At Healing Arts we help people detox, removing toxins from their body, while supporting their body with the right nutrition for better health. In doing this, one of our main concerns is to make sure the lymphatic system of the body is moving toxins through effectively. If the lymphatic system slows down then toxins get backed up causing all sorts of problems in the body.
The lymphatic system is composed of vessels throughout the whole body that carry lymph fluid through lymph nodes and particular organs and then through more vessels in order for the lymph to be dumped and recirculated into the blood stream at the collar bones. Unlike blood vessels which have a heart to pump blood, lymphatic vessels don't have a pump to move lymph. Lymph moves by contraction of your muscles. That is why exercise is important for detox among other things.
If the lymph gets backed up and toxins cannot be moved through the body to be detoxed headaches, brain fog, fatigue, mucus in the morning, recurrent sore throats, frequent colds, constipation, unable to lose weight, joint stiffness in the morning, sore breasts, itchy skin and more can occur. These toxins can literally reek havoc in all sorts of ways.
To help the lymphatic system not get backed up with toxins dry brushing, oil pulling, and foot detox bath all help with the lymph and so does a lymphatic therapy session.
Lymphatic therapy aims to improve the efficiency of not only your lymphatic system but also your circulatory system. By dropping the volume of retained fluid and the pressure this special type of treatment can also reduce the risk of impeded circulation. Lymphatic drainage therapy has the potential to improve your immunity and is really beneficial post-surgeries and postpartum. Dr. Armitstead loved getting lymphatic therapy after delivering her daughters to help with recovery postpartum.
We use the Lymphstar Pro Fusion machine which is an electronic instrument that is amazing at moving the lymph at a deep level. It uses low grade electrons to move the lymph and also improve microcirculation and general circulation by the massage therapist running bulbs across the skin. When the glass bulbs sticks to the skin there is lymphatic congestion and when the glass bulb smoothly glides over the skin there is no congestion. If the bulb sticks to your skin then the massage therapist slowly goes over the area until it no longer sticks. There are only a handful of these Lymphstar Pro Fusion machines in NYC and we are so happy to have one to give patients amazing results.
Lymphatic Therapy Is Beneficial For:
- Cellulite fat accumulation
- Pre-Post Surgery Swelling
- Lymphoedema
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Swollen legs or arms due to fluid retention
- Hormonal & emotional imbalances
- Breast tenderness & congestion
- Post-mastectomy or breast cancer treatment
- Fibromyalgia & Lupus
- Depression & Anxiety
- Recurrent infections
Healing Arts offers 30 min and 75 min lymphatic therapy sessions to increase the lymphatic flow and circulation that is needed to help heal the body. John Montalto will guide you through the session and follow up sessions as needed.
Eating strategically to keep blood sugar steady throughout the day can help to keep fatigue at bay. Every cell in the human body relies on sugar (glucose) for energy. When blood sugar rises, the body produces insulin to attach to glucose that is out in the blood stream and gets it into cells. When blood sugar drops, the body secretes different hormones to raise it. In this way, our blood-sugar and hormone levels are in constant flux, ensuring our cells’ access to glucose. But drastic swings in blood sugar levels zap us of energy, leading to lethargy and fatigue.
To help stabilize blood sugar and not get sugar highs and lows it is about the quality of the nutrients we ingest, not just the amount that matters. Eating this way will also prevent or help diabetes. While imperfect, the Glycemic Index can be useful for characterizing the nutritional quality of a given carbohydrate.
The Glycemic Index (GI) ranks carbohydrate-containing foods (and beverages) on a scale from 0 to 100 according to their potential to boost blood sugar. High GI foods cause sharp spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Foods with a low GI are generally digested and absorbed more slowly, and therefore cause a gentler rise in blood sugar and insulin. See how different carbohydrates stack up on this Glycemic Index Reference Chart.
High GI foods include starchy vegetables and highly processed carbohydrates (think: fruit juices, chips, white bread) – in short, the ones we already know aren’t beneficial for our health. By contrast, low GI foods tend to be fiber-rich fruits, non-starchy vegetables, legumes and minimally or un-processed whole grains.
We help people make deliberate adjustments to their diet to stabilize their blood sugar levels and get their energy back.
1. Incorporate low glycemic index foods into your diet
After being muscle tested and figuring out what foods your body does well with the next step is to reduce your intake of high GI foods in favor of whole fruits, vegetables, legumes and minimally processed grains. Try substituting steel-cut oatmeal for instant and beans for potatoes. Or, if you’re having a high GI food – say, cornflakes or instant oatmeal – throw in a handful of berries to reduce its glycemic load. The top 10 foods to help with blood sugar are:
- coconut
- turmeric
- cinnamon
- raw chocolate
- green tea
- apple cider vinegar
- avocados
- lemons and limes
- olives and olive oil
- grass-fed butter
2. Add protein to meals and snacks
Because protein slows the body’s absorption of carbohydrates, it helps level out blood sugar. Fish, lean meat, beans, and eggs are all healthy protein sources. To incorporate more protein in your diet, top your salad with a hard-boiled egg or blend a little protein powder into your morning smoothie (Kachava protein powder is one of my favorites).
3. Be prepared
Healthy snacks help stabilize blood sugar between meals. Plan ahead to ensure you have access to healthy snacks when you need them. An apple, a handful of nuts or a cup of plain coconut yogurt are all easy to have on hand, and portable for when you’re on the go.
A diet that’s rich in whole grains, lean protein, and fibrous fruits and vegetables is useful for fighting fatigue and may also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, all of which help you live well. How have you found different foods affect your energy levels? Consider when logging your diet making notes about how you feel after eating and between meals. Let your experiences help guide us to help you to make healthy modifications to your diet.
