6 Hacks for Lymphatic Drainage
Earlier this year I had a series of symptoms in my health that stopped me right in my tracks. Now, I’ve been dealing with chronic health issues for well over a decade but this was different. Like truly, my body felt nearly immobile and in crippling pain and severely inflamed. After several tests, labs, and so on, we are still putting the puzzles pieces together but it was a melting pot of autoimmune issues, Lyme, hormones/long term fight or flight and the root of much of it was a very sluggish lymphatic drainage system. It was actually quite scary/alarming but it goes to show just how much our body works in tandem and how less than optimal status in our systems can really wreak havoc.
I totally get it, the words sound weird and like we should be talking about plumbing, but we sort of are— just in terms of organs, not toilet pipes. The role of the lymphatic system is significant and it can really be a big game changer once you realize that things are not functioning properly.
Signs that Your Lymphatic System is Backed Up
Your lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining your body's immune function and overall health. It’s this weird, little intricate network inside that can become congested or backed up, but the body does indicate when it’s in a dysfunctional state. Swollen lymph nodes (one of my biggest signs) particularly in the neck, armpits, or groin, are common indicators that your lymphatic system needs attention. Additionally, you may experience frequent infections, as your lymphatic system is responsible for filtering out harmful pathogens. (Another slippery slope if you struggle with autoimmune issues to begin with.)
Other signs include a deep fatigue (the kind you feel in your bones), water retention, skin rashes and digestive problems. Now while it’s obvious, it is worth noting again and loudly, I am far from a medical professional. None of what I say should be taken as medical advise and I highly encourage you to work with a licensed provider you trust if you are experiencing any of the above. But all of this to say, I also feel strongly that anything I have gone through is to be shared so that it may help even one person. Anything in the healing realm can feel incredibly isolating if you are simply trying to feel better, optimal or even baseline good. Rest assure you are not alone and all of the below are simple things I have come to find that have helped me, and I sincerely hope help you in some way too.
The lymphatic system is profound and powerful. When we can harness it, it will work wonders for us. When things are off, everything feels tilted and clogged. I’ve rounded up my 6 of my favorite ways to encourage lymphatic drainage in the body. As always, take what lands and leave the rest.
De La Heart
BODY TOOL
I absolutely love this little wooden bad boy. I was first influenced by Melissa Wood and cannot tell you how much joy (and health) it has brought me. I usually use it after the shower but it’s also a wonderful tool to bring inside a sauna, if you ever find yourself with an opportunity to hop in one! Using this with oil (or your own sweat, if you’re in a sauna!) the ridges on this body tool allow it to perfectly glide along your different areas and help move fluid in a painless, meditative way.
Gua Sha
I know, this is all the rage and you’ve probably seen it all over instagram and wondering what the heck it is. Well rest assure it’s popular for good reason. I seriously notice a significant difference in puffiness in my face within minutes, and love how it helps me with lymph drainage. Whenever mine are swollen (a symptom of my autoimmune issues) this guy is my go-to, especially for the lymph nodes by my jaw/ear area. It’s part of my daily routine and goes with me even when I travel!
Self-Massage
We love FREE wellness tips, don’t we? Well luckily there are lots of things you can do for lymphatic drainage (and wellness in general) if you are just getting started or getting additional tools is not in this season of life. In order to make anything work, it really helps to activate the system, and there are points in your body that are reachable to gently get this started. I love massaging these points around my face, neck and shoulders especially, and there are a ton of free resources out there to help you get started on how to do it properly!
Dry Brushing
This one has been around for a long while. I love to do this before I shower, or just in the morning in general to get things pumping and moving. There are lots of tutorials on how to do this but the is upward strokes, and not pushing too hard. It’s really a simple yet powerful tool that I am grateful to have.
Cleavers Herb
I learned about Cleavers as I was researching some herbal and holistic supplements to help encourage this system to do it’s thing, and came across one of my favorites Organic Olivia talking about the benefits of Cleavers. Ultimately, this powerful plant helps enhance the lymphatic systems job, by aiding in detoxification, eliminating congestion and water retention, and quelling inflammation.
Hot/Cold Therapy
You’ve likely been seeing the buzz around this phenomenon and that’s because it’s benefits boast some of the most broad and long lasting in impact. While a sauna and cold plunge tub are idyllic, not everyone has access to one or both (myself included!) but even the simple hot/cold rotation in your shower can work wonders! (Heck, sweating out in the brutal summer heat and jumping in a cold lake works too!) Truly shocking your body’s system in a healthy way is also incredible for circulation, thus getting the lymphatic system moving!