Immune Health - Lymphatic Flow

What is the lymphatic system?

To break it down:

Our blood system carries oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues in our bodies. Some fluid from this process is released to different parts of the body. The lymphatic system's main job is to gather this extra fluid and return it to the blood, keeping everything balanced.
The lymphatic system also plays a role in the immune system by transporting white blood cells and filtering out pathogens. Pathogens that are rife in the thick of winter!

Our overall system can slow down due to many reasons, one being a lack of physical movement, inadequate hydration, illness and inflammation. Some indicators your circulation may need some support can look like feeling cold, constipation, swelling, bloating or swollen lymph nodes (found near our collar bones, under our arms, at the back of our neck and groin).

Product: Body contouring and gua sha Imbibe

Promotes circulation, brings oxygen and nutrients to the surface repairs and strengthens the skin. By stimulating the lymphatic system, body gua sha promotes detoxification and can reduce fluid retention.

Do: movement
In the depths of winter, when the mornings are like ice and the afternoons gloomy, movement might not be high on the “want to do” list, but movement is crucial to avoid stagnation. A gentle stretch and flow is perfect to warm the core and keep the lymph moving.

Product: Nature of Things, Revitalizing Mineral Soak
Bringing the hot springs to your home. Soaking in minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc replenishes the system with essential minerals lost while sweating either from exercise or fighting a cold, and restores the skin. Soak when you need and slip into restorative sleep.

Drink: HoliMane
Hydration is keys for keeping our lymphatic system in motion. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps to prevent water retention that can cause swelling and discomfort. But hydration isn’t always straight water from the tap, hydration can come from herbal teas (we love hibiscus and rooibos) and gut loving soups like our favourite midafternoon Miso Soup.

Moore, J. E., & Bertram, C. D. (2018). Lymphatic System Flows. Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, 50(1), 459–482. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-fluid-122316-045259

Drouin, J. S., Pfalzer, L., Shim, J. M., & Kim, S. J. (2020). Comparisons between Manual Lymph Drainage, Abdominal Massage, and Electrical Stimulation on Functional Constipation Outcomes: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(11), 3924. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113924