Many of you may be wondering what the heck a "herx" is. It's a shortened name for the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction, which is when the body has an adverse reaction to toxins released by bacteria or parasites that are killed by antibiotics or other methods of treatment. [1]
Often, in response to a prolific die-off of bacteria (or yeast or other parasites) the body can become inflamed and fatigued. Many people say it can feel as bad or worse than the original infection. This can manifest as headaches, joint pain, brain fog, swelling and fluid retention, muscle aches, fatigue and heaviness, and bloating. As the body eliminates the debris and buildup of dead bacteria, you begin to feel better.
This is where lymphatic drainage comes in. Lymphatic drainage essentially gives a turbo boost to the processes of elimination and detoxification. The lymphatic system is responsible for absorbing and carrying away (to the organs of elimination) waste, cell debris, fluid, proteins, and most other substances that hang out in the space between your cells. By stimulating the lymphatic system, we can absorb, filter, and eliminate this fluid and waste more efficiently. To do this, a lymphatic drainage practitioner will use rhythmic, pumping movements to mimic the rhythm of the lymphatic system, while following the direction of the lymphatic pathways.
I've had the chance to work with clients experiencing herx reactions, and each of them have found relief from their symptoms- including swelling, pain, brain fog and inflammation- as a result. It helps people make it through their herx and get back on their feet more quickly.
Anyone using antibiotics or treating disease or illness could experience a herx. It can be especially common in people with certain chronic conditions, such as SIBO and chronic Lyme disease and its co-infections.
If you are experiencing herx symptoms- whether it is a fairly common occurrence due to a chronic condition you are treating, or it's a one-time experience after treatment of a bug- lymphatic drainage can help you get relief more quickly.
To schedule a lymphatic drainage session, you can visit my scheduling page here.
Sources:
[1]: Global Lyme Alliance: What does it mean to Herx? https://globallymealliance.org/what-does-it-mean-to-herx/