7 Ways You Can Naturally Care For Your Lymph

A sluggish lymphatic system causes a buildup of waste and toxins, which is believed to play a role in inflammation and disease. Considering that we are expose to between 700,000 and 2 million different toxic chemicals a day – in everything from our food to our personal care products – it’s no wonder that many people’s lymphatic systems are struggling to keep up the pace! 

Here are 7 Ways You Can Help Your Lymphatic System Move:

1. Lymphatic drainage massage

   Lymphatic massage is a light, rhythmic, manual therapy that uses a specific stretch-and-release skin technique intended to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, which speeds filtration and boosts well-being. It improves lymphatic circulation up to 10 times after a single session. Regular monthly lymphatic massages can help assist detoxification, improve immune system function and much more. Learn about the benefits here.
   

2. Exercise

   Gentle to moderate exercise activates the flow of lymphatic fluid and it is the most effective way of increasing the function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system does not have a pump like the circulatory system, it is dependent on your muscle contractions to push it against your skin to help it pump. Exercise also makes you sweat which releases toxins from the body.
   

3. Deep breathing

   Make a conscious effort to take a number of deep breaths first thing in the morning, several times during the day and last thing at night. Deep belly breathing activates the lymphatic system and helps you to detox.
   

4. Dry brushing

   This is the use of a natural bristle brush on dry skin to activate the lymphatic system. Do it daily or at least twice a week. During the Detox & Surgical Lymphatic Massages you will learn the proper way to dry brush for your lymphatic system. Dry brushing kits are available for purchase with any session.
   

5. Clean up your diet

   Avoid eating packaged and processed foods that contain chemical additives that add to your body’s toxic load. Switch to a whole foods diet which includes more vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts than animal products. 7-13 servings of fruits & vegetables are now the recommended daily amount. Learn how you can bridge the gap and thrive with a simple solution to add more plants to your daily life in just a matter of minutes each morning, click to learn more.
   

6. Wear loose clothing

   Wear loose clothing most of the time and tight clothing occasionally. Tight clothing, (like bras and other tight-fitting underwear) reduces circulation of lymph which then slows down detoxification of the body.
   

7. Stay hydrated

   Drink plenty of clean filtered water throughout the day so that the water can carry away the toxins through urine and sweat.

Keep your lymphatic system working! The lymphatic system is critical for health and it is wise to keep it working at its best. At Prevana Wellness I specialize in holistic lymph care, helping you to boost the function of your lymph with lymphatic massages and learning techniques to maintain well-being through lifestyle changes like those discussed above.

How To Decide The Frequency of Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle and non-invasive form of body work that can be especially helpful for those who suffer from common colds, cellulite, autoimmune complications and much more.

Lymphatic drainage stimulates the entire lymphatic system, boosts metabolism, boosts the immune system and helps the body to eliminate toxins. 

Determine the frequency of lymphatic drainage sessions by first inquiring about regular exercise habits. Exercise stimulates the lymphatic system and helps to detoxify the body, meaning that people who lead sedentary lifestyles will require more treatments than others. For example, a person who is required to rest in bed may require one or two sessions per week, while a person who exercises three or more times a week may only need one a month, or even every two months.

Schedule a series of lymphatic massages after a period of time that you have been sedentary, for example, after healing from surgery or injury. In this case, you may only need three or four sessions to help get things flowing again.

Use lymphatic drainage massage if you have noticed a slow down in your metabolism, increase in hormonal imbalances, increase in allergies, feeling sluggish or heavier than normal or brain fog. Many times these symptoms can be a sign that there is a blockage in the lymphatic system.

A person should schedule a series of sessions (one Lymphatic Detox Treatment per week for three weeks) and continue treatment until they notice a change.

Treat yourself to one or two lymphatic drainage sessions every three months if you experience a high frequency of common colds, allergies or headaches.

Regular lymphatic drainage can help manage your symptoms and boost your immune system. Get regular lymphatic massage to treat and prevent cellulite and help your body in it’s natural process of detoxification.

Rosehip Tea: A Soothing Beverage During a Detox

As a health coach, I believe in finding natural sources of nutrients and nourishing your body through foods and herbs in order to live a vibrant life. 

My love for herbs began in 2005 when I enrolled in many courses at Mrs. Thompson’s Herb Store in Eugene, Oregon.  This is when my curiosity blended with a foundational education that blossomed into a love and respect for herbalism.  At this point in my life I was exploring ways to heal my body in hopes of strengthening it against my common illnesses.  Adding herbs into my life was One Simple Change that I chose to do years ago, with the help of Mrs. Thompson and I continue to enjoy and share them with others.  

After a long day, many of us create habits, like drinking a glass of wine, to reward ourselves and relax our minds.  For many, it’s the only true time set aside in the day for you. So when we enroll in clean eating programs, like with nourish-mint, many of us struggle to eliminate our evening ritual.

Today is the last day of our 6-week detox program.  While I restricted myself from pouring my evening glass of wine, I began to get creative in the kitchen.  I realized that instead of just “skipping” my evening ritual, I replaced it with another beverage - an enjoyable cup of tea.  My cravings for wine began to decrease as I held a beautiful cup of rosehip tea.  It’s light and fruity flavor and aroma delighted my senses and I easily embraced it as my evening drink.

Rosehip is the fruit of the rose plant that is found just below the flowers’ leaves.  It produces a mild, fruity and tangy tea and is one of my favorite caffeine-free teas.  It is a great source of Vitamin C – ounce for ounce it has more of this vitamin than an orange.  Rosehips also contain antioxidant properties that benefit the body in many ways. I encourage you to explore this delicious beverage for your evening ritual and consider tea as a wonderful addition to your healthy lifestyle!

How to Make Rose Hip Tea from Dried Hips:

• 2 teaspoons of dried rose hips placed in a tea ball

• 1 cup of boiling water

• Pour water over hips and allow to steep for 10 to 15 minutes

• Remove tea ball

• Optional – sweeten with a little stevia, honey or agave
  
  Serve immediately or cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.  

*I am not a certified herbalist.  Rosehips are considered gentle, safe herbs, but before using any herb it is always best to check with a qualified healthcare professional if you are taking medications, if you are pregnant or lactating, or if you have serious medical problems.

By Paige Moreno; Owner of Prevana Wellness