5 ways to boost your lymphatic system at home
As a massage therapist, I am passionate about supporting my client’s lymphatic system on and off the massage table.
There are many things we can do at home that help stimulate our lymphatic system:
Drink at least 2 litres of water every day, and even better adding fresh lemon. According to Medical Medium* “lemon water is a good source of vitamins C and B and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Lemon water is excellent for weight loss, the immune system, alkalizing the body, controlling high blood pressure, anti-aging, detoxification, purifying the blood, and regulating body temperature.”
Taking time to deeply breathe throughout your day. There are many studies that have been done that show “simple breathing exercises incorporated throughout your day can actually disengage a potentially health-harming chronic stress response and help insulate you from the damage that it can inflict on your body*.”
Move your body regularly throughout the day. According to Dr Jenna Macciochi “exercise is the most potent activator of nitric oxide production. It has been shown that as little as 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise is enough to increase nitric oxide levels and to have a positive effect on lymphatic flow, particularly if you breathe through your nose.*”
Dry brushing your face and body to move your lymphatic fluid. According to Chopra, dry brushing “refreshes and stimulates the skin and lymphatic system, enhancing blood circulation and the release of accumulated toxins*.”
Taking hot and cold showers. According to Medical News Today, “cold showers can decrease inflammation and swelling, decrease muscle spasms and has pain-relieving effects. Hot showers can improve cardiovascular health, improve muscle and joint health, improve sleep and brain health.*”
Many of these things you may already be doing but little tweaks to these everyday activities can help stimulate the lymphatic system more efficiently.
Sources:
https://www.medicalmedium.com/mm101/medical-medium-lemon-water.htm
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/breathing-your-way-to-better-health#:~:text=Deep%20breathing%20can%20help%20reduce,without%20thinking%20much%20about%20it.
https://www.drjennamacciochi.com/blog/2018/12/28/
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https://chopra.com/articles/garshana-detoxify-at-home-with-ayurvedic-skin-brushing
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327461
