The Importance of Caring for Your Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is one of the most important systems in the body. Good lymph flow is such a vital aspect of our general health. Often referred to as the body’s sewage system, the lymphatic system is an integral part of removing toxins built up from daily exposure. It is so important to understand this body system, support it and properly take care of it. Let’s take a deeper dive into what you can do to nourish and care for your body. 

What is the lymphatic system and how does it work?

The lymphatic system is made up of tissues and organs, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. The channels that carry lymph are also part of this system. Unlike blood which has the heart to pump it around, the lymphatic system relies on muscle movement to move the lymph fluid through the body. 

It is such an important part of our physiology as it aids in providing immunological defenses, drains excess fluids from the body's cells, absorbs and distributes fat-soluble nutrients, and improves circulation. Because of that, a congested lymphatic system can be detrimental to your health. When the lymph gets filled with cellular waste and becomes overloaded, the waste seeps out into other areas of the body and can cause pain, infection, loss of energy, various diseases, and/or congested unhealthy skin.

How can you take care of your lymph?

Taking care of your lymph is quite simple. Try to incorporate a few of the things below into your weekly routine.

• Exercise - Exercise, even a simple walk, can help move your lymphatic system. As your muscles contract, they help pump the lymphatic fluid around the body. Regular exercise will help the fluid flow more efficiently throughout the system resulting in better detoxification channels.  
  
  
• Dry body brushing - Like massage, dry body brushing stimulates the movement of fluids within your body. This includes both blood and lymphatic fluid, which transports white blood cells and eliminates cellular waste. The increase in circulation helps decrease bloating and encourages your body to filter out toxins.
  
  Dry brushing is as simple in practice as it sounds in theory. Use a natural, non-synthetic, soft-bristled brush. Always make three long strokes towards the heart, avoiding any back and forth or scrubbing motions. Start at your feet, moving up the legs on both sides, then work from the arms toward your chest and then back. On your stomach, direct the brush clockwise or counterclockwise, and brush in circular motions. For best results, use daily on dry skin before your shower.
  
  
• Lymphatic drainage - Boost circulation and purify the body with a full-body lymphatic drainage service. At our own wellness studio, our lymphatic drainage service is a top-to-toe treatment that works deeper than massage and is more effective than manual lymphatic drainage. We use colored light therapy, gentle cupping, aromatic oils, and a specialized janegee clarifying face mask to achieve a full-body detox.
  
  
• Infrared sauna -  Another service offered in our wellness studio, infrared sauna is fantastic for increasing circulation throughout the body. It works to penetrate deep into the skin to heat the body from the inside out, unlike a traditional sauna that heats the air around you to warm the body. The heat built up from the infrared sauna blanket can stimulate fat cells to remove toxins from the body that sit stagnant in the system. 
  
  
• Castor oil packs - Castor oil packs have been known to improve liver detoxification, ovarian health, support uterine health, improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Some people even notice, better sleep, less pain, and improved skin conditions.
  
  How to Make a Castor Oil Pack
  What you will need:
  - A 10-x 20-inch piece of flannel or woolen fabric. A washcloth works great for this.
  - Castor oil Saran wrap
  - Heat pad
  - A plastic box or glass jar with a lid to keep the flannel in.
  
  Directions:
  - Soak the square of flannel or wool in castor oil covered not saturated.
  - Apply the castor oil pack over your abdomen and liver. Cover with saran wrap to keep it in place.
  - Lie down on your back and place a heating pad over the castor oil pack.
  -Leave it in place for one hour.
  - When finished, pack your castor oil pack away in your container to be used again.

As you can see the lymphatic system is extremely important for our overall health. We encourage you to be more mindful of truly taking care of it. Try to go for a walk a few times a week, add dry body brushing into your nightly routine, and book a full body detox a few times throughout the year. You will truly feel and see the difference when the lymph is fully functioning! 

Let’s become better together!