Holistics & Tick Borne Disease 4 of 5

Pillar #3 ACTIVITY – Move that lymph!

Over-exertion is a bad idea but movement is critical for lymphatic function, and therefore immune function, as the lymphatic system does not have a pump like the heart pumps blood. Stretching, walking, yoga, and pilates plus light gardening or even just playing with pets or children are highly beneficial. Not doing so much right before bed is advisable, but between 7am and 1pm is fantastic, and mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner – ideally between three and five – will get a stagnant body flowing with time. For someone who really needs it, even just ten to twenty minutes a day can be a huge improvement within a few weeks.

For those debilitated or without the wherewithal, soaking in the tub with salts and herbs can help release and stimulate tissues. Manual lymphatic drainage, using essential oil infused carrier oil (like almond, avocado, or olive) is fantastic. There are courses out there and even instructional videos on YouTube for anyone to find. It is a great means for self-care and becoming in tune with your body as well as stimulating to the immune system, all with the added enjoyment of aromatherapy.

An essential oil blend to consider is ylang ylang, myrrh, orange, and vetiver, though again the pumpkin or apple pie spices, which can usually be found together in essential oil blends, are a good bet. There is also instructional information available for lymphatic yoga that is quite helpful and most of it can even be done sitting down, or with the help of someone with bodywork in their scope of practice if mobility is a challenge.

Getting in the water at all – not a public/chemically treated pool if possible – is a fantastic way to get a little exercise and added mineral absorption. Ocean or brackish water is preferred but, of course, you have to be blessed with living near the ocean to make that possible. Otherwise, fresh water can be an option. Swimming, wake boarding, and even just walking through the shallows allows your body to do its best work. Even at the beach a tick check should be conducted as wild animals like to frequent beaches to lick minerals from the rocks and scavenge – who can blame them?