ALL-NATURAL WAYS To Boost Lymphatic Drainage

We don’t spend a lot of time thinking about our blood, because our heart continues to pump whether we tell it to or not. We don’t dwell on our breathing (even though we should– are you breathing deeply enough right now?) because we will keep on breathing even if we don’t manually command it. Our lymphatic system, however, is a bit more complex, and it needs our help.

Our lymphatic system is essentially our bodies’ drainage system. It’s job is to clean up and dispose of waste left behind by our other body processes and systems, as well as collect excess fluid that pools around our organs and redistribute it into the bloodstream. As lymph fluid makes its way through the lymph nodes (which are located in several places in the body, i.e. behind the knees, around the pubic area, under the arms, at the collarbones, and under the ears at our necks) white blood cells within this fluid help to attack foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. It filters the blood, rids the body of impurities, and fights infection. That’s why swollen lymph nodes are the first sign of illness.

So, one could say that the lymphatic system is um, extremely important. However, unlike our breathing and our heart, it doesn’t have a built in pump. The lymphatic system requires a little extra attention on our part to make sure things stay flowing and moving and highly operational. If it becomes too stagnant, we can get sick, feel lethargic, and experience swelling around our joints, organs, and tissues, including in the face and neck—which isn’t pretty. There are many things we can do to give our lymphatic system a little boost.

Drink plenty of water

Well, what do ya know, another reason to stay optimally hydrated! It goes without saying that the lymph fluid partially consists of water, and water helps to sweep waste from the body. Stay hydrated to promote movement and the removal of waste.

Move around

Get yourself moving. Yoga, pilates, walking, or intense HIIT workouts are all great ways to get things inside your body moving and grooving as well. A fantastic way to stimulate lymphatic drainage and get yourself moving is bouncing on a small trampoline for a practice called rebounding. It’s also a super fun way to warm up for a more intense workout ahead.

Dry brushing, body paddling, and gua sha

Dry brushing daily before getting into the shower or bath not only promotes healthy circulation that can reduce the appearance of cellulite on the backs of thighs and rear, but it’s exfoliating, and gets things flowing under the skin’s surface, as well. Start at the bottom of your feet, and brush upwards til you reach the buttocks or the hips. Brush outwards towards your hips when brushing the lower back, and brush down towards the pelvic region when brushing your stomach to drain the lymph nodes there. Then work your way back up to your chest, and outward towards the armpits. Ideally you want to always brush up towards the heart, as a general rule of thumb.

The same goes for body paddling, which is great to do after a loving self massage with a super emollient body oil for an indulgent self-care ritual post-bathing. Think of it as gua sha for your whole body, while you can use gua sha for a stimulating and lifting facial massage. Make sure to drink plenty of water afterwards to help flush these dislodged toxins from your body!

Alternate hot and cold water in the shower

For some people, this is super unpleasant and they can’t hang for long, and we get it. At the very least, try to do something called a cold-out, meaning you finish your shower with 30 seconds of cold water, making sure to cover every inch of your body in it.

Hot water will dilate the blood vessels, while the cold water contracts them. Not only is this a great way to treat inflammation in the muscles and joints, but it creates a manual pumping action that forces out the toxins and build-up in the lymph fluid that has become stagnant in the body. Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or have a heart condition or heart disease.

Deep breathing

The very act of breathing deeply also acts as a pumping mechanism for the lymph, so if you notice yourself breathing shallow throughout the day, take some deep, juicy breaths. You’ll get a rush of oxygen and energy to the brain, while also stimulating your lymphatic system.

Avoid processed foods

Sugar, dairy, hydrogenated oils, and refined flours all cause stagnation in the body, as well as promote inflammation, swelling, and water retention. Avoid them as best you can, and if you happen to indulge (because we gotta live a little) make sure to exercise and drink plenty of water after!

Try lymph stimulating herbs

Echinacea, goldenseal, dandelion, astragalus, parsley, wild indigo root, cilantro, and poke root are all great herbs to jumpstart lymphatic flow and ultimate drainage. Take them in capsule form, drink them as a tea, or take them in a tincture when you’re feeling extra stagnant or shifting into a new season. With new seasons come build-up, so it’s always a great idea to “clean house,” so to speak, and cleanse our bodies to prepare for new weather and seasonal produce.