The lymphatic system is like Bitcoin: when you hear it mentioned, you smile and nod and hope no one asks you any questions. You know you have this system, you know it serves a purpose, but that’s about it. While the lymphatic system tends to fly under the radar, it’s a powerful system that affects nearly every other process in the body! 

What Is The Lymphatic System? 

Though we can’t see it or feel it, the lymphatic system is one of the most important (and forgotten) systems in the body. In its essence, this system transmits a clear fluid called lymph upwards towards the neck through a network of lymph nodes that are concentrated in the armpits, neck, and groin. This fluid is filled with infection-fighting white blood cells and is crucial to removing toxins from your body.  

What’s All the Chatter About?  

If talk of the lymphatic system seems to be popping up everywhere in the wellness world, it’s because it provides the greatest immune defense in our body. Unlike the heart, however, this system doesn’t have a pump, so it’s easy for it to get bogged down – especially with an excess of toxins.  

A sluggish lymphatic system can have a lot of negative effects on the body. You may notice some of these signs if your lymph drains become congested:  

• Cellulite
• Cold hands and feet 
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Bronchitis 
• Stubborn weight gain 
• Fatigue 
• And more! 

Not fun, right? 

Tips for Lymphatic Draining 

The great news is that it doesn’t take much to get the lymphatic system moving, and there are a lot of treatment options. Below are a few of the most popular ways to get the system moving and get your immune system back on track.  

1. Swedish Massage: Massage, especially massage with circular movements, helps move lymph towards the heart for removal and detox.  
2. Lemon Water: The most common cause for lymph blockage is dehydration, and if you want to expedite the process, lemon helps to mineralize and alkalize the body and lymph. 
3. Dry Brushing: Using a dry brush and moving in circular movements from your legs up to your heart stimulates lymph, opens pours, and eliminates dead skin cells.  
4. A Salt Scrub Treatment: Our invigorating salt scrub treatment begins with a gentle dry brush to stimulate the lymphatic system, includes a brisk salt scrub, and is followed by a moisturizing treatment – all designed specifically to remove toxins from your lymphatic system!
5. Increase Raw Food Intake: Raw foods help to promote healthy digestion and their naturally occurring enzymes help break down toxins that will lighten the load on your lymphatic system. (link to How to Eat More Leafy Greens).  

What’s the Takeaway? 

Most of us have forgotten about our lymphatic systems, but it doesn’t take much effort to take them off the back burner and resolve a whole list of chronic health problems. From Swedish massage to simple exercises to increased water intake, these steps will help you feeling better!

Roxanne Zbinden
(805) 687-8979
roxanne@cielospasb.com