The lymphatic system plays a critical role in the health of the body. Among its duties is to assist in the removal of waste products from cellular breakdown.

In polymyositis, the muscle cells break down at an accelerated rate, causing an increased load on the lymphatic system. If extra morbid matter builds up in the intracellulat space, the already inflamed immune system and overabundant infiltration of lymphocytes may be increaseingly provoked. By keeping the lymphatic system clear one hopes to minimise the build of of toxins from the muscle breakdown, and reduce collateral damage.

Much of the lymph and morbid material that is moved out of the body is emptied into the alimentary canal,  As swollowing is also often an issue with PM patients, keeping the throat as clean and unburdened as possible may keep the swollowing problem from being compounded by excessive mucus or lymphatic discharges.

Lymphatic Drainage

A variety of lymphatic drainage systems are available, both manual and mechanical. Although some are probably better than others, I am not sure that which one is used is as important as starting to get it moving by whatever means you find is effective.

A rebounder is very helpful for getting lymph moving, but may be too difficult for some patients, even if a grab bar is provided. Blowing up a balloon repeatedly gets the lymph moving in the upper body.

Some people have reported using a Light Beam Generator to help keep the lymph fluid, and combining this with manual drainage techniques. Most communities have services offering lymphatic drainage. Although lymphatic drainage is gentle and benign, any patients using lymphatic drainage as a disease therapy should do so only under the guidance of their physician.

Of course, increasing your liquid intake of clean water to the reccommended amount for your body weight is also very important, as proper hydration helps the body deal with a sluggish lymphatic system.

Other lymphatic cleansing techniques can include diaphoretic herbs, steam saunas, and dry skin brushing. The sauna should be used only carefully, and not at severe heat, as polymyositis appears to be an inflammatory disease, and excessive heat may exasperate the condition. The dry skin brushing can be done regularly. Twice a day is good.

Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase is a natural enzyme that is very useful in clearing the lymphatic system.  Originally produced by silk worms, it is now grown in commercial quantities and available in capsules at most health food stores.

It thins the mucus, and dissolves morbid matter in the intra-cellular matrix.  60,000 units morning and night will have a major beneficial effect in helping clear morbid matter and byproducts of ROS from the lymphatic system.  It takes 2-3 weeks of regular use to obtain full effect.  As it is an enzyme, take it on an empty stomach, and wait 30-40 minutes before eating.