For the past ten or so years, the vibration plate (VP) has been gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious people. Often referred to as the body vibration machine or the vibration platform, this unique piece of equipment has been linked to numerous benefits. According to the scientific evidence, the regular use of the VP leads to stronger muscles, denser bones, better circulation, boosted immunity, and reduced body fat.
But the list of health benefits does not end there. Apart from the abovementioned pros, the vibration plate has also been linked to accelerated physical recovery, reduced chronic pain and active aging. In this article however, we are going to focus on another possible health aspect of the fitness apparatus, namely the use of the vibration plate for lymphatic drainage. But before that, let’s learn a bit more about the machine itself.
What is the vibration plate?
The vibration plate is a type of fitness equipment that produces high frequency vibrations, usually within the range of 5 – 35 Hz. Known also as mechanical oscillations, these vibrations travel through the body, improving more or less every part of it. Ever since NASA implemented the machine in its space program in the early 1960’s, the VP has become subject to a large number of scientific studies, with pretty positive results.
One of the biggest advantages of the vibration plate is its convenience and faster results. The equipment requires only 15 – 20 minutes of your daily time, 3 – 4 times a week. Thanks to the technology behind it, you can achieve your fitness goals in less time and with less effort. Whether you want to lose weight, increase your muscle power or strengthen your bones, the whole body vibration machine is at your disposal.
What are the health benefits of the vibration plate?
The vibration platform offers high intensity low impact exercise, known as whole-body vibration (WBV). The high frequency vibrations that are produced by the plate stimulate the muscles to contract at a greater rate. The regular use of the equipment has been linked to a vast range of health benefits. The machine helps you build stronger muscles, increases the density of your bones, improves your blood circulation, aids physical recovery, fights cellulite, reduces chronic back pain and decreases your overall body fat percentage.
The vibrating plate is suitable for use by fitness enthusiasts, professional sports athletes, people with certain disabilities, and everyone else who wants to raise his or her overall health. Some of the most prominent benefits of the VP include:
- Improved blood circulation and oxygen supply
- Stronger muscles and denser bones
- Higher energy levels and muscle tone
- Reduced stress levels and anxiety
- Faster physical and injury recovery
- Reduced back and spine chronic pain
- Improved balance, flexibility and coordination
- Decreased BMI and body fat percentage
- Boosted immune function
What is lymphatic drainage?
The human body consists of various systems, each with its unique functionality. Most of you have heard of the cardiovascular system, the skeletal system, or the nervous system. These are popular and we read about them often. Another vital but less popular system is the lymphoid system (LS). It is as important as the blood or immune system but somehow it stays in their shadows.
The LS consists of a complex network of vessels, nodes and lymph and is linked to the immune system. The lymph is a type of liquid that flows through the lymphatic vessels scavenging bacteria and pathogens in the body and taking them to the lymph nodes for destruction. Unfortunately, it lacks its own pumping mechanism, therefore it relies heavily on the proper functioning of other organs and tissues.
Due to unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity and harmful lifestyle habits, the amount of toxins and pathogens in the lymphoid system may rise above the safety levels. This, in its turn, may clog up the LS and lead to a number of pathological conditions, such as IBS, weak immunity, multiple sclerosis, and obesity. In such circumstances, the health specialists recommend the vibration plate for lymphatic drainage.
The lymphatic drainage helps relieve the symptoms of:
- Lymphedema – the upper and lower limbs swelling;
- Rheumatoid arthritis – a pathological condition that is characterized by painful joints, and swollen tissues;
- Chronic venous insufficiency – abnormal vein functioning in the lower part of the body that makes it difficult for the blood to travel back up to the heart;
- Obesity – lymphatic drainage aids blood circulation, accelerates the fat burning rate and helps the body flush out the excess water.
Can you use the vibration plate for lymphatic drainage?
The lymphoid system acts like a body filter letting vital nutrients pass into the bloodstream and flushing out the harmful toxins. It is interconnected with the immune system, meaning that the impaired function of the LS leads to decreased immunity and higher chance of getting ill. This is why we should make sure we keep our lymphoid system in a pristine condition.
According to this article on Hypervibe.com you can use the vibration plate for lymphatic drainage. It has been proven that the high frequency vibrations that are emitted by the vibrating plate promote better blood circulation and faster muscle tissue contractions. As a result, the harmful pathogens and toxins that have been collected by the lymph fluid are taken to the nodes and destroyed quicker.
Scientists have discovered that the best way to promote lymphatic drainage is by increasing the energy levels of the body and accelerating muscle fiber contraction. As we already know, the vibration plate is one of the best fitness machines for achieving this. The higher frequency of the mechanical oscillations pass through the neuromuscular system and promote the muscles to contract at rates that are up to 50 times faster than the rates achieved by conventional exercise.
Conclusion
The health and wellbeing of your body is highly dependent on the lymphoid system. Thanks to it, your cells get vital nutrients and are protected from the harmful effect of pathogens and toxins. For that reason, it is very important to keep your LS in an optimal condition, which is best achieved by exercise and healthy eating.
Among the easiest and least dangerous ways of maintaining a high level of physical activity is by the use of the vibration plate. 15 – 20 minutes a day, 3 – 4 days a week are perfectly enough for that. A healthy lymphatic system means a healthy immune function which means a healthier you.