Hello All! Dr. Lauren DeCicco, Doctor of Physical Therapy here with this week's wellness topic: Lymphatic system stimulation.
First, what is your lymphatic system and why is it so important?
Your lymphatic system is comprised of vessels and clusters (nodes) that travel throughout your entire body, including your brain. The main job of the lymphatic system is to clear away infection and toxins from your cells, keeping your fluids and cells clean and balanced. If this system is not working properly, you can have build up and back up, resulting in the inability to regenerate new cells, which is necessary for proper healing. You also can’t absorb the good stuff, such as nutrients from food or supplements, until you remove the space occupying toxins from your system. Check out the video below to give you an idea of how intricate the lymphatic system is, it literally travels to every part of your body!
Commonly, our lymphatic system can become stagnant and backed up with toxins. This can present in a multitude of ways, some of which are:
Swelling
Infections
Feeling stiff and sore
Cold hands/feet
Brain fog
Chronic fatigue
Depression
Pain in specific joints
Bloating
Poor gut health
Excess weight
Food sensitivities
Weakened immunity
Enlarged lymph nodes
Allergies
Constipation
Parasites
Malabsorption of water and nutrients
But why does this happen?
The main underlying reason for stagnation in your lymphatic system is lack of fluid movement. This can happen due to general lack of movement (ie working at a desk all day), stress (we ALL suffer from this!), injury causing increased tissue tension, and illness.
There is good news!
There are many ways to encourage and improve fluid flow in your body. In my practice, I utilize an in-depth, progressive manual stimulation protocol that addresses the lymphatic system from the superficial layers, to the deep vessels around the organs, and even the brain lymphatic (glymphatic) system. I encourage all of my clients to perform a basic daily routine, because even the most basic and superficial stimulation of the system can dramatically improve its ability to clear your system, and improve your overall health and ability to self heal.
Lymphatic system stimluation promotes:
Increased toxin and metabolic waste removal
Improved cellular regeneration
Decreased swelling
Decreased soreness
Increased proprioception
Decreased tissue tension
Increased mobility
Improved absorption of nutrients
Increased immune system function
Here is the very simple & quick daily routine I teach my clients, and you can start at home, even as a beginner:
"THE BIG 6"
(From the teachings of Dr. Perry Nickelston-Stop Chasing Pain)
Product recommendations:
When we perform repetitive activities and routines, our bodies can acclimate to the input we give it. To get the most out of your lymphatic system stimulation, I highly recommend changing the speed, direction and textures you stimulate your system with. You can do manual stimulation with your hands, use a device that vibrates, or use a brush. Get creative, just go in the correct order and be gentle and you can’t go wrong.
Here are two of my top product recommendations to make daily lymphatic work simple:
The Sonic Slider Tuning Fork by Biofield Tuning. Due to this tuning fork’s frequency being specific to fluid flow, this is one of my favorite tools for lymphatic work. I also love it for calming down the nervous system (more info on that topic to come!)
TriggerPoint Vibrating Massage Ball or something similar that vibrates. Another great tool for fluid flow and regulating the nervous system, best for neck and body work, just be careful going over bony areas!
**It is highly recommended to stay away from Percussion Guns for lymphatic work, as they are too aggressive!
Please note:
You may experience “detoxification” type symptoms with initiating lymphatic work, and that is NORMAL. If you experience headache, acheyness, fatigue, feeling unwell later that day or the following day, wait until your symptoms subside and then continue doing the routine. You can perform the routine daily if no detoxification symptoms are present. If your lymph nodes become swollen, your system is trying to catch up with the stimulation, and may need a day or so to do so. Again, you can continue once your lymph nodes reduce in size. Always proceed slowly with ANY new program, routine, or technique you are introducing to your body. It is better to underDO than overDO! Every one is different, listen to your body and know your individual needs.
***Caution***
If you have any of the below, please do NOT perform lymphatic work. It would be recommended that if you wish to perform lymphatic work, you get medical clearance and first work with a lymphatic trained specialist.
Localized infection
Acute inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, and poisons with fever over 102F
Thrombosis (blood clot)
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Renal Failure
Metastatic malignant cancer/chemo/radiation (defer to your oncologist)
Removed spleen
Glomerulonephritis
First Trimester of Pregnancy
Please consult with your physician prior to starting any lymphatic system stimulation techniques if you have a known medical condition. This does not take the place of medical care. I am not a medical doctor.
Interested in working with a professional to get started on lymphatic work? Contact us today to set up an appointment!