Important Read: Working Safely With Your Lymphatic System.
Working safely with your lymphatic system.
Here I am going to outline when it is and is not safe for you to step into (or continue with lymphatic work). If you are ever in doubt about what to do then reach out to me I am always here for support and guidance.
Lymphatic work is not a ‘quick fix’ solution!
The purpose of this programme is to give you the tools you need to open up and maintain healthy and optimal lymphatic drainage. So when stepping into the programme and the practices within you are actively inviting the body to detox. Getting the waste out of the body to ensure that nutrients can get it. It is a process, not a quick fix. However it will significantly help in getting to the root cause of many unpleasant health symptoms by removing toxins, inflammation etc from the body.
The most important thing about lymphatic work is that you take it slowly and in consent with your body. You must, no matter how tempting it may be, ensure that you follow this programme in order and work through the VTB Lymph Wheel Guide.
Rushing lymphatic work can cause the body to go into a heavy detox. It's essential to make sure the superficial lymphatics are draining well and there is no heavy detox reaction before moving onto the next steps in the VTB Lymph Wheel Guide. Allowing time for the body to process and (if necessary) detox after each stage is key in ensuring you get the best results out of this work.
Keep hydrated!
Your lymphatic system is 95% water. Ensuring you are hydrated is essential especially when activating the lymphatic system. As mentioned in the programme drinking ‘clean’ structured water will help ensure you are not only hydrated but absorbing nutrients optimally too. Good hydration is a necessary foundation for safe lymphatic work.
When should I not be doing any Lymphatic work?
If you have any of these conditions please avoid Lymphatic work until recovered:
Localized infection.
Acute inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses and poisons with fever over 102F / 38 °C
Thrombosis [blood clots].
Renal failure [ as you will send a lot of fluids to your kidneys].
When should you be careful doing Lymphatic work?
Lymphatic work and Cancer:
If you have had cancer in the past you can safely step into lymphatic work and gain all the benefits from it.
Cancer is not a contraindication to Lymphatic work but is not broadly used in the UK. In Asia and Thailand for example they have specialist Lymphatic centres for cancer patients to be treated in.
Ultimately as with any health condition the course of treatment you wish to take is your own. I advise that you please discuss with your oncologist if you are undergoing treatment for cancer.
Extra care needs to be taken when:
You have had your spleen removed. As your spleen is part of your immune system & lymphatic system.
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If you are taking any medications . This is because as you start to detox with this lymphatic programme you will start to absorb your medications more efficiently. Therefore you may require a reduction in the medication you are taking. I recommend you make your doctor/consultant aware that you are starting lymphatic work.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:
We know that lymphatic work is super beneficial to our overall health and wellbeing. Therefore will be beneficial practice for individuals who are considering getting pregnant.
The first trimester of pregnancy itself is a soft contraindication to lymphatic work: so what does that mean? Basically it is down to individual choice. If you have already completed the lymph wheel and regularly support your lymphatic system with these practices. Continuing to do so during the first trimester can be very beneficial. However, it is your body and your choice. If you do not feel confident, comfortable and empowered continuing with the lymphatic work then don’t.
During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, lymphatic work can be incredibly supportive at addressing back and pelvic pain. Lymphatic work can also be wonderfully supportive to relieving any excess water retention and swollen feet.
During pregnancy, organ work is to be avoided, there is no organ work in this particular programme.
There’s no evidence that doing lymphatic work while breastfeeding is not safe - it can actually be very supportive in managing breast pain and engorgement while also promoting an increase in milk volume. Similar to the approach during the first trimester of pregnancy, only proceed if you are comfortable doing so.
{Study: Lymph Drainage in Pregnant Women}