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| - Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
One particular post on Instagram claims to cure heart blockages through elbow tapping or lymphatic tapping. However, after conducting a fact check, we determined this claim to be false.
The Claim
A post shared on Instagram claims to cure heart blockages through elbow tapping (Lymphatic tapping or Lymphatic drainage).
Fact Check
Social media is full of posts offering advice on health conditions, especially those related to the heart. This saturation of information makes individuals vulnerable to trusting any health-related content they find online.
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system comprises vessels and organs beneath the skin, and is necessary for maintaining a healthy immune system. It functions similar to a garbage disposal, carrying out waste and bacteria filtration within the body.
The lymphatic system includes various components vital for immune function. Bone marrow, found within bones, produces blood cells. The thymus, situated in the chest, facilitates the maturation of immune T cells. Tonsils and adenoids, located in the throat and nasal cavity, capture germs from ingested food and inhaled air. The spleen, positioned beneath the ribs and above the stomach, filters out old or damaged blood cells. Lymph nodes, found in the neck, armpits, and groin, serve to filter viruses and bacteria from lymph fluid as it passes through them. Additionally, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), lining areas such as the tonsils, airways, small intestine, and appendix, helps in germ detection and elimination.
What is lymphatic tapping or lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic tapping, also known as lymphatic drainage, is a gentle massage technique to stimulate the lymphatic system. During lymphatic tapping, a trained therapist applies light pressure and rhythmic movements to specific areas of the body where lymph nodes are located. This encourages the movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic vessels, helping in the elimination of toxins and waste products.
The benefits of lymphatic tapping include reducing swelling, improving circulation, and supporting immune function. It improves the quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. It can also help with conditions such as lymphedema, which involves the buildup of fluid in certain parts of the body.
Can elbow tapping really cure heart blockages?
No, elbow tapping cannot cure heart blockages. We did reverse image search to identify the person in the video when it was first shared. We found out the person is Chunyi Lin, he shared it on Facebook on June 9, 2019. He has 108,000 followers. The video features heart health techniques titled “How can you enhance your heart’s circulation and protect your heart?” However, our Google search did not yield any credible medical reports supporting the effectiveness of these techniques for treating heart problems.
Here is a screenshot of the original video:
Lymphatic tapping, while beneficial for promoting overall health and supporting the lymphatic system, is not a treatment for heart blockages. Heart blockages, caused by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, require specific medical interventions. These approaches improve blood flow to the heart. We found no published research papers supporting the claim of lymphatic tapping being able to cure heart blockages. In fact, during our research we found that people with heart diseases or blood clot disorders should not go for lymphatic drainage.
It’s important for individuals with heart-related concerns to consult with a cardiologist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment options.
What do the experts say?
We sought valuable insights from Dr Anusha Dewan, a General Physician at Jeevan Anmol Hospital in New Delhi. According to her, “It’s important to understand that home remedies should not be seen as replacements for scientifically proven treatments. While some home remedies may offer health benefits, they should not be relied upon solely for addressing conditions like hypertension or arterial blockages. Unlike pharma drugs, home remedies do not undergo the same rigorous testing and regulation. This leads to variations in their effectiveness and safety.”
We also interviewed Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, a General Physician from Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi for his expertise. He says, “In addressing the claim that lymphatic drainage can cure heart blockages, it is essential to clarify that this is false. There is no evidence to support the idea that hand or elbow exercises can cure heart blockages. In fact, lymphatic drainage is generally not recommended for individuals suffering from heart disease, kidney disease, or cellulitis. Always seek advice from a medical professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.”
What does heart blockage mean?
Heart blockage here refers to blocked arteries (coronary artery disease). Coronary artery blockage happens when the coronary arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, get partially or completely blocked. This blockage occurs due to plaque buildup made of cholesterol, fat, and other substances on the artery walls. As plaque accumulates, it narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart.
Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and in severe cases, heart attack or cardiac arrest. Heart blockage is often linked with coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD develops over time due to various risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
What is the cure for heart blockages?
Treatments for heart blockages may include lifestyle changes such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and addressing other risk factors. Some of the other risk factors include family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Your doctor may also prescribe drugs to manage risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In more severe cases, procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery may be needed to restore proper blood flow to the heart muscle.
Early detection and management of heart blockage are essential for reducing the risk of serious heart-related events and improving overall heart health.
Who is at risk for heart blockages?
Numerous risk factors contribute to heart blockages, or blocked arteries, including high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and consumption of a diet rich in unhealthy fats and processed foods. Other significant factors are advancing age, family history of heart disease, and underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease and autoimmune disorders. It is essential for individuals with these risk factors to maintain a healthy lifestyle and schedule regular medical check-ups to monitor and manage their heart health effectively.
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