywhere in the body, lymphatic drainage cannot be done, as it will spread the infection throughout the body.

Finally surface lymph drainage massage and yoga asana deep lymph fluid channeling if done properly can cause obese people to lose weight and dimpled cellulite--it is more or less a miracle. .

Move only the surface of the skin.  Avoid engaging the muscles. The fluid is moved into the lymph nodes by lightly stretching the skin in specific directions.

Just by de-congesting lymph nodes, and getting the body rid of lipomas or fibroadenomas?

Yes!.

Below pictures of swollen and infected lymph nodes

Kalari marma knock out points can permanently damage certain NON-RETURN valves of the lymphatic system, when means the enemy goes home bloats up and dies.  Kalari was introduced to Kerala by warrior saint Lord Parashurama, an avatar of Vishnu.  To know more punch into Google search KALARIPAYATTU, THE OLDEST MARTIAL ART- VADAKAYIL.

Note: Women with PMS problems and Uterus cysts must read this post and benefit from it. This is 6200 year old Indian wisdom,  laid out by Maharishi seers.  Punch into Google search FATHERS OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE- VADAKAYIL.

Yoga has timings. You cannot get up at midnight and start doing yoga. The ancient Vedic seers knew this 6000 years ago.

Magnesium and potassium live normally within the human cell, and sodium and calcium are found outside. During the day sodium sneaks into the cell, taking a hydrogen ion with it, which is acidifying.  In order to buffer this acidity, which is toxic to the cell, calcium also moves in.  This has the effect of displacing potassium ( by sodium) and magnesium ( by calcium ) which is pushed out of the cell.  At night the opposite takes place and potassium and magnesium move back into the cell, pushing out the calcium and sodium, which takes the hydrogen ion with it. This has the effect of cleansing the cell, so you should wake up bright and refreshed.

The moon has an affinity for sodium.

How many of you know that the moon leaves a sodium trail thousands of miles long? 

Why does our ocean have sodium?

Grace and peace!--listen with head phones

Punch into Google search AGNIHOTRA VADAKAYIL and get shocked out of your pants. 

CAPT AJIT VADAKAYIL

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