In holistic medicine, the left side of the body is the dominant lymphatic side. Sleeping on this side gives your body plenty of time to filter toxins, lymph fluid, and waste through the thoracic duct and the lymph nodes. Sleeping on your right side may make your lymphatic system run more sluggishly.
Sleep On Your Side
As Dr. Langdon notes, quality sleep can help your lymphatic system drain the necessary fluids.
Place you hand on your collarbone. Move your hand down your chest in half circles toward your underarm. Massage your chest to help reduce swelling. This massage will move the lymph fluid from your neck and chest to your underarm lymph vessels and nodes.
Choose a time that works for you
In the morning, lymphatic drainage is ideal for helping to reduce puffiness in the face after waking up. It also helps to prep your skin for your daytime skincare products, before you start the day.
Positioning yourself
Make sure you fully support your leg with a cushion or pillow under the knee. With lymphoedema of your head and neck, sleep with 2 or 3 pillows to raise your head and help the fluid drain. You can also raise the head of the bed by using blocks under the legs of the head of the bed.
Lymphedema Causes
Lymphedema occurs as a result of a blockage in the lymphatic system. This is most often caused by a traumatic event, such as sports injuries or deep cuts and bruises, as an aftereffect of surgery or cancer treatment. More rarely, lymphedema can occur as birth defect or symptom of infection.
Apply a warm compress.
Apply a warm, wet compress, such as a washcloth dipped in hot water and wrung out, to the affected area.
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.
Many have reported that they feel a feeling of tingling or flow of fluid under the skin, much like a small stream. Others report the feeling of being able to breathe deeply for the first time in a while because of the lymphatic flow in the sinuses. Other people feel rejuvenated, and others feel a deep relaxation.
HYDRATE. Prior to starting your first session and during each 3-day period of treatment, we recommend you drink 2-3 liters of water. Water and hydration are key to this process being effective. Just like any water system, if the volume is inadequate, things can not flow.
Goldenseal, Echinacea, and Astragalus are three herbs that help alleviate inflammation and congestion of the lymph nodes and vessels. There is also Ashwagandha and Mushrooms. You can implement them in your diet with herbal tinctures or teas.
Lymphatic massage aims to improve the flow of lymph fluid, which should reduce swelling. Massaging an area without swelling will make space for fluid to flow to those parts from more congested areas. There are two types of lymphatic drainage: manual and simple.
Gentle massage could be the key to reducing the swelling, pain and heaviness caused by lymphatic obstruction, otherwise known as lymphedema. Your lymphatic system protects your body from infection, cancer and illness. In a very real sense, its's your body's drainage system.
Swollen glands are a sign the body is fighting an infection. They usually get better by themselves within 2 weeks.
Do not squeeze, drain, or puncture a painful lump. Doing this can irritate or inflame the lump, push any existing infection deeper into the skin, or cause severe bleeding. Get extra rest. Slow down just a little from your usual routine.
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.
Expect to have an increased need to urinate.
The whole purpose of a manual lymphatic drainage massage is to help balance fluid and remove waste/toxins from the body, and how does that happen, through your urine. The increased need to urinate is actually a really really good thing.
Looking After Your Lymphatic System
Drink plenty of water – Dehydration is one of the most common causes of lymphatic congestion which can further exacerbate existing lymph problems. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day encourages healthy lymphatic function and reduces water retention.
Vitamins that support the lymphatic system include, vitamin A, C, E, and B-6. Common herbs that also help include goldenseal, echinacea, and poke root.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, can relieve some of the swelling and discomfort of swollen lymph nodes.
Saltwater Gargling Benefits
This is because the salt in the mixture pulls out the mucus from the swollen and uncomfortable tissue glands. Doing this provides relief and temporarily reduces swelling in your glands.
Bath Rituals:
Hot water will dilate blood vessels and cold water will constrict them so alternating back and forth between to extreme temperatures will act as a pump in the body to move the lymph through the lymphatic system.