Hi there,

Hope you’re well. I so look forward to seeing you in your next session with me.

Are you ready for August’s theme? This month we are going to focus on lymphatic drainage. Yipee!!

I am a huge fan of all things health related, as you know. This one has a special place in my heart because I feel it is so beneficial to every aspect of of our well-being. AND I personally really feel the benefits of this practice.

I have noticed a massive support with my head trauma healing when I have been consistent with my lymphatic drainage practice on a daily basis. I also have noticed an increase in lean muscle mass, I sleep better, eat better, have more stable energy, am more calm, grounded, and joyful in my life. Basically I am healthier and everything is brighter and better because my body doesn’t have any gunk in it; so I am lighter, clearer, and experience no pain, inflammation, imbalances in my life. I am happy to go deeper with those who wish to.

Here some info on the lymphatic system to start with~

The lymphatic system is one of our body’s major systems, and is a huge part of our immune system. It is made up of lymph nodes (or glands). It is the front line in our body’s ability to fight disease and infection, and remove toxins. Lymphatic fluid contains immune cells, which circulate around the body, mopping up toxins and transporting them to the lymph nodes. It is in the nodes where these toxins are broken down, and the lymph fluid is filtered so it can continue to circulate around the body and collect more toxins. Toxins include viruses, bacteria, pollution, food additives, drugs and metabolic waste. A healthy lymphatic system is vital for immunity.

It is slow-moving and can easily become sluggish. Unlike the circulatory system, where the heart pumps blood around the body, your lymphatic system does not have a pump. That’s why we have to show up for it. The only things that gets lymphatic fluid circulating are muscle contraction, respiratory movement, and contraction of smooth muscle in vessel walls, surrounding organs, etc.

During the month of August we are going to begin a daily practice of MLD, Manual Lymphatic Drainage. There are many doorways in to lymphatic drainage, and some of you might already be practicing. You are welcome to practice more than one a day, I do!

Here are a few ways to get the lymphatic system moving:

~You guessed it! Exercise!!! Well, we can all check this one off our list, right? See you in our sessions for this one. :) If not my class then simply walking, swimming, hiking, weight training, even household actives can be stimulating the lymphatic system.
~Rebounding/Trampoline-especially good for lymphatic system-3- 5 minutes a day this is not high jumping, it is staying low and grounded and bouncing gently.
~Dry brushing-everywhere with special emphasis on Big Six Points noted below
~Facial brushing-make sure you use soft bristles for face brushing
~Cupping-body and face *I use The Facial Cupping Expert brushes and cups
~Drink lots of water
~Massage-self or other
~Diaphragmatic breathing specifically, and any other breath work you wish
~Vagus Nerve Stimulation-ice baths, ice facials, humming, chanting, and so many more ways into vagus nerve stimulation (so many that I might just dedicate a month to it) :)
~Anti-inflammatory/toxin diet— eat clean people. Foods to avoid: processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, trans fats, fake meats, fake sugars, soy-based products, GMOs, conventional/non-organic food, micro plastics in foods and packaging; plastic bottles, cans, soda, etc.
~Decrease stress

We will be practicing MLD-Manual Lymphatic Drainage together on a daily basis for the entire month.

This is a very specific massage technique that drains the lymphatic fluid towards our lymph nodes so that the fluid can be filtered and refreshed; thus increasing circulation and effectively clearing our body of toxins. Don’t think of this as a muscular massage. The lymphatic fluid is located directly under your skin so light pressure is fine. It only takes a few minutes a day and the benefits are immensely powerful, and noticeable.

The best tool ever is our own body, our hands. We simply practice manually stimulating lymphatic drainage with touch. There are six big points of lymphatic drainage we will activate and there are three movements we will implement at each point. The order of the points does matter, always do the collar bone point first as we want to open the main flood gate for all the other points to drain through.

The Big Six Lymphatic Points:

1. Collar Bone
2. Jaw Line near ear and towards chin
3. Chest
4. Abdomen-place one palm on navel, other palm above it and move both hands all around abdomen
5. Groin
6. Back of knees

Three movements to be done at each point. Light to medium pressure to move energy, not to the point of discomfort.

1. Hand moving over entire area, rub up and down and all around.
2. Tapping the entire area with our hand as if we are patting someone on the back.
3. Hand covering entire area and moving clockwise and counter clockwise.

Notes:
-Focus approximately 30 seconds per point.
-If a certain area feels tender, stay a bit longer and be gentle.
-If you have an injury, or a bruise, on a point, skip that point until it is healed or go very gently over it with more of a healing soft gesture of asking the body to move energy internally without much movement from your hand.
-If you feel a lot of points are tender it could mean that your body has more toxins at that time. Be gentle and perhaps only do a few points instead of all six for that session.
-Occasionally, when one is quite toxic due to diet, environment, stress, lifestyle choices, flu-like symptoms can arise due to the toxins being released. This will pass but is good information to look at your lifestyle choices with more care.
-Lymphatic drainage is not recommended if you have a heart condition or kidney failure.
-Please schedule a health coaching session with me if you have questions regarding this practice.
-Always consult with your naturopath/general care doctor if you have any medical concerns.

Why do we do this?

-strengthen immune system
-increase detoxification
-increase rate at which vital immune cells are transported to where they are needed, thus improving healing time from illness/surgery/etc.
-aid with fluid retention
-lymphedema
-sinusitis/hay fever
-breast surgery
-mastitis
-migraines
-pain relief & anti-inflammatory effects
-digestive disorders & IBS
-carpel tunnel syndrome due to fluid retention
-pre & post surgery (increase healing)
-post injury (drain lymphatic fluid that sweeps around injury)
-chronic fatigue & fibromyalgia
-oedema during pregnancy
-improve sleep
-improve complexion
-increase joy
-weight loss
-because it’s good for us :)

When not to use MLD:

-malignant tumors
-beginning of cold or flu—but great to do once you are feeling better
-asthma due to heart problems
-deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
-within 72 hours of a long plane flight due to risk of DVT
-arteriosclerosis

Below is an image to better acquaint you with your lymphatic system. You will see the beautiful, vast system at work. It is a wondrous system and it deserves our daily attention, and love. Not just in fixing things if we are toxic but in not polluting our body because we love it so much.

Happy Draining!

Reach out if you have any questions. Lots of love to you as you continue honoring, loving and moving that beautiful bod.