We have a large amount of lymph nodes around the breasts. There are a cluster of lymph nodes in the armpits. If lymph is congested in the armpit, or throughout the body, fatigue and ill health occurs and the lymph nodes surrounding the breasts cannot drain properly. Lymphatic congestion occurs when the lymphatic flow slows down due to chronic inflammation. Congestion allows toxins and proteins to accumulate. 

How do lymph nodes become congested? 

·      Lack of exercise

·      Emotional stress/trauma

·      Hormone imbalance

·      Poor diet

·      Constrictive clothing such as a bra

·      An overload of toxins in the body from the environment, molds, heavy metals, and viruses and bacterial infections

Since the lymphatic system does not circulate on its own, it requires help to move properly thru the body, which is why exercise and a clean diet are important. Breast cancer, swollen lymph nodes, and chronically tender and swollen breasts are all a result of congested lymph in the breasts.

Research now tells us 90% of breast cancers have no known risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer. This means a high percentage of breast cancer cases may be associated with environmental and metabolic factors, which is why prevention is key. Adding Assisted Lymphatic Therapy (ALT) and self-massage to your healthcare routine could save your life, and applies to both men and women. 

Now more than ever we need to take care of our bodies due to environmental toxins. ALT is one way to help prevent breast cancer by keeping the lymph moving properly throughout the entire body. ALT is a form of lymphatic drainage that is a gentle, non-invasive technique to stimulate the proper flow and drainage of the lymphatic system. A combination of vibration, light, and electrical waves help to stimulate the lymph flow by causing the dissociation of proteins that have become trapped in the interstitium. When trapped proteins release their bond, the stagnate lymph is liberated and will flow out into its normal filtration and reabsorption channels. 

Lymphatic drainage also helps one recover from reconstructive surgeries, such as mastectomy, by softening scar tissue and increasing recovery time. One session of ALT is equal to 8-10 manual lymphatic sessions. ALT is also able to stimulate lymph nodes deep within the body where 70% of our immune cells are located, which cannot be reached manually.

Heather Leah, BA, LMT, owns Nurturing Sol Healing Arts located in Satellite Beach. For more information or appointments, call 941-248-9127 or visit NurturingSol.com.