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The lymphatic system is an incredibly important, though underrated, player when it comes to immune function and healing the body. The lymph system is made up of vessels, lymph nodes, the thymus, tonsils, spleen, and Peyer’s patches (basically lymph nodes lining the small intestine). Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system does not have a pump to move it; the lymph system uses the muscles, fascia, and respiration to move. The lymph system works like a stream; traveling through the body, regulating fluids, transporting fats/proteins, and collecting cellular waste and toxins from organs and muscles, and filtering pathogens from the blood. The gunk in the stream (toxins and waste) is swept up and disposed of through the body’s elimination routes (going 1 & 2, sweat, breath, etc.).
Like streams, the lymph system flows through the body in one direction; it does this by way of superficial vessels (shallow, close to the skin) and deeper vessels (internal organs). The vessels lead into lymph nodes (basically sorting/cleaning sites) where the fluid is filtered and immune cells wait to activate white blood cells if threats are found. Lymph nodes are primarily found at joints in the body, with the most commonly known being in the neck, armpits, and groin. The left side of the neck, where the thoracic duct is, drains much more fluid than the right side of the body, and is a good place to focus drainage support techniques on.
The lymphatic system is a critical circulatory system that filters and identifies pathogens and toxicants
If there is an overwhelm of toxins in the body (from food, air, water, chemicals, heavy metals, electrical radiation, etc.), the lymphatic system gets bogged down, can’t eliminate waste fast enough to keep up with what’s coming in, and health problems arise. Our bodies love to speak to us; if your lymphatic system is congested with toxins it will try to let you know, and some of the following are ways it does that.
Signs of a congested lymphatic system:
Headaches – Brain fog – Swollen lymph nodes (some people call them “glands”) – Fatigue – Frequent illness – Fluid backup in ears – Frequent sore throats – Constipation – Bloating – Itchy skin – Acne/eczema – Cold hands & feet – Soreness/stiffness in the morning
So what can we do to support this super critical system?
7 Easy Ways to Support the Lymph System:
1. Movement – exercise and deep breathing are some of the best ways to get the lymph system flowing, since it has to be transported through respiration and muscle movements. Any kind of movement is beneficial for the lymph, from walking and yoga, to HIIT and biking.
2. Sweating – sweating is a great way to help keep the lymph system clean by getting toxins out through the skin. A sauna is a fabulous way to get you sweating while enjoying the benefits of heat and a relaxed state.
3. Essential oils – there are many different essential oils that support lymph drainage, and can be applied topically. I like to use a blend of lime and clove applied to the lymph nodes in my neck. Other oils that work well are orange, lemon, geranium, frankincense, peppermint (especially good with movement & heat), eucalyptus, rosemary, and ginger.
4. Drinking water – Hydrated cells are critical to moving that lymph fluid; drinking plenty of quality filtered water is one of the simplest most effective things you can do to support your lymph system.
5. Massage – Massage, specifically lymph and fascia massages, can be very helpful for manually moving that lymph fluid, as well as for breaking up fascia blockages and repairing structural damage that can be causing movement problems. For an easy neck lymph massage you can do at home, check out this video.
6. Castor oil packs – Castor oil packs, a well as Epsom salt baths, help to support the movement of the intestinal lymph (the first location of lymph fluid we want to drain). If you are constipated, it makes it extra difficult to move lymph through the GI track and get rid of toxins; castor oil packs and Epsom salt baths can help with that, as well as a gentle herbal intestinal mover to get things started.
7. Hydrotherapy – The contrast in alternating between hot and cold water promotes healthy oxygen, blood, and lymph flow. This can easily be done in the shower, always end on cold.
3. Essential oils – there are many different essential oils that support lymph drainage, and can be applied topically. I personally like to use a blend of lime and clove applied to the lymph nodes in my neck. Other oils that work well are orange, lemon, geranium, frankincense, peppermint (especially good with movement & heat), eucalyptus, rosemary, and ginger.
4. Drinking water – Hydrated cells are critical to moving that lymph fluid; drinking plenty of quality filtered water is one of the simplest most effective things you can do to support your lymph system.
5. Massage – Massage, specifically lymph and fascia massages, can be very helpful for manually moving that lymph fluid, as well as for breaking up fascia blockages and repairing structural damage that can be causing movement problems. For an easy neck lymph massage you can do at home, check out this video.
6. Castor oil packs – Castor oil packs, a well as Epsom salt baths, help to support the movement of the intestinal lymph (the first location of lymph fluid we want to drain). If you are constipated, it makes it extra difficult to move lymph through the GI track and get rid of toxins; castor oil packs and Epsom salt baths can help with that, as well as a gentle herbal intestinal mover to get things started.
7. Hydrotherapy – The contrast in alternating between hot and cold water promotes healthy oxygen, blood, and lymph flow. This can easily be done in the shower, always end on cold.
Bonus: There are many herbs that support a healthy lymph system! Some worth checking out are; sheep sorrel, burdock root, turkey rhubarb, poke root, and rock rose.
A clear flowing lymphatic system is important to the well-being of the whole body, it supports immune function, protects against pathogens, and promotes better mood, energy, clear skin, wound healing, and reduced swelling.
Honey Today:
Listen to your body, breathe… provide support where needed, and let things flow.