Your lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and a crucial part of the immune system. It consists of glands, lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus gland, and the tonsils.
The lymph has many essentials functions:
- Protects the body from viruses.
- Removing/regulating interstitial fluid from tissue.
- Absorb and transport fatty acids and fats from the digestive system.
- Remove toxicity + waste out of the body.
- Transporting antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, to the lymph nodes where an immune response is stimulated.
- Transporting white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes into the bones.
The lymphatic system is out of balance in many people, and often goes under looked. But the good side is that it doesn’t take too much to keep it happy and pumping! Some classics are sweating, exercise and self massage.
How to perform your own at home lymphatic drainage self massage
- Remove all tight clothing, get comfortable and light some palo santo or incense
- Choose your favourite oil (we love coconut, almond or sesame)
- Wash your hands, face and neck area with warm water
- Place a warm washcloth over your face and neck for a few minutes and relax. Apply oil to your hands
- Start with your neck. Massage each section between 10-50 strokes (or up to a minute) downward towards your clavicles. When short for time, remember less is better than nothing!
- Move on to all areas of the head and finish with your face. You could introduce a gua sha at this point.
- Finish your practice by closing your eyes and taking long slow breaths. Feel the calming and cleansing effects of this self-love practice.
Written by Nadia Whitehurst
