Lymphatic Drainage - What It Is and the 5 Minute Exercise to Improve It
The human body is an amazing, interconnected machine. One of the least talked about, yet important systems is the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is an extensive network of vessels, nodes, tissues, and organs that work together to maintain fluid balance in the body and defend against infections/toxins. It also helps to replenish oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
The lymphatic system is an important part of the body’s immune system. It helps to filter out toxins, fight infection, and keep the body healthy. But what happens when the lymphatic system isn’t working properly? What can we do to ensure that the lymphatic system stays healthy and functioning? Let’s take a look at how a healthy lymphatic system impacts our overall health and well-being.
Understanding the Lymphatic System
Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not possess a central pump such as the heart; instead, it relies on body movement to keep the fluid circulating regularly around your body. It seems the old adage that movement is medicine could not be any more true.
The contraction of your muscles during exercise helps to create a kind of pump that keeps this fluid circulation moving. By doing regular exercise, not only will you help keep the fluid throughout the lymphatic system going and thus keep all other bodily functions moving smoothly - but you might also be able to prevent nasty infections as well as dangerous diseases like cancer from forming.
Lymph vessels are connected to small bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes which act as filters for toxins and waste materials in our bodies. These nodes contain white blood cells that help fight off infections by targeting harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. The filtered fluid then enters larger vessels which eventually drain into veins near our hearts where it can be returned to circulation throughout our bodies.
The primary function of the lymphatic system is to maintain healthy immunity levels in our bodies by filtering out unwanted substances like bacteria and viruses before they can cause harm. It also produces essential immune products such as antibodies which help us fight infection and disease more effectively.
Recognizing Poor Lymph Flow
Poor lymph flow can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms including swollen ankles or feet, generalized edema (swelling), or puffiness in the face due to fluid buildup under the skin.
The Causes of Lymphatic Stagnation
The primary cause of lymphatic stagnation is lack of exercise. This can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle or from poor posture that results from sitting too long at a computer or desk job.
Stress and intestinal problems can also lead to blockages in the lymph nodes which slow down the flow of toxins out of the body. Dietary habits such as eating processed foods and drinking sugary drinks can contribute to an overall sluggishness in the lymph system.
Structural misalignment and certain medications can also lead to stagnation in the lymph nodes, while chronic conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism are known contributors as well.
Finally, hormonal imbalances, infections, and wearing tight-fitting clothing can all inhibit proper functioning of the lymphatic system.
Increase Lymphatic Drainage
Here are some ways you can keep your lymphatic system in tip-top shape:
Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing, can help to stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid by increasing pressure in the abdomen and chest. This increased pressure can help to push lymphatic fluid through the lymphatic vessels and promote the flow of lymph towards the lymph nodes.
Jumping on a Trampoline: Jumping on a trampoline is a great way to stimulate lymphatic flow. The up and down movement helps to increase circulation and activate the lymphatic system. Good news is they sell mini trampolines that you can fit in a closet.
Inversion table: An inversion table is platform that helps you hang upside down. The pull of gravity helps to stimulate lymphatic drainage.
Massage: Massage can help to increase lymphatic drainage by stimulating the lymphatic system and improving circulation. A lymphatic drainage massage is specifically designed to help stimulate lymphatic flow.
Resistance Training: Resistance training can help to stimulate lymphatic drainage by increasing circulation and promoting the movement of lymph fluid throughout the body.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important for maintaining healthy lymphatic function. The lymphatic system relies on water to transport lymph fluid throughout the body.
FAR Infrared Sauna: Going in the sauna can help to stimulate lymphatic flow by promoting circulation and enhancing the movement of lymph fluid.
The 5-Minute Lymphatic Drainage Exercise
If you don’t have a Tension Toner workout bar, you can replace the Tension Jacks exercise with regular jumping jacks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy lymphatic system is essential for our overall health and well-being. Fortunately there are many easy lifestyle practices that we can adopt which help support our bodies' natural ability to maintain this important function. With some simple changes in diet and lifestyle habits you can significantly improve your health by increasing the flow of lymph throughout your body. So let's make sure that we are doing all we can to keep our lymph systems happy!
