Lymphedema Treatment! By Dr. Stephen Smith
Lymphedema therapy doesn't have to resort to surgical options right away. You can also cure lymphedema naturally to prevent it from progressing. Lymphedema is very common with cancer patients after radiation and can turn fatal if left to progress. Find out what is lymphedema and how it is treated with homeopathic medicine, massages, and exercises.
Lymphedema Therapy and Homeopathic Options
In this Article:
- What Is Lymphedema?
- Enzyme Defense
- Homeopathic Medicine
- Lymphatic Stagnation
- Lymphedema Massage
- Lymphedema Exercises
- Wrapping and Compression
- Skin Care Regimen
- Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
- Pneumatic Compression Devices
- Change of Lifestyle
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is the blockage of your lymphatic system, which causes swelling in your arms and legs. You can also experience such lymphedema symptoms anywhere on your body. The most common cause for this illness is cancer treatment due to the high radiation, which damages the immune system.
Enzyme Defense
One of the best proteolytic enzymes highly recommended is Enzyme Defense. The best time to take it is an hour after a meal. This is to make sure the enzyme consumes the particles blocking your lymphatic system and not your food. Additionally, take it 2-4 times a day and as you take it, you can increase the dosage or frequency.
Homeopathic Medicine
Aside from proteolytic enzymes, homeopathic lymphedema treatments can also help unblock your lymphatic system. You can also take these homeopathic medicines with the proteolytic enzyme. Taking them together can hasten the effectiveness and you can see improvement within 48 hours or 4 days.
Lymphatic Stagnation
Thanks to the Peddles of Cape Breton for their courage to share their struggles with #lymphedema with the public. https://t.co/KtkADIHPRl
— Lymphedema Depot (@LymphedemaDepot) May 9, 2018
The primary lymphedema cure most patients first turn to is detoxification. If your detoxification is making you sick, this is a common sign of lymphatic stagnation. Press around the base of your neck and feel for some swelling near the location of lymph nodes. This swelling is a sign of lymphatic stagnation.
Lymphedema Massage
Specialty lymphedema massages target blocked areas where your lymph nodes are swollen to allow a better flow of your lymphatic system. A lymphedema arm massage involves pulling your skin behind the elbow and pressing two fingers from your palms up to your shoulders. This helps break down thick particles in your system.
Lymphedema Exercises
The best exercises you can do are stretching and aerobic exercises for your upper extremity and weight loss. Try to also incorporate deep breathing into your exercises to further improve the flow of your system. However, it's better to consult your physician for a more suitable lymphedema home exercise program for you.
Wrapping and Compression
Because lymphedema is an accumulation of lymph fluid usually in your arms and legs, wrapping and compressing the affected areas helps reduce inflammation. You can use bandages or other compression garments to wrap around the affected body parts. This way, it allows the lymph fluid to drain from your extremities using pressure. Wrap the affected areas all the time, except during bath time.
Skin Care Regimen
Another lymphedema therapy you can practice is the skincare regimen. Lymphedema also affects the skin, so it’s also natural to give your attention to taking care of your skin health. This treatment aims to primarily clean the skin and moisturize it really well to get rid of the infection. Simply clean the skin of the affected areas with your bath soap and then, apply lotion or moisturizer after. Do this twice a day, in the morning and before you sleep.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
CDT is a complex decongestive therapy that is a combination of different treatment approaches, such as exercise, bandaging and compression, and manual lymphatic drainage. This treatment program can last from two weeks to three months, depending on the severity of the condition and how your body responds to the therapy. You may be advised by your physician to continue bandaging, compressing, and exercising at home.
Pneumatic Compression Devices
One lymphedema therapy you can also try is the pneumatic compression device. They help stimulate the lymphatic fluid flow, which can aid in lessening swelling in the affected body parts. These devices are pumps that insert pressure in your arms and legs. They have pads, inflatable sleeves, or vests connected to an external pump that creates the pressure in a timely manner.
Change of Lifestyle
Your doctor may recommend some additional things to avoid to not make lymphedema worse. You may be advised to avoid wearing tight clothing and shoes because these can worsen the symptoms. Tight clothes and shoes can constrict your arms and legs.
Your physician may also advise you to maintain a healthy weight while you're on treatment. Excess weight can contribute to swelling, especially in your legs. Reduction in sodium intake is also another precaution. Salt chiefly causes your body to accumulate fluid. Too much of it may worsen the symptoms.
Your doctor may also advise you to elevate the affected areas to reduce inflammation. If the inflammation occurs in your arms, you can rest them on a pillow above the level of your heart. If the infection is in your legs, you may elevate them when you lie down. If you're sitting down, make sure you're in a position that does not disrupt the circulation of the lymph fluid. So, do not cross your legs, and change position every 30 minutes.
Watch this quick video from Agape Nutrition as Dr. Stephen Smith talks about this lymphedema therapy:
Lymphedema can worsen and become fatal if left to progress on its own. But before you turn to drastic surgical options, try to cure lymphedema with these simple homeopathic options. Take proteolytic enzymes with homeopathic medicine specifically for your lymphatic system for faster results. Other options include lymphedema massages and exercises to boost the flow of your system.
Have you been diagnosed with lymphedema? Have you tried this lymphedema therapy? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below!
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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the nutritional products mentioned are intended to Diagnose, Treat, Cure or Prevent Any Disease.
Editor's Note - This post was originally published on May 29, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
