By Leslii Stevens Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, ERYT500, YACEP, Ayurveda Practitioner
5 Self-Care Practices to Boost Lymphatic Health (and Feel Like a Total Badass Doing It)
Let’s talk lymph. No, seriously. Before you roll your eyes and scroll on, hear me out your lymphatic system is like that backstage roadie no one knows but who keeps the whole concert running. It’s the body’s unsung hero, draining away the junk and toxic gunk so you can stay fresh and ready to rock. But unlike your heart, which pumps on autopilot (thanks, cardiovascular system!), the lymphatic system needs a little manual TLC to stay in top form.
Luckily, I’m here with five wicked cool self-care practices to boost your lymphatic health and make you feel like the superhero you are. And yes, we’ll have fun along the way. You in? Let’s shake things up—literally.
1. Get Moving, Baby!
Forget about sitting still your lymph system thrives when you’re moving. Think of it like a sponge, absorbing and squeezing out the waste through movement. This is where yoga, resistance band workouts, and Pilates step in like the Avengers of lymphatic health. Whether it’s stretching through Warrior II in yoga or rolling out your muscles with a tennis ball (trust me, your body will thank you later), you’re flushing toxins and giving that lymph some much-needed flow.
Leslii’s Tip: For a serious lymphatic boost, try Legs Up the Wall pose, also known as “Waterfall Pose” (and, yes, it’s as cool as it sounds). It’s great for draining excess fluid and feeling zen while you’re at it.
2. Brush it Off
You’ve probably heard of dry brushing, but did you know it’s like a love letter to your lymphatic system? Grab a natural bristle brush and use it to gently brush your skin, starting from your feet and working your way toward your heart. It’s like sweeping out the trash (because yes, your lymph system is basically your body’s waste management crew). Bonus points: It feels amazing and gives your skin a glow.
Leslii’s Tip: Make this part of your morning routine right before your shower. Not only does it get things moving, but it also wakes you up like a cup of coffee without the crash.
3. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Want to keep your lymph fluid moving? You need to hydrate like it’s your full-time gig. Water is essential for flushing out toxins and helping your lymphatic system work at its best. And no, your coffee and wine don’t count toward hydration (sorry). Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water each day and watch your body’s detox pathways spring to life.
Leslii’s Tip: Sip herbal teas like dandelion or ginger to boost your hydration with an extra detoxifying kick. Or, if you’re feeling wild, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your water to really spice up your lymph flow.
4. Massage it Out (with a Twist)
Cue the clays! Yup, I’m talking about giving your skin a deep clean with clay powder masks while massaging your lymph. Whether you’re using bentonite clay or French green clay (my personal faves), applying these to your face and body not only detoxifies your skin but gives your lymph system some love as you massage it in. It’s a two-for-one win.
Leslii’s Tip: Use this time to focus on those key lymph areas—your neck, underarms, and around your collarbone. And yes, add a little "Let's rock this planet" energy while you’re at it.
5. Breathe Like a Boss
We all breathe, but not all of us do it right. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing is one of the easiest (and free!) ways to get your lymphatic system flowing. When you breathe deeply into your belly, you activate the diaphragm, which helps pump lymphatic fluid. Think of it like your body’s internal massage.
Leslii’s Tip: Try this: Inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for four, then exhale for six counts. Repeat this for a few minutes in the morning or before bed to keep things flowing smoothly. Plus, you’ll feel wicked calm. Total win.
Bonus Round: Sound & Restore
Want to take it to the next level? Incorporate sound healing into your routine. My Sound & Restore: Recharge Session mixes crystal sound bowls with restorative yoga to soothe your nervous system while helping your lymphatic system do its thing. The vibrations from the sound bowls? They’re like a little sonic hug for your lymphs.
So, there you have it five (and a half) ways to keep your lymphatic system flowing, detoxed, and ready for action. It’s like a backstage pass to feeling incredible. Take these tools, add them to your self-care toolkit, and trust me you’ll feel lighter, cleaner, and more badass than ever.
Let’s Rock this Planet!
Leslii