Supporting the Lymphatic System
Written by Liv Kesselhaut
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the optimal functioning of the immune system. It is a network of vessels, tissues, and organs that carry lymph throughout the circulatory system.
What is lymph?
“Lympha” = “Water” in Greek
Lymph is the fluid associated with the lymphatic system, which cleanses cells & supports the body’s innate healing mechanisms. Maintaining the health and vitality of lymph is key to vibrant health.
There are many ways to care for lymph, here are some of our favorites:
FLOWpresso®
FLOWpresso® is a noninvasive therapy that encourages the body’s self-healing abilities. It utilizes a combination of compression, far infrared heat, and deep pressure therapy. Compression promotes lymphatic drainage while far infrared heat reduces inflammation and cellular function. Some benefits of FLOWpresso® are deep relaxation, increased energy, and stress management support. Learn more here and book your session with us.
At-Home FLOW : Daily Lymph Support
Advanced Bio Sonic Technology to support lymphatic drainage of the face and neck area for at home support and in FLOWpresso sessions :)
The Benefits of FLOW Vibrate:
Improves skin appearance
Reduces puffiness
Supports the elimination of toxins and fluids, making your face look thinner
Supports the increase of blood flow to the face and neck area
Encourage sinus drainage
Improves drainage of the head and neck area
How Does FLOW Vibrate Support Lymph Drainage?
Flow Vibrate supports lymphatic drainage of the neck and face, using advanced bio sonic technology and techniques (as shown in our video below).
In order to move lymphatic fluid it requires muscle contractions (such as the contraction of the heart when it pumps). The vibration delivered by this bio sonic technology, creates these muscular contractions.
The vibrating waves bring you benefits, from de-puffed under-eyes to releasing tension in muscles and connective tissues of the face, neck and head, which in turn reduces stress and improves facial contouring.
Oh, and it feels extra-good on those tight facial muscles.
Restorative Yoga Postures
Restorative yoga postures may support the movement of lymph throughout the body and release physical tension.
Child’s Posture :: Stretch shoulders, armpits, and hips while gently massaging the stomach.
Cow & Cat :: Move energy and lymph in the torso.
Waterfall/ Legs Up the Wall :: Alternate the flow of circulation within the body. Practice with or without a wall for support.
Supine Twist (right + left) :: Massage lymph nodes in abdomen and groin.
Nourishing the Body with Food
Nutrients that we consume affect us on a cellular level — mindfully curating our plates is a privilege and opportunity to care for ourselves and the earth. Some of our favorite plants, spices, and supports that are anti-inflammatory by nature and enhance immunity are:
Turmeric
Ginger
Garlic
Cinnamon
Vitamin C: Citrus & bell peppers
Leafy greens: Kale, collard greens, spinach
Omega 3’s: Flax seeds & chia seeds
Water
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing awakens the lymphatic system through stimulation and encourages circulation throughout the body.
Ritual: Before a shower, gather your dry brush and favorite body oil – we love Turn to Nature’s Breast & Lymph Oil. With your dry brush, practice gentle, long strokes along the body :: starting at the feet and working towards the heart center. Follow this with a self-massage using your favorite body oil. Complete the ritual by rinsing in the shower, allowing the water to clear the body and aura.
About Liv:
Olivia came to us in 2018 following the third year of her studies at San Diego State University, where she completed her B.A. in Psychology. Throughout her studies she found refuge in Yoga, food as medicine, Buddhist Psychology and their effects on the mind, body, and spirit. She completed her RYT-200 in 2019, beginning the transformation of her practice. Her background in Psychology sets the frequency of her offerings, tuning in with the innate wisdom of the body and utilizing the breath as a bridge. Olivia is a mental health advocate, believing that befriending the mind is the ultimate gift to oneself.
She is LoveYourBrain Yoga certified and has worked closely with the brain injury community since 2019. Olivia holds a T. Colin Campbell Plant-Based Nutrition certification, believing that food can be the truest medicine. Olivia offers Reiki as an energy healing modality and weaves this into her offerings.