Place your flat hands on either side of your neck, just under your ears. Gently stretch the skin back (away from your face) and down, then release. Try to massage your neck in a slow, gentle way, following a rhythm. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Regular physical exercise is a great way to get your lymphatic system pumping and detoxing your system of waste. Jumping, walking, stretching, yoga, Pilates, and other moderate exercises done on a daily basis will really improve the state of your lymph.
Self-lymph drainage, or SLD, is a special type of gentle massage that helps move extra fluid from an area that is swollen (or is at risk of becoming swollen), into an area where the lymph nodes are working properly. This is done by stimulating contractions of lymphatic vessels.
Common signs and symptoms of lymphedema can include: Swelling in part of the body (such as your breast, chest, shoulder, arm, or leg) Skin feeling tight or hard, changing in texture, looking red, or feeling hot. New aching, tingling, numbness, or other discomfort in the area.
Perform lymphatic massage of the upper body before beginning with the legs. Follow the three stages of clearing in the supraclavicular area, the axillary area, and the inner-elbow area, in that order. This ensures that the system is clear to allow fluid to drain up. Use light pressure.
The lymph fluid carries the waste products and destroyed bacteria back into the bloodstream. The liver or kidneys then remove these from the blood. The body passes them out with other body waste, through bowel movements (poo) or urine (pee).
The most common reason for lymphatic obstruction is the removal or enlargement of the lymph nodes. Other causes of lymphatic obstruction include: Infections with parasites, such as filariasis. Injury.
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels.
Red Root Red root – also known as Ceanothus americanus or New Jersey tea – is the premiere lymphogogue, an herb that supports the function of the lymphatic system.
It flushes your system, helps eliminate overnight build up and provides the necessary fluid to perform all day long. The lemon provides the added benefit of alkalizing the fluid and mineralizing the body and the lymphatic system. {Learn more about why you should drink warm lemon water here.}
Tapping your neck and chest is important to encourage the downward flow of lymph, which will be stimulated by this technique.
Citrus. Citrus fruits aid hydration, carry powerful antioxidants and enzymes, and help cleanse and protect the lymphatic system.
Some foods can exacerbate lymphedema symptoms because of the way they are processed and the additives or high salt content they contain. These foods include added sugars — specifically fructose — refined grains, chemically modified fats and most animal and dairy products.
secondary lymphoedema – caused by damage to the lymphatic system or problems with the movement and drainage of fluid in the lymphatic system, often due to an infection, injury, cancer treatment, inflammation of the limb or a lack of limb movement.
Recent studies suggest that the interaction between obesity and lymphedema is reciprocal. That is, not only is it now clear that obesity can lead to impaired lymphatic function, it is also evident that impaired lymphatic function can lead to adipose deposition and obesity.
Depending on the severity, most cases should begin to see results after 1-2 sessions. Frequency is dependent on the clients goals and how congested the lymph system is.
The entire process should take about 15 to 20 minutes, but after care is perhaps the most important part of the equation. Lanini recommends prioritizing hydration for 48 hours post treatment to promote drainage.
When your lymphatic system doesn't work well, your body accumulates fluid and may begin to swell. The swelling typically affects your arms and legs, but it can affect other areas of your body, too. Lymphedema also increases your risk of developing an infection where you have the condition.