March 2003
The truth is, I’m a die-hard lymphologist and after studying and experiencing its double-bounce effect, I don’t need yoga or gym exercises
DURING MY YEARS IN THE UNITED STATES of America when my newborn son augmented my research into nutrition to keep him naturally healthy, I chanced upon Dr.C. Samuel West — chemist, naturopath and lymphologist. Fascinated by his knowledge, I studied under him to become a qualified lymphologist.
At the time I was awarded my diploma I had to give an assurance that I would use my lymphasizer for at least 15 minutes everyday. And all the times I have kept my word, I have to admit that lymphasizing has kept me free of any and all ailments. Of late even my occasional colds have stopped bothering me, though it would be an exaggeration to ascribe my well-being entirely to lymphasizing. Other best practices for health maintenance and development have also helped.
Firstly, my instincts and taste buds have naturally prompted me to shun fast-track lifestyles in favour of simple basics in accord with nature. Second, I make it a point to take in plenty of sunshine and swim in the warmer months (what’s great about lymphasizing, come rain or shine you don’t need to stop, no special gear or travel needed and even 15 minutes are enough to experience the energy). Third, I go through my day wholly aware of the importance of earning divine grace and philosophising that everything happens for the best.
As a consequence I’ve finally achieved a balanced life with good health and high energy levels as my rewards. In fact at a family get-together recently, an uncle of mine was prompted to enquire into the secret of my looking younger everytime he sees me!
As a nutritionist I’m always being asked whether I am a yoga exponent or a gym enthusiast. The truth is, I’m a die-hard lymphologist and after studying and experiencing its double-bounce effect, I don’t need yoga or gym exercises. Just as well, because I have seen too many people suffer the ill effects of aerobic exercises with joint problems, yoga with improper postures, and gym exercises resulting in pulled ligaments that create pain and other problems.
Without further negating the benefits of different types of formal exercise, here are some hard facts about how lymphasizing works. This may read like a school science manual but I think you’ll find it worthwhile.
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM IS SOMETIMES REFERRED TO as our second circulatory system or white blood stream. Unlike the blood stream which carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells, the lymph system transports waste, excess fluids and other materials away from our cells. This material is dumped back into the bloodstream at the base of the neck after purifying the fluid and destroying any harmful bacteria, viruses or waste products.
Most people have experienced the swelling of lymph glands in various parts of the body in the case of an infection.
Sometimes these form a head and the body uses this to drain collected toxins. This is the amazing lymphatic system working to fight infection and keep us healthy. It is the lymphatic system that helps produce antibodies and calls the white blood cells to action when viruses and toxins invade the body.
Most important of all, the lymphatic system can carry plasma proteins and large particulate matter away from the tissue spaces, neither of which can be removed by absorption directly into the blood capillary. The removal of plasma proteins from the interstitial spaces is a vital function, without which we would not survive for even 24 hours.
The best way to keep the blood proteins circulating in the body via the lymphatic system is to use a lymphasizer/rebounder/trampoline for 15 minutes everyday, progressing from light movement to heavy jumping, depending on one’s need. Not only is this simple, it’s fun too. We have all experienced the rebound effect in a rocking chair or a swing. Infants in particular love being rocked and often cry to be carried. Children also tend to relentlessly jump on sofas and beds when they’ve consumed too much sugar. These activities are natural instincts making sure the double-bounce effect keeps our lymphs cleansed.
EVEN PEOPLE WHO CANNOT JUMP CAN BENEFIT BY sitting on a lymphasizer/rebounder while someone else does the jumping. Within a week they are likely to experience a phenomenal difference, especially if simple cross-crawl techniques are employed. Lypmhasizing provides stimulation to the neuromuscular system which can’t be matched by any other exercise. Because of alternating weightlessness and increased gravitational pull every single cell, organ and muscle is exercised.
Weight correction is the most minor of its benefits. Lymphasizing is refreshing aerobics activity with none of the joints-jarring shocks experienced by pounding hard surfaces, a fate suffered by joggers (human beings were meant to walk/run on grass/sand or soft earth, not cemented paths which are now de rigueur in parks and aerobics classes). Lymphasizing strengthens the heart, aids metabolism, enhances digestion and waste elimination, builds muscles, corrects poor vision, improves overall coordination, body posture and alignment, strengthens joints, and restores flexibility to the neck, hips, knees, ankles and back.
All this in addition to keeping you free of pain, reversing injury and infusing vital energy and vitality back into your life. So much gain for just 15 minutes per day. Nothing short of a miracle, in my opinion. And all you need is a three-foot trampoline that can disappear under the bed or become a seat (with a cushion on it) when not being trampled upon.
For anyone wanting to know more about this fabulous science, read Dr. West’s book, The Golden Seven Plus One. It’s so terrific that the several copies I had, were borrowed and never returned — the fate of all good books.