People suffering from chronic diseases like hypertension, heart diseases, obesity, arthritis etc. are sometimes unable to do simple exercises as it often causes pain and leaves them breathless. But movement is extremely important to aid the circulation of sluggish blood and lymph fluids and remove toxins. This article discusses some measures on how circulation could be improved.

When a person is in a chronic state of health, the blood is thickened with toxins and flows sluggishly and unevenly. Similarly the circulation of lymphatic fluids is also compromised.

In such a state, exercising can be painful and not very effective. Listed below are 3 simple methods of improving body fluid circulation which anyone can do from the comfort of their home.

1. DRY BRUSHING:

Why dry brushing?

We’re all aware of brushing our hair and teeth but do you know that brushing the largest organ in our body i.e. the skin, can not only help in skin exfoliation, reducing cellulite and cleansing pores but also provide the necessary lymphatic support? Dry brushing goes a step beyond skin care as it offers the added benefits similar to body massage.

Dry brushing is a simple concept. In this, we use a dry brush to brush the skin towards the heart; starting at feet and moving towards hands and chest.

As we know that our lymphatic system is a pivotal subset of our immune system. It comprises of organs, ducts, vessels and nodes that transport lymph (fluid that flows through lymphatic system) in our body. Most of these lymph vessels run below the skin and once we begin to brush our skin regularly, the normal lymph flow in the body gets stimulated. This also helps in detoxifying the body naturally.

How to do it?

• Do this ritual daily ideally before your morning bath.
• Use a natural bristle brush with a long handle that can reach the entire back, bottom of the feet and back of legs properly. Alternatively, a rough cotton cloth can be used too.
• Applying minimal pressure on your body and start brushing the skin towards the direction of the heart.
• Start at the feet and brush each part of the body with steady strokes.
• Steadily, you can use a more firm brush and increase the amount of pressure as your body gets used to the brushing activity. Be gentle where the skin is thin like near your eyes etc.

2. DAILY SELF MASSAGE:

Why self-massage?

The act of massaging your body daily can be a rejuvenating experience as it allows you to get more comfortable in your skin. In the field of Ayurveda, this is called as abhyanga or self-massage. Body and mind rejuvenation go hand in hand. When one is in sync with the organic functioning of body, the accumulated toxins start fading away. And as disease is nothing but an accumulation of toxins in the body, this process of detoxifying skin flushes out impurities and performs the necessary cleansing.

With the help of self-massage, you can stimulate body’s energetic channels to allow free flow of energy into mind and body. In humans, our intellect drives the processes in the body and once it is blocked due to excessive toxins, it becomes difficult for the body to function efficiently. This natural flow of energy achieved by self-massage activates the healing power of the body.

In Natural Healing, the holistic health of an individual is given primary importance. It is believed that in addition to diet and lifestyle changes, spiritual changes also contribute to overall well-being. When you include self-massage in your routine, you silence the inner critic and nurture yourself. This helps in better energy flow in the body which allows you to be happier from inside. For people suffering from chronic illness, self-love and self-care are important aspects in their recovery process. Self-massage technique regulates blood flow in the entire body and also caters to the intrinsic aspect of being.

How to do it?

• You can use organic sesame or coconut oil for this process after heating it mildly.
• While it is getting warm, simply use a skin brush or dry washcloth all over your body.
• Then, rub the oil into your hands and begin the process of self-massage by applying the oil on your scalp, ears, forehead, temples and nostrils.
• Continue massaging your face in a circular motion, followed by the back of your neck. Massage your throat in upward motion. Continue applying oil to your abdomen.
• While massaging your legs and arms, make sure that you massage in the direction of your heart, using long strokes on muscles and circular movements on joints. Gently massage your hips, top and sole of your feet too.
• Massage your hands and palms as well and give yourself the much needed pampering.
• Sit in silence for some time or practise belly breathing.
• Once done with the same, take shower with warm water.

3.STRENGTHEN YOUR CALVES:

Why strengthening your calves is important?

We know that each pump of heart is powerful to send blood throughout the body. This oxygen-rich blood reaches every cell of the body and provides nourishment. However, the oxygen-depleted blood needs higher amount of force to reach back to heart. Calf muscle is considered our second heart as it plays a pivotal role in transporting oxygen-depleted blood back to heart. To assist in the process, veno-muscular pumps in lower body apply upward pressure on veins to move it at an efficient pace, in the right direction. The ankle pump and calf muscle pump work together to finish this process. The efficiency of this process is directly proportional to the strength of your calves. If the calves are not strong, it may lead to blood clots, cramps or swelling in the lower leg. If the clot travels upwards, it can pose serious health issues. Thus, you need to pay attention to strengthening your calf muscles.

How to do it?

It can be done by doing the following exercises:

• Calf raises
• Lunges
• Toe walks
• Foot pumps

These exercises can also be done when you are busy watching television or working at your workstation. Once the calf muscles get stronger, the to and fro flow of blood in the body becomes smoother, aids in the fluid movement in the body and maintains circulatory system and heart health.

Remember

1) Please check with your health practitioner before commencing any of these exercises.

2) Do the suggestions at your own pace and discontinue if they make you uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Nature Cure aims at believing in getting the transformation from the inside so you can live a more joyous life. The methods mentioned above are simple yet effective for lymph flow in the body. They can be performed by you without any assistance or additional support. Include these activities in your daily routine and get closer to better health.

References

• https://wellnessmama.com/26717/dry-brushing-skin/
• https://yogainternational.com/article/view/5-reasons-for-daily-self-massage
• https://healthtide.com/calf-muscle-considered-second-heart/