What do you think of when you think of February? Maybe you think of Valentine’s Day or past Presidents or Black History Month. Maybe you just think of winter and snow. Any of those would be reasonable and understandable. However, did anyone think of cleansing??? Yes, I said cleansing. Interestingly, the word February comes from the Latin word februa, which means “to cleanse.” February was named after the Roman Februalia, which was a month-long festival of purification and atonement that took place at this time of year a long, long time ago (700s BC.)
Here’s an AMAZING fact: our bodies are constantly working to “cleanse us” from the inside out (not just in February)!!! That’s right, your body has multiple systems constantly in play to keep you in tip top shape. Our kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, and skin, not to mention the digestive system as a whole, are all working hard every day to process all of the substances that come into the body and to expel toxins that the body doesn’t need or that could be harmful.
Especially important in this cleansing routine is your lymph system which is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, wastes, and other unwanted materials. The lymph system consists of vessels or tubes that connect to lymph nodes where the lymph gets filtered. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus are all parts of the lymphatic system and play a significant role in keeping you healthy.
Your lymph system is like a tissue cleansing river. Fresh, clean, nutrient-rich fluid pours into all the tissues and cells. Your cells absorb oxygen & nutrients from the fluid and then secrete waste back into it. Lymph fluid is then drawn back into the blood carrying carbon dioxide, acids, and other waste products to be filtered out by the lymph nodes and spleen as well as the lungs and kidneys. It’s like your whole body taking a shower on the inside. AMAZING!!
If the lymph nodes or spleen detect any dangerous bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms in the fluid they create white blood cells (called lymphocytes) that function as defenders against the invaders. The white blood cells make antibodies to kill the foreign microorganisms and stop infections from spreading. In other words, you are your own SUPERHERO!!! How AMAZING is that!?!
Your tonsils are large clusters of lymphatic cells found in your throat that function as your body’s first line of defense. Because of their location, they are amongst the first tissues to encounter any bacteria or viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose. However, the work they do makes them susceptible to infection. While tonsillectomies are performed far less frequently today than they were decades ago, they are still amongst the most common operations performed today. Sadly, it’s like removing the self-cleaning element in your selfcleaning oven.
Your body is AMAZING! It’s not a mistake; it was designed that way. You are meant to be extraordinary. Your job is to keep your body functioning as optimally as possible throughout your entire lifetime. Chiropractic can help you with that so you can be spick and span inside and out. Happy February!!!
—By Judy Nutz Campanale, DC, ACP
