Jacqueline Seymour
Health Coach
Reviewed By
Dr. Frank Lipman
Chief Medical Officer at THE WELL
Published: 03/06/2024
An extensive network of vessels, nodes, and organs works synergistically to protect the body against infections and maintain fluid balance. To do so, lymph, a colorless fluid rich in white blood cells, filters out harmful substances and pathogens, and returns excess fluid to the bloodstream. The lymphatic system plays a pivotal role in transporting immune cells and facilitating communication between different parts of the immune system, thereby orchestrating a coordinated defense against invading threats.
How to Promote Lymphatic Health
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is essential for a healthy lymphatic system. To promote lymphatic health, you should also stay hydrated, engage in regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and manage stress. Curious about other ways to support your lymphatic system? Here are a few helpful ways to do so:
Lymphatic Yoga
Lymphatic yoga, which involves gentle poses and deep breathing techniques, is designed to enhance lymphatic circulation. Specific poses encourage lymphatic drainage, which supports the removal of toxins and waste from the body.
Dry brushing
Dry brushing also helps promote a healthy lymphatic system! By gently brushing the skin with a dry, soft-bristled brush, dry brushing stimulates lymphatic circulation and supports toxin removal. Regularly using this modality helps promote detoxification and proper exfoliation of your skin, while also enhancing circulation, and offering you a rejuvenating experience. Altogether, this contributes to improved overall well-being and lymphatic balance.
Lymphatic Massage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage holds profound significance in nurturing the lymphatic system. MLD facilitates the removal of toxins, waste products, and excess fluids from the body’s tissues by using gentle, rhythmic strokes and specific techniques. By activating lymph nodes, this massage strengthens the immune system’s response to infections and supports overall immunity. Additionally, MLD aids in reducing swelling, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas promote vasodilation and healthy circulation, by emitting heat that penetrates deep into the body. This is helpful for improving lymphatic flow and in the elimination of waste products.
Cryotherapy
Cold therapy, including both whole-body cryotherapy or localized cold treatments, is helpful for stimulating lymphatic flow through the constriction and dilation of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. This encourages the healthy movement of fluid throughout the body.
Often overlooked, the lymphatic system plays an integral part in maintaining fluid balance and promoting a functional immune system. By adopting a holistic approach that includes traditional methods of hydration, exercise, nutrition, and stress management, combined with innovative techniques like lymphatic yoga, infrared saunas, and cryotherapy, we support our lymphatic system!