The lymphatic system is something we all have in common. The way it works and communicates with the other systems of the body is fascinating. The lymphatic system is complicated and a profound component of our immune system. It plays so many roles in the body, performing a huge umbrella of functions; however, it doesn't seem to get the attention or credit it deserves.

This complicated system communicates and protects all systems of the body. One example is if toxic substances are ingested, the lymphatic system pulls the toxins out of the blood, which are then filtered through the node clusters. More than half of our lymph nodes are located in our abdomen. Our vital organs are housed here, and this serves to protect our organs from toxicity.

Therefore, the importance of keeping our lymph flowing and supporting that system as much as possible cannot be overstated. It's important to consider that when we start to detox, things may get worse before getting better. As the lymph flow increases, it will force an excess of toxins out. Lymph flow can become stagnant if we neglect the system for too long and have had habits that don't support lymph flow which eventually causes toxins to accumulate. Some simple effective ways to support our lymphatic system are dry brushing, lymph massage, healthy hydration, and diet and exercise.

A great way to support lymph flow is dry brushing. Some of my favorite dry brushes are from Pursoma (here is an article about dry brushing to stimulate lymphatic drainage). Lymph nodes can be as small as the head of a pin or up to as large as the size of a pea. Also, the superficial nodes sit between the muscle and skin. This is important because pressure matters. LIGHT pressure is imperative to get the lymph flowing. Being intentional about light pressure is important. As a massage therapist, this was an important lesson in our training.

Massages feel great and work on the muscles in order to release tension; however, they are much different from working on the lymph flow. Massage can, in a sense, actually close or impair the flow for lymph. Regular massage works as a secondary reaction for lymph movement.

With lymphatic massage, a variety of modalities are used to create flow. These modalities include cupping, dry brushing, gua-sha, and manual drainage. Lymphatic massage is specifically targeted to move lymph and much different from a regular massage that is geared towards targeting sore muscles and creating stress relief. Both regular massage and lymphatic massage serve their purpose but they are completely different services. Knowing this information going into the service will help guide expectations.

Another way to support your lymphatic system is with hydration and diet. Hydration isn’t as cut and dry as drinking a glass of water. All water is not created equal. Filtered water with the addition of highly sourced minerals is best (I love Quinton products). Hydration can also come in whole foods that have high water content and support our bodies such as cucumbers, watermelon, and pears. As the book Quench: Beat Fatigue, Drop Weight, and Heal Your Body Through the New Science of Optimum Hydration Book by Dana Cohen and Gina Brian states, "Proper hydration and diet are key to keep our bodies functioning optimally, not only the lymphatic system, all systems."

A third suggestion for keeping lymph flowing is through exercise. The lymphatic system does not have a circulatory system so it relies on movement and stretching. Keep your body moving! Move it in different ways. Our favorite places to exercise are Pure Barre, Spenga, and or a yin yoga class with Yinsanity. And don’t forget to take a deep breath! As the diaphragm movement will help guide all of those visceral lymph nodes.

Supporting your lymph is a key factor in our health. You can make some small changes that make a huge impact.

Blog written by: Kandi Arnold, LMT, LE