“Bouncing to Better Health!”
Fun Way To Lighten The Toxic Load On Your Body
So what’s the deal with toxins? Holistic healthcare professionals love to talk about them as do most fitness instructors, and since I fall into both categories, there was no doubt that I’d want to cover this topic. After all eliminating the toxic load on my body was pivotal to my recovery from an autoimmune condition, especially when I reached the point of no longer sweating. This was serious!
But first, what exactly are toxins?
A toxin is defined as a chemical or poison that is known to have harmful effects on our body.
It is virtually impossible to escape exposure to external toxins as they are everywhere, including:
- In the air from cars, planes, factories, and cleaning products
- In the water from oil spills, radiation leaks, trace pharmaceuticals, chlorine, and fluoride
- In our food from artificial food dyes and sugars, irradiation and processing, and GMOs
Additionally, toxins are created in our bodies when we are stressed!
All of these pollutants and chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis need to be cleaned out of the body, and this is where the lymphatic system comes into play.
The Lymphatic System and Toxins
When we are healthy, our body naturally removes toxins via the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels which are much like the veins in your body, and just as blood flows through your veins, lymph fluid flows through the lymphatic vessels, and movement of the body encourages circulation of these fluids. For example, when someone is bedridden for any length of time, leg sleeves are often prescribed to ensure that the blood continues to circulate in order to prevent blood clots. The lymphatic system works similarly.
As toxins build in your system, they must be removed or they will cause harm. The negative effects may be seen immediately, as in the case of direct poisoning, or more commonly, after years of accumulation.
The lymphatic system has been described as the sewer system of the body in that one of its functions is to remove waste and toxins from the body. If there is an overabundance of foreign or harmful substances in the body (i.e. toxins), the lymphatic system can become overwhelmed and have a negative effect on your energy levels, mood and immune system.
The lymphatic system is related to the circulatory system and plays a role in the production of white blood cells, and this should be considered a good thing. However, if the accumulation of toxins becomes overwhelming, and the lymphatic system must work overtime on a daily basis, the development of chronic inflammation will occur.
Further, if the body becomes a slave to fighting these toxins day in and day out, there will be less available resources to fight viral and bacterial infections causing a lowered immune system and/or the development of allergies that you did not have before.
Dr. Daniel Clark MD, Founder of BIOActive Nutritional, is one of many medical doctors now recognizing the importance of eliminating toxins from your body.
“With a regimen that cleanses the lymph system of toxins, I have seen countless patients recover from autoimmune diseases, cancer and chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis. I have cancer patients who are alive 19 years later because we worked on opening up the lymph system and restoring the immune system to proper functioning.”
Therefore it’s vital to keep the lymph fluid moving freely and smoothly!
But sadly, our society has become a sedentary culture so it is no wonder that we are plagued with so many “common” illnesses today.
So what can we do to move that Lymph?
Move your body and exercise! But is there one exercise that moves lymphatic fluid better than others?
Well, all types of exercise, including walking, act as a pump to efficiently move the lymph fluid, there is one that seems to reign supreme! Bouncing!
Bouncing gained popularity with the introduction of the rebounder which looks like a mini trampoline. The bouncing motion encourages a significant increase in lymph fluid circulation (up to five times more active) without added stress on joints, muscles, and tendons.
But first, it’s important to note a few things when you are trying to eliminate toxins from your body in this way:
- Extreme exercise can actually cause more toxins to be created internally. So although there is a time and place for more intensive exercise, if you are trying to detoxify it’s best to be gentle on your body.
- It is also important to make sure you are drinking enough water not only because it helps your body to eliminate toxins, but also because taking in more water has numerous amazing health effects!
- In some cases, as you begin to restore the flow of lymph fluid, you may experience what is known as a “healing reaction”. It is a normal response and often feels like mild cold symptoms, and should only last for a brief period.
“Get your bounce on!”
There are many options to help you “get your bounce on!”
Though the Rebounder can be a lot of fun, for some it can present a safety challenge. For most people, as long as you have something to hold onto, you should be fine. Other possible deterrents are the cost ($35 – $500) and space for the rebounder in your home.
If you choose this option, I’d recommend bouncing for 20 minutes per day.
An Exercise Ball is my personal favorite! They are inexpensive ($5 – $30), can be used for not only bouncing but also as a stability chair and for other core exercises.
When using the ball for bouncing, first make sure that you feel secure on the ball and that you don’t feel that you are in danger of falling off. You may want to hold onto a table or any object that offers a sense of security.
Using your legs and core, simply begin to bounce lightly. As you become more comfortable with the action there is no doubt you will begin to have fun with it! I don’t know what it is about exercise balls, but I always end up “bounce racing” with anyone near me – maybe you will out bounce your friends! Always remember that play, fun, and laughter are the best antidotes for a healthy heart and soul!
If you choose this option, I’d recommend bouncing for 20 – 30 minutes per day.
When I first added bouncing to my health recovery routine, I used an Elliptical Machine. This is a piece of equipment that can be found in most gyms and health clubs. If you choose to use the elliptical, remember that this is not meant to be a strenuous workout so the machine should be set to the easiest settings. You simply want to feel the bounce. If you experience any discomfort, then you are working too hard.
If you choose this option, I’d recommend bouncing 20- 30 minutes per day.
Lastly, if you have feet then you can bounce, standing or seated. If you are bouncing from a standing position you are also exercising your calves, so use caution. You can also use a step, curb or anything else that allows you to drop your heels below your toes. Once your heels are dropped, then rise up on your toes incorporating a quick slight bounce for 20-30 seconds. If you are seated, slightly lift your heels up and down for 20-30 seconds incorporating a quick slight bounce. Repeat up to 10 times.
It’s a great idea to keep track of how long you bounce and how often. Some days you may choose to bounce more than once and that is great!
Here are some questions to consider after you have been bouncing for a bit:
- What was your energy level before and after bouncing?
- Have you noticed any physical changes since beginning a bouncing routine?
- Have you noticed a difference in your mood since you began bouncing?
- Many people report improved digestion a few weeks after incorporating bouncing into their daily routine. Have you begun to notice a difference in your digestive system?
- Be honest, did the inner child in you come out a bit while bouncing? 🙂
- Did you experience this “healing reaction,” and if so, how long did it last?
- What do you find most rewarding about the practice of bouncing?
- How many different ways can you incorporate bouncing into your life?
is a board-certified Chiropractic Physician and Life Coach who also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology, and a minor in Medical Research. She is a life-long athlete who after curing herself 100% naturally from MS and anxiety, became an avid nutrition health researcher/promoter.
She has been featured in many Health magazines and has been a guest on radio talk shows in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. She is the author of Health Freedom Revolution: Exposing the Lies, Deceit and Greed of the Medical Profession, Founder of Online Holistic Health, and a contributing writer for other popular informative health website/blogs.
She is the host of Holistic Health Radio – where she discusses how she recovered her health as well as other hot health topics, and she is also co-founder of Crazy Meets Common Sense! – The Podcast that Makes Sense Out of the Crazy, to Help You Live a More Healthy, Fulfilling and Empowering Life!
