For 19 years, Marika von Viczay N.M.D., Ph.D. has been researching the lymphatic system with a special focus on preventing breast cancer and supporting breast health. She is a certified and licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor and Holistic Practitioner. In the early 1980s, Dr. Marika came to the conclusion that the missing link in healthcare was the treatment of the lymphatic system. However, when she looked for this type of treatment she discovered there was nothing available! Over the years she has conducted extensive clinical research concerning this system and has developed a unique non-invasive method to open it up called Light Emission Therapy”. She observes that an excess buildup of toxins in the lymphatic system affects our health in many harmful ways, from cancer to cellulite.

We asked Dr. Marika to tell us more about the lymphatic system and it’s role in health, especially breast cancer.

NLJ: Tell us about the role of the lymphatic system in health and why conventional medicine has largely ignored it.

Dr. Marika: Medical science is fully aware of the importance of the lymph system in health care, but for many years, there was no known treatment for it. Lymphatic massage has been around since the late 1800s and has gained popularity around the world including in this country, however it has some limitations. It should never be used in the presence of cancer. I believe the best lymphatic treatment is to break up the excess buildup of toxins in the lymphatic system and enable enhanced lymphatic circulation. This allows the strengthening of immune function and, as such, can be effectively used to assist in the correction of a variety of disorders and most importantly, help to prevent their occurrences.
The importance of the lymphatic system should not be underestimated. Its major function is to carry out waste from the human system and to a certain degree it is also responsible for absorption of nutrients. Lymph vessels are present through the whole body including the organs, however the major percentage of lymph vessels are located in the epidermis and as such, are responsive to anything you put on the skin, as well as environmental pollution.

NLJ: What issues contribute to toxicity in the lymphatic system?

Dr. Marika: The small intestine, which is responsible for the absorption of nutrients and other substances ingested, can become congested with waste and can create excess lymph production further adding to the toxic level. The lymph circulation, except for the head, flows upward and dumps lymph back into the system just behind collarbone. Lymph fluid, when circulation is optimum, is like a clear liquid. As it becomes more and more toxic, it will thicken resulting in a slow down in circulation making the human system more and more toxic as time goes on. This results in a lack of proper oxygenation in the body. When it comes to the human system that is oxygen deprived to whatever degree, the body is not able to defend itself and cellular degeneration can result.

NLJ: What is the lymphatic system’s role in breast cancer?

Dr. Marika: When it comes to undesirable breast conditions, there appears to be an excess of accumulated lymph fluid creating an undesirable environment within which problems can develop. When lymph fluid production due to internal and/or external toxicity is more than the body can eliminate, congestion occurs like a traffic jam. There can be many contributing factors in developing undesirable breast conditions. Among them are certain bras (constricting circulation), lack of proper exercise, low self-esteem (breasts are to a certain point associated with will power and the “I am”-ness of a woman), post-lactation congestion, small intestine problems, fear due to external stressors, and general mental overload that creates fear.

NLJ: What self-care habits can women cultivate at home to reduce the load on the lymphatic system?

Dr. Marika: There are a few beneficial practices you can do to help your circulation: dry brushing (gentle circular brushing upward following the lymph path) before your shower or bath; eliminate pore plugging creams and ointments; when you can, do not wear constricting bras; stretch, moderate exercise; increase your “good” water intake and be self expressive (there is always a nice way to express yourself to avoid suppression).

NLJ: What are effective treatments for the lymphatic system?

Dr. Marika: Conventional breast cancer prevention at present is a diagnostic procedure but it is not a treatment for prevention. One therapy consists of removing the major “traffic jams” using Light Emission Therapy. After you have unblocked congested areas, then you can use the trampoline (with a maximum time of fifteen minutes a day) to continue maintenance. Regular massage or special lymphatic massage helps to enhance lymph circulation along with vascular circulation, providing there is no danger of cancer. Laughter is good medicine. It will not put wrinkles on your face either!

Dr. Marika von Viczay is member of the New York Academy of Science, the American Naturopathic Medical Association, the International Society of Lymphology, & the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, among others. Contact her at 828-253-8371 or visit www.lymphdetox.com

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