Help me move my lymphatics!
Okay, first let us review why we need to move our lymphatics.
Lymph, the fluid that is filled with toxins and waste from within the body, moves through our lymphatic system. As the fluid moves through the body and picks up the waste, it thickens. This thicker lymph moves sluggishly and slowly.
Unlike the circulatory system, which has the heart to pump and move blood through the body, the lymphatic system does not have a pump; we must act as the pump to move the lymph.
Moving lymph is essential to detox the body, improve circulation and maximize our immune function.
So, how do we actively move our lymph?
There are so many ways to actively move lymphatic fluid through the lymphatic system to be filtered and returned to the circulatory system. Here are some of the most common ways:
- Deep breathing (also known as belly breathing)
- The act of deep breathing acts like a suction, pulling lymph from the lower body up towards its ultimate destination, the terminus – the area just above the clavicle (collar bones).
- Big 6 Method (Dr. Perry Nicholston, U.S.A.)
- This activates 6 main lymphatic bundles in the body prior to completing activities that will then continue to drain the lymph fluid.
- Exercise and Movement
- Muscle movement essentially acts like a pump which will aid in movement of lymph fluid.
- Rebounding
- When rebounding, often you get into a state of zero gravity which allows a flush of fluid when you are exiting that state of zero gravity.
- Dry Brushing
- This is a technique when applied in the right direction, will aid in the movement of lymph fluid.
- Lymphatic Taping
- This technique creates a wrinkle in the skin which as a result, lifts the skin to create space to allow the movement of lymph fluid underneath the skin.
- Lying on your back with your legs straight up a wall and breathe deeply
- This action promotes the movement of fluid back towards the heart, and in the case of lymph fluid, towards the clavicle (collar bone). This position allows gravity to aid in the movement of fluid.
Lymphatics move rhythmically, slowly. They like to be nurtured so take time with these activities – stay in the moment; love your lymphatics!
Joanne Ratté
Lymphatics Canada
647-210-7001
