Problems with the lymphatic system can cause problems throughout the body. They can lead to pain disorders (such as fibromyalgia and arthritis), skin conditions, chronic fatigue and headaches, sinus infections and digestive disorders. Poor lymphatic system drainage can also lead to weight gain and cellulite, cold hands and feet, unexplained injuries, swollen lymph nodes and even cancer. With so many health problems possible, it’s clear that keeping your lymphatic system functioning properly is vital to your overall health.
The lymphatic system acts as the body’s drain, draining toxins, fats and fluids from cells and tissues out of the body and into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the body filters these toxins through the organs and kidneys so they can be eliminated from the body. If the body does not filter these toxins, they can clog the lymphatic system, compromise the immune system, and ultimately cause you to become ill. Below, we’ll explain how to use these 20 tips to detoxify your lymphatic system.
1. Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is vital to the health of the lymphatic system. It relies on the body being adequately hydrated in order for toxins to pass through the cell walls and into the bloodstream. Once toxins are filtered through organs such as the liver, spleen and kidneys, water also flushes these toxins out of the body as waste. By staying well hydrated, you ensure that your body has enough energy to accomplish this and many other tasks. After all, the body is made up of 50-70% water, and fluid makes up about 97% of the lymphatic system.
2. Exercise
Exercise is important for the lymphatic system because it relies on muscle movement (such as contraction and relaxation) to move fluids through the tissues and into the bloodstream. It also delivers oxygen to cells, helps them release toxins and sends them where they are needed. While any type of exercise is beneficial, the lymphatic system benefits the most from exercises that produce strong muscle contractions. Exercising underwater is also beneficial because it increases pressure around the body.
3. Choose loose-fitting clothes
The clothes you wear do not only affect how you look to those around you. When choosing clothes, you should also consider how they affect your health. Many of your lymphatic vessels are located underneath your skin. When you wear tight clothing, it squeezes these lymphatic vessels, making it harder for them to function. Since the lymphatic system is located throughout your body, avoid tight clothing, from hats to socks.
4. Full Body Massage
Massage therapy has many benefits for the body. It helps to relax the body and muscles while stimulating blood flow. All of this is very beneficial to your lymphatic system. When you relax during a massage, the pressure applied by the massage therapist helps keep your body functioning properly. This makes it easier for the lymphatic system to transport fats, fluids, and toxins to the organs where they can be filtered and eliminated from the body.
5. Add these foods to your diet
Numerous studies have linked diet and gut health to the health of the rest of the body. So it’s no surprise that there are a variety of foods you can add to your diet to promote a healthy lymphatic system. The first step is to cut out unhealthy, overly processed foods. You should also avoid foods that contain pesticides, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. In addition to abstaining from these harmful substances, there are many foods that can support the lymphatic system.
6. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Techniques
Sometimes, the lymphatic system needs a little help to get back in flow. Manual lymphatic drainage is very effective in removing toxins from the body. This goes a step further than traditional massage by applying pressure to certain areas and stimulating the flow of lymphatic fluid through the body with small circular movements. Unlike traditional massage, which relies on pushing on the muscles, this is a gentler technique that promotes the flow of lymphatic fluids through the body by pulling on the skin, rather than obstructing the flow of lymphatic fluids by pressing hard.
7. Yoga
Yoga is another activity that helps improve circulation and promotes movement of the lymphatic system. Yoga that involves twisting and bending is most helpful for the lymphatic system. When you bend and twist, it almost “squeezes” the lymph, like twisting a towel to squeeze out water. Some yoga poses that benefit the lymphatic system include baby pose, downward dog, standing forward bend, and cat-cow pose. A form of yoga called yin yoga also uses many downward-facing poses that do help drain the lymphatic system.
8. Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a great way to stimulate the lymphatic system. All you need is a brush that is soft and firm. Ideally, you want a long handled brush so you can easily brush your entire body. The direction of dry brushing is also important so that you can stimulate the flow of the lymphatic system. You can start with short, round brushes. While you should brush as hard as you can feel, dry brushing should not cause pain. In addition, you can brush more gently in more sensitive areas.
9. Reduce exposure to chemicals
One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is to remove toxins and chemicals from the body. This is necessary because people are exposed to trace amounts of toxins throughout the day, whether at home, outdoors or at work. The body can tolerate trace amounts of these chemicals, but too much can make the body sick. By reducing exposure, your lymphatic system doesn’t have to work as hard. This allows it to run more efficiently, allowing your body to clear out everything that could make you sick.
10. Botanicals
Botanical medicine relies on the use of herbs and plants to heal the body. Many herbs are beneficial to the lymphatic system, improving its detoxification, fighting inflammation in the body, or supporting the immune system. Many herbs have multiple benefits for the immune system. While herbs and botanicals are generally considered safe, you should consult with your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have any pre-existing medical conditions, or are taking medications.
11. Lymphatic Drainage Facial
A lymphatic drainage facial involves the use of light pressure, gentle movements, and even skin brushing to promote the flow of the lymphatic system through the face. It works by manually draining the lymphatic system. Studies have shown that lymphatic drainage can reduce swelling and inflammation. It is beneficial for conditions such as eczema and acne, and is even used to reduce swelling after surgery and cancer treatments. You can work with a professional licensed in lymphatic drainage facials or do it yourself.
12. Infrared Sauna
The beauty of an infrared sauna is that it provides the same benefits to the skin as sun exposure and is much less risky since you are not exposed to radiation. The light waves penetrate deep into the skin, making it easier for cells to regenerate and encouraging them to release toxins. When you sweat in a sauna, your pores open up and the lymphatic system can easily drain toxins through the skin. There are many other benefits to using an infrared sauna, including boosting your metabolism, reducing pain and inflammation, and controlling certain conditions such as allergies and skin disorders.
13. Hot and Cold Hydrotherapy
Hot and cold hydrotherapy works by causing muscle and skin cells to contract and relax. Hot water relaxes the muscles and opens the pores. Once you switch to cold water, everything contracts and works by squeezing out all the toxins and lymphatic fluids. Since the lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions and other movements to efficiently pump lymph fluid, switching between hot and cold water is a great way to detoxify the lymphatic system. Plus, it’s easy to do this at home in the shower.
14. Turn yourself upside down
When you stand for long periods of time, gravity causes blood, water and toxins to pool in your legs and feet. There is no lymphatic drainage around these areas. Instead, these toxins need to be pushed back into the organs in order to be filtered through the liver, spleen or kidneys. You can turn yourself upside down to make it easier for the lymphatic system to push these toxins back to where they need to go. When your legs are upside down, lymphatic fluid flows to the lymph nodes in your groin.
15. Deep Breathing
Deep breathing mobilizes your abdomen, chest and diaphragm. As you inhale and exhale, it helps move the muscles and squeeze the lymphatic system. By stimulating the lymphatic system, lymphatic fluids are pushed where they need to go and help detoxify the body. In addition, deep breathing is good for the lymphatic system because of its relaxing effects. Often, balancing a social life, home life, work and family can lead people to lead fast-paced lives where they don’t have time to relax. High levels of stress can prevent the lymphatic system from working effectively.
16. Bouncing
Bouncing is a type of exercise performed using a mini trampoline. Unlike running, bouncing has cardiovascular benefits and does not put undue stress on the joints. Another benefit of bouncing is that it involves an up and down motion rather than a horizontal one. Since you are working out vertically, it is easier for the lymphatic system to drain. Other benefits of bouncing on the lymphatic system include reduced water retention, better detoxification and improved skin. Bouncing also has benefits for strength, blood pressure and overall health.
17. Enzyme Supplements
Studies have shown that gut and digestive health have a greater impact on overall health than we once thought. So it’s no surprise that enzymes that digest food play an important role in lymphatic system health. Enzymes break down food and assist in many metabolic processes. Between meals, when they are not breaking down food, these digestive enzymes also break down organic matter, complex fats and proteins in the bloodstream. By breaking these things down, the lymphatic system can remove them more efficiently.
18. Essential Oils
Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy or applied to the skin. They are extracted from a variety of herbs and plants, often those that have been used in traditional systems of medicine. Frankincense opens the lymphatic and respiratory systems and has antimicrobial and decongestant properties, while guaiacum is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Citrus essential oils such as lemon and grapefruit are anti-inflammatory and also help to purify the lymphatic system. Some other beneficial essential oils include juniper berry, peppermint and rosemary.
19. Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care is recommended for people who suffer from problems or abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system, which consists of the spine, bones, nerves, muscles, tendons and joints. Keeping this system functioning properly is also important for the health and flow of the lymphatic system, which coexists alongside the lymphatic system in the body. Misalignments or inflammation in the musculoskeletal system can block the lymphatic system, preventing it from flowing freely.
20. Inversion Machine
Inversion machines have many benefits for the body and the lymphatic system. An inversion machine is a padded table with straps on the bottom to tie your feet. You are secured to the table and then inverted. In this position, the lymphatic and circulatory systems are stimulated. Gravity works with the body to deliver blood and oxygen to the tissues and flush out toxins. They then pass through the lymphatic system, where they are filtered and eliminated from the body.