What is Lymph and Why Should You Care?
What is the lymphatic system? (Feel free to skip to the “Why Should You Care” Section)
You can think of the lymphatic system as being similar to the cardiovascular system. Wherever there are blood vessels there are lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system transports nutrients like fats and proteins throughout the body via a fluid called lymph, that flows through various lymphatic vessels. There are also lymph nodes throughout the body responsible for filtering toxins, cellar waste, and debris from the lymph. The lymphatic system houses and circulates immune cells and is crucial in regulating the immune system. So, the lymphatic system has major implications for the entire body, including the immune system, digestive system, and nervous system.
Unlike blood, the lymph does not have a pump like the heart to help move it along the body. Without outside influence, moving your body is the primary way lymph is moved throughout your system. Luckily, we also have lymphatic herbs that can help move lymph. Moving your body, drinking some calendula tea, or doing a bentonite clay mask are all ways you can assist your lymph in doing its job of detoxification.
Why should you care?
In Ayurveda (traditional Indian medical philosophy), the lymphatic system is considered the most important system in the entire body, and is the first system you should treat during illness. Considered “the water of life,” it is foundational to the health and receives much more attention in this tradition than in the west.
The lymphatic system is one of your body’s methods of elimination of wastes, toxins, and pathogens. It also houses and circulates immune cells. These two functions make it crucial for the health of your immune system.
The movement of lymph influences the general movement/balance of water + nutrients in the body, and thus influences to the health of your entire system.
Supporting your lymphatic system after an illness is crucial to removing all of the toxins and cellular debris that build up from your body fighting off an infection.
What are some signs that your lymphatic system needs some TLC?
Hard masses in the body like cysts
Edema
Tender lymph nodes
You’ve just gotten over an infectious illness
Lymphatic congestion can lead to more ambiguous symptoms such as congested sinuses, joint stiffness, constipation/bloating, skin issues, sluggishness/fatigue, and decreased immune function.
What can you do to support your lymphatic system?
Move your body - Trampoline anyone? As mentioned, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart to move the fluid though the lymph vessels. Movement is the primary way that lymph is allowed to move through the system. (Lymph nodes are located in various joints throughout the body: jaw, armpit, backs of knees, etc.)
Lymphatic herbs - You can work with herbs topically and internally to support your lymphatic system. Here are some examples.
Diet - You know the drill. Less sugar, alcohol, processed food, bad oils, etc. and more dark. Leafy. Greens.
Drink plenty of water - With the exception of morning pee, if your urine isn’t pale in color, you need more water.
Relax your muscles - Skeletal muscle movement is the primary way we move lymph. Muscle tension hinders movement. Another excuse to incorporate massage into your regimen!
Warm foot baths - They honestly help so much! Sub lymphatic tea for the water and you will feel like a whole new person.
Lymphatic massage - A massage technique using gentle pressure that encourages lymph flow.
Dry brushing - What it sounds like. Here’s a tutorial.
Hot-Cold Showers - I’ll preface this by saying that I am really bad at this one. I do not tolerate cold well, and whenever I try to do hot/cold showers I am a total baby about it. BUT I always feel great afterwards.
By now you’re probably ready to get on a trampoline and make a cup of lymphatic herbal tea!
Want to explore some gentle lymphatic herbs? Start here.