The Lymphatic Lifestyle
(noun): lifestyle changes with a focus on understanding the continuous needs of the lymphatic system as a specialized part of the immune system.
(verb): daily self-care habits which keep the lymphatic system in forward motion.
Mindful. Affordable. Practical.
Massage
Lymphatic Massage is Manual Lymphatic Drainage, meaning a person is specifically trained to move lymphatic fluid through the lymphatic system with their hands. Some people use expensive tools to provide this care, but healing with experienced hands is the foundation of The Lymphatic Whisperer success. This is a very specialized motion, mimicking the particular low pressure of the lymphatic vessels. Like Goldilocks, not too much, not too little pressure. Just the right pressure and rhythm, mimicking your intrinsic lymphatic flow. This is why I am opposed to deep tissue massage when you have lymphatic issues.
The destination of lymphatic fluid in motion is always back to the heart, emptying into the bloodstream at the neck. This can be a difficult journey from the tips of the toes, up through the legs, groin, belly, chest. From the fingertips, inward to the axilla. From the top of the head, down, through complexity of the scalp, face, throat.
Complete Decongestive Therapy is the process of an experienced clinician systematically moving the lymphatic fluid through the whole body in it’s natural sequence. This means your whole body will experience the movement of lymphatic fluid. Decongestion is the medical term for moving a “blockage”. How do you know it is a “blockage”? The only way to know for sure is to have a medical test called a Lymphangiogram, so symptomatic relief can be an indication of success and is monitored closely with your care team.
Regular lymphatic massage by a specifically trained professional is a wonderful part of The Lymphatic Lifestyle. More importantly, daily self lymphatic massage is the foundation of an effective lymphatic care plan. This can be done with your hands or with inexpensive tools like skin brushing or Gua Sha. The most important point is to follow the same sequence as the specialized massage.
Motion
Lymphatic movement is a particular kind of motion, this is not a surprise now that you are learning more about the needs of this mysterious system of vessels, nodes, and delightful fluid!
The lymphatic system loves the motion and pressure of water. Water is heavy and rhythmic, mimicking the intrinsic lymphatic pressure and rhythm. Notice the gentle flow of warm ocean waves and they mimic your lymphatic flow. Again like Goldilocks, not too hot, not too cold, not too fast, not too slow. You can also bounce gently in a lake, pool, jacuzzi, bathtub. Lymphatic bouncing is trendy and can be expensive, you can buy a trampoline or just gently sway and dance.
Stretching is another lymphatic favorite, particularly in a slow and meditative setting which again mimics forward lymphatic flow. This is why I have developed a Lymphatic Yoga program. The reach of a yoga pose pumps the low pressure lymphatic vessels and nodes, moving the lymphatic fluid forward. The release of the pose is just as important as the next wave of lymphatic fluid prepares to take its turn in forward motion.
Muscle movement is designed to act like a lymphatic pump, go ahead and do your routine warm-up and remember that lymphatic movement is rhythmic and gentle. In a healthy lymphatic system, this may be all you need along with gravity assistance as you unfurl and relax in your sleep at night. In a challenged lymphatic system, muscle motion can be your friend but may need a little assistance as well. We will individualize the right movement plan for you, enlisting the expertise of your care team.
Compression
Professional lymphatic compression is a specific pressure which is just a few points above the lymphatic system’s low pressure. The pressure of the lymphatic system is under 10 mmHg as it returns to the heart. Compare that to a normal arterial blood pressure of 120 mmHg as travels away from the muscular pumping of the heart.
Lymphatic compression is designed to support the forward lymphatic flow we have worked so hard to achieve. Just a touch of pressure! Too much will occlude this treasured pressure! A pressure of 8-30 mmHg is common, expertly fitted garments are recommended.
Floor Time
Floor Time is You Time. You on your back time, flat, paused for a moment in your busy day. The lymphatic pipelines will open, like a kinked garden hose when pressure is relieved. Gravity assists the natural lymphatic low-pressure flow back to your restful and open heart. Point and flex your toes, arms open and receptive, listen, take a deep breath. Stop. Excuse yourself, retreat. The world around you will adjust, and so will you. Meditate, talk on the phone, listen to music, watch TikToks. Create a cozy corner in your home or office surrounded by your favorite healing tools, candles, oils, rocks, a new colorful yoga mat. Stop at a park and frolic under a tree, carry a distinct picnic blanket in your car. Escape from a busy hospital unit, I used to hide in the chapel. “Get flat” I always say. Avoid sitting. Sitting is the new smoking, it blocks lymphatic flow at key points which may be contributing to your pain and swelling. Make Floor Time a daily habit, 20 minutes - 3 times per day to start. Yes, I know you’re busy, so try 5 minutes every hour or two.