Many of the diseases that affect us today like chronic pain, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, asthma, IBS, insomnia even cancer have a common contributing factor which is lack of circulation. When your circulation becomes limited, your cells become damaged from acidic cellular waste building in and around them. As acid waste builds in an area it becomes more acidic and damaging to the body, creating a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria and many diseases.

One of the most important steps you can take to improve your energy and health is moving blood through the body to increase your circulation on a daily basis. Too often we do a lot of sitting. We sit while commuting to and from work and then sit for hours at work. At home we sit in front of the TV or computer for hours. Since I started writing for a living I sit for most of the day in front of the computer. At the beginning I didn’t realize how important my posture was in keeping my circulation moving. At one point while writing my book An Undetected Acid-Alkaline Imbalance my lower body (my abdomen and legs) broke out in a bad rash.

Immediately I realized I had been slouching for months while writing, sometimes 12 hours a day, which was slowing the circulation in my lower body. During the day I did try jumping on a rebounder or taking a walk, but it wasn't enough. I decided then that I needed to find a way to improve my circulation that was easy and convenient, something I could do often throughout the day. Understanding the lymphatic system I decided to use the lymph nodes in my abdomen, chest and neck to improve my circulation.

Overall there can be between 400 to 700 lymph nodes in the body, almost half of your lymph nodes are in your abdomen and neck. When you do a crunch you are helping to pump hundreds of lymph nodes that help to propel lymph and fluid through your body. While doing a crunch you also are stimulating the lymph nodes in the chest and neck. If you haven't been exercising or have pain a crunch is an easy way to start moving blood through your body. When doing a crunch be aware of any bulging in the abdomen, as you exert pressure you may notice a bulging which may be a hernia that you were unaware of. Mention this to your doctor next time you see him.

A crunch is very simple to do, lie flat on the floor and bring your knees up and place your heels of your feet about a foot from your buttocks. Cross your arms over your chest with your hands ending up on alternate shoulders. Slightly raise your head and then shoulders off the ground, then lower back to the ground and repeat. If you have never tried a crunch it is easy on the body and I have taught many seniors and those with health problems how to do this because it helps to move lymph and blood so well. Crunches also strengthens muscles in the abdomen and upper body helping your posture. When starting out try to do 3 sets of 5-10 crunches and overtime add more as you become stronger. You will quickly see and feel how your body begins to change as you begin to contract your muscles and activate lymph flow.

Copyright © 2010 John Ossipinsky