One thing that I have become obsessed with over the years is the Lymphatic system.  Now, I am not a doctor, in fact I promised my college bio professor I wouldn’t be one – but I am great at research so I am going to share with you why the Lymphatic System is so important and how you can work on yours.

When I don’t feel healthy it is usually because I feel heavy and bloated and as I have come to learn it is because my Lymphatic System is blocked up. This leads to inflammation, swelling, fatigue, and just a bunch of other not so great things.  So what is your lymphatic system and how can you get it moving so that you feel better?

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WHAT IS YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?

All right – I am going to give you the plain Jane version! You can definitely plug it into Google or Pinterest and get some real deep dives, but I am going to give you the simple version that I would want to read.

Your lymphatic system is basically trash pick up for your body. There are lymph passages throughout your body that carry internal and external toxins to your lymph nodes that basically act like a Britta to filter and purify.  It also is a big part of your immune system which we know is so important, especially now.  Your lymphatic system needs some help though, and if you aren’t helping to drain it you can have all sorts of problems.

What Causes your lymphatic system to get congested?

There are a few things that can derail a healthy lymphatic system. Things that are easy to remedy.

Dehydration – Most of us are more dehydrated than we think. Simple Fix: Before that first cup of coffee has a glass of water or some hot water with lemon.

Toxins – This is where I can get into trouble. Think processed foods, alcohol (also doesn’t help with dehydration), and not using clean products around your house and on your skin.

Tight Clothes – Ok – I don’t know about you, but this is one I am not doing during the pandemic … but I have been sleeping in a comfy bra – but I can notice a difference when I just let it all hang loose.

Sitting Around – This may be more common during the quarantine. Not moving or breaking a sweat can definitely clog up the system Simple Fix: Walk around the neighborhood for 20 minutes.

How to get your Lymphatic System Moving

There are a few easy things you can do everyday to get your system moving like the ones mentioned up above. Hydrate, eat better and break a sweat, but there are some others that can help get things going? Here are some of my favorites:

Rebounding

My friend Ever introduced me to this years ago and it makes a huge difference. Jumping on a small mini trampoline is an efficient way to stimulate lymphatic flow and detox, and it’s great exercise! I like doing LEKFIT – classes from a woman in LA. I was doing the home gym before it was cool (ok, necessary). Her workouts have changed my body more than anything. And yes, ladies of a certain age in the beginning you may have to hop off to pee, but after doing it a while you will be stronger than ever … if you know what I mean!

If you don’t want to commit to a new workout app like LEKFIT – here is a simple 20 Minute workout from LIVESTRONG.

Gua Sha

My face loves to hold the puff, especially under my eyes so I am continually looking for ways to get the flow moving. Gua Sha massage is one of those that I can easily do at home with a jade stone. It is a traditional Chinese medicine technique. It will get the blood flowing and will also bring toxins to the surface so you may notice that your face will be a little red afterward. If you have ever had bodywork done you have probably heard you get excited when the spot turns red. That means those toxins are finding their way out of your system. Here a good article from the Vitruvi blog with more info and a how-to guide. You can use whatever oil you have on hand, or Pixi Rose Oil is a good inexpensive one you can find on Amazon or at CVS.

Gua Sha is also good for helping with Acne and fine lines. Why would you not do it???

@britta_beauty is a good Insta follow for more ways to use Gua Sha tools.

Ice Roller Face Massager

This awesome product is along the same lines as the Gua Sha tool and one of my favorites. Keep it in the freezer and pull it out when you are feeling puffy or run down. I love to use it at night in bed while watching a show. I just roll it over my face and hold it under my eyes to de-puff. Afterward your face will tingle for a while but in the best way.

Daily Cleanse

This is an easy one to do. It is one of my favorite Vitamins from HUM Nutrition. (Stay tuned for my favorite vitamins and supplements post later this week). It helps clear your skin and body from toxins. I didn’t notice how much I loved it until I ran out for a few weeks.

These are a few of my favorites but you can also try dry brushing or getting a professional lymphatic massage. Yoga is great too.

To see all of my favorite tools to get your lymphatic system going make sure you get the free Health & Wellness Guide.

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