I am developing an increased thirst for knowledge, as over the 20 years or so in my journey as a fitness professional I have realised that my clients need support with so much more than just exercise, diet and stress management. I have accrued quite a few credentials along the way including NLP, Pelvic floor training, personalised health and most recently the Lymphatic and Fascial systems of the body. But sometimes the information can be so groundbreaking that it can highlight a problem in our own health that medical professionals have been unable to solve.
Last year I completed a revolutionary new course called “Lymphascial” created by the amazing John Polley and Corinne Austin who are leaders in the health and fitness industry. The course introduced me to the Lymphatics system that has such a vital role in our body’s immune system together with the fascial system, a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. Both these systems when not working as they should can have a negative impact on our well-being.
Then around 3 months ago I noticed that my collarbones were no longer visible. The area just below it seemed swollen, especially on the left. As I am a post-menopausal I wondered if I had just gained some weight in this area, but later concluded that it was not due to excess fat. I knew from my course that there were a number of lymphatic nodes (commonly referred to as glands) around this area and I had been practicing a protocol since the course that involved brushing and tapping the nodes in order to stimlate the nerves to assist the Lymphatics system to clear adequately.
As the area was in the vicinity of breast tissue I asked my GP about it but he could not explain what it was or the cause. That was frustrating, as to me there was an abnromal swelling in my body and I needed an explanation. I contacted the amazing Corinne Austin that delivered my course and asked for her input. She suggested some extra manipulation of the nodes by using a toothbrush (dry brushing to stimulate lymph drainage) which I tried for a week. There was no change but I did note the area becoming very red which was a sign of some reaction in the nodes. I later visited a Chiropractor about a different issue and I asked her about it. She mentioned Lymphatics and I explained that I was already treating the area and had been for a while.
It was later that day that I had the Eureka moment. The course taught me how the fascial system and the lymphatic system ran side by side in the body which was the main principle of the course. Everything in the body is connected. The lymphatics network is located within our fascia, so if the fascia is knotted and stuck then the lymphatics system cannot work properly. Also, the area that was swollen is the point where the lymphtaics system drains into the circulatory system which then removes waste products from the body. I had an area of stuck fascia and that was causing the problem.
Since then I have been working with a foam roller,a tennis ball and a massage gun to free up the fascia and allow the lymph to flow through and there is already a slight improvement. Funny how it takes us longer to come up with an answer when it comes to our own bodies. I am sure I would have picked up on this quicker if it was a client.
A few words on our Lymph system. It is our body’s sewage system and has many important functions including:
- Protects your body against foreign invaders: The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It produces and releases lymphocytes (white blood cells) and other immune cells that monitor and then destroy the foreign invaders — such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi — that enter the body.
- Absorbs fats from the digestive tract: Lymph includes fluids from the intestines that contain fats and proteins and transports it back to the bloodstream.
- Maintains fluid levels in your body: The system collects excess fluid that drains from cells and tissue throughout the body and returns it to the bloodstream, which is then recirculated through the body.
- Removes waste products from our body and abnormal cells from lymph
Despite all these incredibly important functions the medical profession on average spend just 90 minutes studying it. That leaves them with such a huge gap in their knowledge and understanding of the human body.
The lymphatic network is located within our fascia.The lymphtic vessels are so long that they can wrap around the planet 4 times. The lymphatic system does not have a pump like the circulatory system to move the lymph, so it relies on our bodies movement by the muscles and fascia to squeeze the lymphatic vessels and push the lymph through the system like a low-pressure hose.
When the fascia is healthy, hydrated, and unrestricted, the lymph can move more easily through it towards the heart for removal. However, if the fascia is bound and restricted this can create blockages in the system, which is what has happened to me. Fascia is incredibly strong and needs a specific long term approach in order to release it.
Thanks to the Lymphascial course (Developed by John Polley and Corinne Austin) I can now help clients using ”Lymphascial™ Resetting – a treatment modality combining the body’s fascial (connective tissue) system with the lymphatic (transmission fluid) system, and where the combination of both systems together enables synergistic actions of both. Based on the premise of healing, both the lymphatic and myofascial systems have remarkable potential to stimulate and unlock a body that has been trapped physically, chemically, emotionally, or immunologically.”
Signs your lymphatics need some TLC:
Any itis- bursitis, flantar fasciitis, arthritis, tendonitis
Auto immune
Back and neck pain, joint pain
Plateau, weight loss struggles
Abnormal swelling face or limbs
Morning stiffness, soreness, itchiness
Nerve issues
Skim symptoms- varicose veins, acne, discolouring, blotches
Brain fog
Poor sleep
Chronic fatigue
Easily bruising
Food intolerances
Most people will benefit from helping their lymphatic system work efficiently. Moving as much as possible, hydrating adequately and reducing stress by practicing belly breathing is a start. But, to really give your lymphatics some love there is a 2min protocol that you can do at home to help. You can watch the video here
If you have tight stuck tissues (fascia) in your body then I would recommend reaching out for some help with releasing the fascia in order to allow your Lymphatics to flow through the tissues.