Your circulatory system gets talked about plenty, from the heart to the blood and its flow around your body. There’s another ‘flow’ that is just as essential to your health, but gets mentioned less frequently: the lymphatic system. Lymph fluid circulates throughout your body, carrying away waste products and transporting white blood cells to where they’re needed. Crucial to your immune system health, the lymphatic system also plays an important role in your body’s overall fluid balance and the absorption of fats in the gut (which is directly related to how well your body utilizes them, affecting everything from your skin to your ability to maintain a healthy weight).
Unlike the circulatory system, your lymphatic system doesn’t have a mighty muscle like the heart to keep it moving around your body. It relies on the movement of your other muscles and indirect stimulation through massage (much lymphatic tissue lies close to the skin) to keep it flowing optimally. Good hydration and plenty of regular, gentle movement can help keep your lymphatic system doing its important work well.
Ways to Keep Your Lymph Moving
Movement:
Skipping rope or jumping on a trampoline (rebounding) are great ways to get everything flowing. Because they rhythmically work major muscle groups, regular walking and yoga are also excellent ways to support your lymphatic system.
Massage:
Whether working with a professional or DIY, massage is a pleasurable and effective activator of lymph flow (check out our nifty article on self-massage here). Areas of the body that are rich in lymph glands are your neck, armpits, breasts and groin. They are also in your head, the backs of your knees, and all along the insides of your arms. Brief and basic, or long and luxurious, the smooth kneading of your skin and muscles activates your lymph to keep toxins and cellular sludge moving out of your body.
Dry Skin Brushing:
It’s cheap, easy to do, and makes your skin feel amazing: dry skin brushing is a great tool for keeping your lymphatic system healthy by stimulating the nodes just under the skin. Take a soft-bristled brush, start at your feet, using just enough pressure to make your skin tingle, but not so much that it’s uncomfortable. Use broad strokes, moving upwards, towards your heart. Circle around the knees, elbows, and breasts, avoiding open wounds or any areas that are irritated.
Hydration:
All the fluids in your body depend on good hydration to keep everything flowing smoothly, and lymph is no exception. Good ol’ water (a squeeze of lemon or lime is a nice add) is best, but you can add coconut water or non-caffeinated herbal teas into the mix for variety (tulsi, chamomile, or peppermint are great everyday choices).
Humble, ‘Weedy’ Herbs:
Two herbs that are often regarded as weeds happen to be great for your lymphatic system: red clover (Trifolium pratense) and cleavers (Galium aparine). These gentle, food-like herbs have long been used to support lymphatic health. Cleavers are most effective when juiced fresh (they have a mild ‘green’ taste), eaten raw in salads ( best picked in Spring), or tinctured from the fresh herb. Red clover makes a tasty tea, fresh or dried, and is also commonly found in tincture form. Even though these plants are considered safe for most folks, always check with your healthcare practitioner to make sure they’re OK for you.
Plant-Forward Eating:
Your lymphatic system (and the rest of you!) thrives on foods that are fresh, juicy, and nutrient-dense. Load up your plate (or your blender) with a rainbow of leafy greens, plump berries, and all the most colorful fruits and veggies. A diet rich in plant-derived antioxidants helps your body maintain a balanced inflammatory response, which in turn aids optimal lymphatic and immune function.
Caring for your lymphatic system is not only a great way to support your immune health, but the tips we’ve shared can also contribute to glowing skin, better digestion, and more restful sleep. What’s not to love about that?
