Lymphatic System & the Yogic Diet Flashcards
What are the 3 primary functions of the lymphatic system?
- Draining interstitial fluid (in-betweens fluid) by directing it into the lymph vessels and turning it into lymph
- Transports dietary lipids or fats to the blood for absorption
- Facilitates immune response to specific abnormal cells and responding to them with T cells and B cells.
What does the thoracic duct do?
Collects filtered out lymph from the lower and upper body draining it into the blood stream.
What is the location and function of the thymus gland?
Located behind the sternum and its function is the production of T cells and production and secretion of thymosin which control T cell activity.
What is the location and function of the spleen?
Located on left side between stomach and diaphragm. It protects the body by learning out worn blood cells and foreign bodies from the bloodstream to fight infection.
How does asana increase the function of the lymphatic and immune systems?
- Increases blood and lymph flow around the body aiding in the exchange of nutrients and waste
- Inversions use the gradational pump to return filtered lymph to thoracic duct for circulation
- Stimulates the organs on the lymphatic system which mature T & B cells which fight pathogens in the body.
How does pranayama increase the function of the lymphatic and immune systems?
- The respiratory and muscular pumps associated with breathing pump the lymph around the body at a more accelerated rate
- Increases the cleansing process of lymph at 15 times the normal rate
- Soothes the nervous system which allows the lymphatic system to be running at full capacity
How does bandha increase the function of the lymphatic and immune systems?
Helps the flow of lymph back to the thoracic duct through the activation of mula and jalandara bandhas
What is a sattvic diet?
The purest diet. Nourishes the body and calms and purifies the mind to function optimally. Gives the body energy straight away and is not too stressful on digestion.
What are examples of sattvic foods and drinks?
Cereals, wholemeal bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, butter, cheese, nuts, seeds, honey and herbal tea.
What is rajasic diet?
Hot, bitter, sour, dry or salty foods. Tendency to upset the body/mind equilibrium by feeding the body at the expense of the mind. They are overstimulating and can lead to a restless mind.
What are examples of rajasic foods and drinks?
Hot substances like chilli, stimulants like black tea and coffee, fish eggs, salt and chocolate.
What is a tamasic diet?
Does not benefit the mind or the body. Depletes prana and make the mind cloudy.
What are examples of tamasic foods and drinks?
Meat, alcohol, Tabaco, onions, garlic and fermented foods.
What is the yogic concept of vegetarianism?
Began in the vedic era where texts like the Vedas alluded to a sense of oneness of creation which set the platform for vegetarianism. The Upanishads referred to the rebirth of all creations with Gods sometimes taking animal forms. We also practice the yama of ahimsa which means violence is not tolerated.
What are prana rich foods?
Bright in colour, nutrient-dense, derived from healthy plants, raw or lightly cooked. As close to their natural source as possible.
