The lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes and lymph vessels that drain fluids from your body’s tissues. The fluids carry toxins, immune cells, and waste products to your lymph nodes. Lymph vessels help maintain fluid balance in the body by returning filtered lymph fluid back to the bloodstream.
If your lymphatic system is sluggish it directly affects your immune system and you can feel puffy, experience edema and if left untreated can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves leading to pain in the limbs most commonly your feet.
So what can you do to give your lymphatic and ultimately your immune system some love?
1. Foam Rolling: Foam rolling helps smooth away congestion, inflammation, flush out the lymphatic system, increase immunity, stimulate blood circulation, “wring out” and hydrate the connective tissue and revitalize your being. I always say it’s like an internal juice cleanse of your connective tissue!
2. Inversions: Getting your hips above your heart is an amazing way to help improve your lymphatic system. By using gravity to drain stagnant fluid, inversions help bring blood and lymph from your feet and legs up to your kidneys to drain excess fluid, toxins, and stagnant energy.
3. Brisk Walking: When walking your legs act as a natural pump that helps move the lymph fluid through the body. Plus, the deep breathing creates pressure and expansion that helps aid the lymphatic fluid. The more transverse rotation you have while walking, the better your lymph system can flush the upper body, arms, neck and shoulders.
4. Rebounding: If you have a rebounder, use it! its incredible for your lymph system. If you don’t have a rebounder you can do easy small jumps up and down on the stop. I recommend 100 jumps every morning to get the lymph going.
5. Dry Brushing: Dry brushing has been around since ancient times, though it’s been surging in popularity lately as many supermodels claim it as their beauty secret weapon. The idea is to get the circulation going, effectively “tightening” the skin by stimulating it with a vigorous brush before a shower or bath. Quick tip: always brush towards your heart and rub each limb and your torso for about 30 seconds. It also acts to exfoliate the skin.
6. Espon Salt Bath: This is another ancient technique that I love adding into my weekly self care routine. Get yourself some epson salts add a few drops essentail oil. I love peppermint oil. Other benefits of a warm bath include easing sore muscles and helping you relax and sleep.
7. Lymphatic drainage massage. Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. Lymphatic massage can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. Be sure to use a qualified therapist for your massage.
If you have noticed you have been feeling more puffy or have increased swelling try giving your lympathic system some TLC and see how it makes you feel – the proof is in the pudding.
For more info or questions, please get in touch !
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the holistic approach 