The lymphatic system has two of the body’s biggest jobs. The lymphatic system helps the body get rid of toxins and wastes. It also carries infection-fighting fluid full of white blood cells throughout the body. WOW! It’s important to keep your lymph system flowing and moving!
Lymphatic congestion can impact gut and metabolic health, and it’s important to support both to keep things moving along. Some of my favorite ways to keep our lymph system moving are with the movement of the Chi Machine, Dry Skin Brushing, and Essential Oils.
Lymphatic Congestion
Lymphatic congestion occurs when your body’s waste removal system gets backed up and becomes sluggish. This can affect your gut health because 70% of your immune system resides in your gut, and when your lymphatic system becomes sluggish, it affects your gut health and can lead to inflammation and impaired digestion, causing symptoms like bloating, constipation, and food sensitivities.
This slowdown and inflammation also impact your metabolic health because your body is trying to get rid of the toxins building up, which affects the absorption of nutrients. which can lead to obesity and insulin resistance.
Ways to Keep Your Lymphatic System Moving
Chi Machine
The Chi Machine is a therapeutic massager that promotes movement throughout the body. It’s unique figure 8 movement promotes the movement of the circulatory and lymphatic system. Plus, the chi machine promotes a feeling of well-being and temporarily reduces and relieves muscle aches and pains. I love it and use it every single day!
Dry Skin Brushing
Brushing your skin when it’s dry with a natural vegetable brush is a great way to prepare for your daily shower. It stimulates the lymphatic system and boosts your circulation. It may also reduce the appearance of cellulite, and many find it very energizing and relaxing! Every day, for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, I dry-skin brush using a natural vegetable fiber brush.
I begin with long strokes starting from the soles of my feet up toward my heart. I then do my arms, trunk, and back if your brush includes a handle. All strokes are toward the heart. It is best to avoid sensitive areas such as your face, genitals, or areas of your skin that are already irritated.
Essential Oils for Lymphatic System Support
There are several essential oils you can use to create a blend that works great for promoting movement in your lymphatic system. It contains a blend of citrus essential oils such as lemon and grapefruit, as well as juniper and laurel essential oils. This blend of oils is helpful for purifying the body. You can use these oils to create a blend and add them to a body oil or lotion to apply after your dry skin brushing and showering. I really like the Aromatics International Blend “Lymph Symphony” for this. It will do your body wonders.
If you create the oil blend, apply the body oil when you are still damp. Remember to keep your blend at approximately 1-2%, which is no more than 5-6 or 10-12 drops per ounce. You might have even noticed that many cellulite products on the market include many of the same essential oils as the ones I have mentioned.
The essential oils listed are well known for helping with lymphatic congestion due to their cleansing and stimulating properties. Many of these oils are useful as tonics for the circulatory system and as stimulants for the lymphatic system. Many of these oils have been found beneficial for swelling. The citrus top notes always add a bright aroma to the blend.
For more natural approaches to supporting lymphatic system movement, explore The Healthy Habits Challenge. To learn more about supporting your gut and lymphatic health, explore our gut health articles. For a deeper look at the lymphatic system and ways to support healthy lymphatic flow, read our Sunshine Sharing newsletter on Lymphatic Drainage.
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