The lymphatic system is our internal drainage system. Its major functions include:
Protecting your body from illness-causing invaders
Maintains proper body fluid levels
Absorbs fat from the digestive system
When the lymphatic system is clogged, it means the drain isn’t working properly so whatever needs to be draining out of our body isn’t or isn’t at the rate it should, which results in build-up of cellular toxins and other toxins that can leak and cause inflammation.
Some signs you might be suffering from lymphatic congestion:
· Stiffness, especially in the morning
· Fatigue
· Itchy and dry skin
· Bloating
· Breast swelling with each cycle
· Holding on to water
· Brain fog
· Swollen glands
· Stubborn weight gain
· Chronic sinusitis, sore throats, colds, or ear issues
· Cellulite
· Cold hands and feet
So, what can we do to get our lymphatic system operating at its optimum level?
1) Hydrate – Lymph fluid is about 95% water and becomes thicker and less mobile when you are dehydrated. In fact, one of the most common cause of lymph congestion is dehydration. Stay well-hydrated by sipping purified water throughout the day to help keep your lymph flowing well. Avoid sugar-laden soft drinks, processed juices, sports drinks, and alcohol, which add an additional metabolic burden on the body as well as too much caffeine, which dehydrates the body.
2) Exercise regularly (both cardio and strength training) – Any activity that contributes to overall fitness will also contribute to a strong circulatory system.
Regular aerobic activity is good for heart health and blood vessels
Resistance training adds to muscle mass, which increases the efficiency of both cardiovascular and lymph circulation
3) Lymphatic massage – this is a special type of massage that focuses on moving fluid through the lymphatic system where it may be clogged or sluggish. This aids in moving toxins and excess liquid out of the body and clearing the lymphatic system.
4) Breathe deeply – Our bodies have 3 times more lymph fluid than blood, but there is no organ to pump it. The pumping action of deep breathing will help the lymphatic system transport the toxins into the blood before so they can be detoxified by the liver.
5) Hot and cold therapies – Hot temperatures help dilate the blood vessels, while the cold shrivels them. This creates a “pump” action that forces out the toxic fluid that have remained in the body.
6) Dry brush – Dry brushing stimulates blood flow, exfoliates dead skin, invigorates
skin, stimulates the lymphatic system and flushes toxins.
7) Cope with stress through mindfulness – Oxidation and lymph congestion increase when you are physically and/or emotionally stressed, so having an effective routine for coping with daily stress is key.
8) Eat healthy – Circulation is yet another aspect of your health that benefits when you eat healthfully.
9) Rebounding and vibration therapies – It seems obvious that shaking and bouncing your body around will get your blood pumping. Rebounding (jumping on a trampoline) appears to be especially effective at improving lymph system circulation. Lymphatic fluid is completely dependent on physical exercise to move, and the up-and-down rhythmic gravitational force caused by jumping on a trampoline causes the lymph system’s one-way valves to open and close, increasing lymph flow. Rebounding benefits include increasing oxygen uptake and promoting detoxification via the lungs, skin, and lymph. It is also a simple, zero-impact exercise method with long-term mental and physical health benefits. Vibration produces significant increases in skin blood flow.
10) Endosphères Therapy – A new sophisticated approach to lymphatic drainage is Compressive Microvibration. This body treatment replaces the “suction-traction massage” treatment and is more effective than the application of manual lymphatic drainage alone, guaranteeing stable and lasting results over time.
When your lymph is flowing well, it will support natural revitalization and cleansing of your body. Follow these daily habits and exercises to naturally decongest your lymphatic system for vibrant skin, digestion, and health!