Boost your lymphatic flow: 6 tips for a healthier and more energetic body
Ah, the lymphatic system. The poor, often ignored, and rarely understood lymphatic system.
This hero is essential for the body's natural detoxification process, hormonal health and balance, immune health, and healthy, clear skin.
Let's take a closer look, highlight its many benefits, and discuss how we can support this essential system for both inner well-being and radiant skin.
IN THIS BLOG YOU WILL FIND: What is the lymphatic system?
|
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system consists of an extensive network of vessels that transport a fluid called lymph.
The lymphatic system runs throughout the body, just like the circulatory system. But while the circulatory system has a pump (the heart), the lymphatic system does not. As a result, lymphatic fluid can easily become stagnant.
What does the lymphatic system do?
And why is a healthy lymphatic system essential for health and well-being?
The lymphatic system and detoxification
Again, lymph fluid removes waste and toxins from tissues. It is therefore an important detoxification pathway and essential for proper detoxification.
The lymphatic system and the immune system
Have you ever noticed that the lymph nodes in your neck or armpits swell when you're sick?
That's because the lymphatic system is a vital part of the body's immune system and works hard to fight anything that makes you sick. Lymph fluid transports white blood cells throughout the body that fight viruses and infections.
The lymphatic system and hormonal balance
Proper detoxification is essential for healthy, balanced hormones, as the body eliminates excess and used hormones, as well as toxins and waste. Therefore, supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways is fundamental to healthy hormonal balance.
More importantly, lymph fluid plays a crucial role in transporting the essential hormone progesterone throughout the body.
The lymphatic system and skin health
Stagnant lymph also affects the appearance of the skin, the body's largest organ! When lymph stagnates, toxins and waste can build up, leading to puffiness, dull skin, and breakouts.
It goes without saying that we need lymph to flow (flow, FLOW!) for optimal health and a healthy glow. In every treatment, I stimulate lymphatic drainage, but what can you do at home to help it along?
6 Simple Ways to Boost Lymphatic Drainage and Flow
1. Get moving!
The main reason lymph becomes stagnant is simply because we spend so much time sitting.
It's a major benefit of exercise and a motivator to get up and move!
The best exercises to stimulate lymphatic flow are jumping or bouncing movements, such as running, rebounding, jumping jacks, skipping, or simply jumping on the spot. Try to do this for at least one minute every day!
2. Dry brushing of the face and body
While dry body brushing has become incredibly popular – with well-known wellness gurus singing its praises – this simple combination of skincare and wellness is certainly not new.
It has been used for centuries as a tool in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Dry brushing for the face and body is exactly what it sounds like: brushing your dry skin with a dry brush.
It's a FANTASTIC way to regularly stimulate lymphatic flow. It also effectively exfoliates the skin, stimulating cell renewal and boosting collagen production. This contributes to smoother and firmer skin, prevents ingrown hairs, and reduces keratosis pilaris—also known as "goosebumps." Many enthusiasts swear by its visible reduction in cellulite.
For your face, I recommend this super-soft dry brush from Moonie by Mila , made of goat hair. Don't worry—the goats are alive and have only had a free haircut!
3. Let's do the wall yoga pose
Don't be fooled by the simplicity of this yoga pose! (Viparita Karani.) It's a great way to drain lymph from the legs to the lymph nodes in the groin.
Sit on the floor next to a wall.
Swing your legs up against the wall while lying on your back on the floor.
Slide your buttocks toward the wall until they touch each other.
Stay in this pose for 3-5 minutes, breathing deeply as you lie there.
4. Gua sha facial massage
Gua sha, like dry brushing, has become very popular in recent years, but it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Gua sha helps move and drain lymphatic fluid, improve blood circulation to the skin, and smooth the connective tissue beneath the skin.
What does this mean for your skin? Less puffiness, more clarity, more nutrients for the skin, fewer fine lines over time, and an unmistakable glow!
My favorite tools are the Moonie by Mila ones—especially the heart gua sha . It's incredibly multifunctional: you can work on the lymphatic system, connective tissue, and thanks to the serrated edge, even fine lines. The tip is perfect for massaging pressure points—so relaxing! Don't forget to apply some product before starting the gua sha—the Sun to Moon Serum is the perfect partner in crime for this.
5. Deep abdominal breathing
Deep abdominal breathing stimulates lymphatic flow and drainage in the abdomen. It's also a great way to relax!
Simply find a quiet place and take 3-5 minutes. Place your hands gently on your stomach. Breathe in for 8 seconds, feeling your belly fill with air, then breathe out for 8 seconds, and continue.
6. Stay hydrated
Lymph fluid consists mainly of water. It therefore stands to reason that dehydration can cause the lymphatic system to function more slowly.
Drink about 30–35 ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily. Exercising, drinking coffee, or alcohol? Add a little extra to stay hydrated. 💧
Ready to get that lymph flowing? It doesn't have to take hours—just a few minutes a day to give your lymphatic system some TLC is all it takes. I personally get up fifteen minutes earlier to get my system moving again. A moment for yourself before the hustle and bustle starts is always nice!
With Love,
Elsa la Twist
