Ayurveda considers the lymphatic system to be the most important system in the body.

The Lymphatic System in Ayurvedic Medicine: the Water of Life

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the 5,000 year-old traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing to achieve this equilibrium. More than just a system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge). It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vibrant and healthy while realising their full human potential.

Ayurveda and the lymphatic system

Ayurveda considers the lymphatic system to be the most important system in the body, referring to lymph as ‘Rasa’ or ‘water of life’. It is the primary focus when treating any condition.

In Ayurvedic medicine, it is taught that when the rasa is not flowing freely, the mucus membranes – an important part of our physical immune system – become dry, losing their ability to resist disease; the skin becomes dry and rough; the digestive system becomes congested and constipation results and the mind becomes ‘cloudy’.

This corresponds with the latest thinking in western medicine that has identified a range of symptoms that can be indications that our lymph is not flowing freely or working effectively:

• Decreased immune function (i.e. colds and flu; repeated infections of the ears, nose and throat)
• Blocked sinuses
• Skin outbreaks including rashes
• Stiff joints
• Bloating, gas and constipation
• Acid reflux or indigestion
• Difficulty losing weight
• Lack of concentration
• Frequent mood swings, including anxiety and depression
• Headaches
• Disturbed sleep
• Fatigue, low energy and/or exhaustion

Improving lymphatic flow can be achieved by increasing movement through exercise – as movement is the natural pumping system for the lymph – practising deep-breathing techniques, keeping well-hydrated, dry skin brushing to stimulate the superficial lymphatics, good nutrition and of course lymphatic drainage massage.

The Body Ballancer is unrivalled when it comes to providing consistent, high-quality lymphatic massage and has been clinically proven to be up to 60 times more effective than a manual lymphatic massage. The fluent compression strokes provide a gentle, consistent wave-like massage to the treated areas, increasing circulation and helping remove waste and toxins from the body whilst promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.

Go to our Where to Find Us pages to locate your nearest clinic or spa.