Healthy Living Summer Series By Linda Anne Kahn


8 Healthy Ways to Support and Enhance Lymphatic System

Did you know that we are exposed to over 82,000 different toxins in our environment? In this article from Linda Anne, she shares with you her 8 healthy ways to support and enhance your lymphatic system.

When toxins build up and if we don’t detox our system regularly, our organs become overburdened which compromises our overall health.

The lymphatic system is important because it helps to cleanses the connective tissue fluid that surrounds the cells in your body by removing impurities and waste products. This lymphatic drainage cleanses our cells by absorbing excess fluids, fats, proteins and toxins from our tissues and into the blood and then it is eventually filtered out by the kidneys.

Essential

Healthy lymphatic drainage is essential for the cells in the body to function properly.  An unhealthy lymphatic system with bad lymphatic drainage, can lead to serious health problems such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, aches and pains, bloating and problems with digestion.

The lymphatic system is in the news now more than ever before. The scientists have recently made a new discovery!!

They uncovered a new organ. The interstitium, the shock-absorbing tissue underneath the skin, gut and blood vessels, has recently  been identified as an organ,  according to a new study published in  the journal Scientific Reports .

 Plays a Vital Role

The interstitium is a contiguous fluid-filled space existing between the skin and the body organs, including muscles and the circulatory system. The fluid in this space – called interstitial fluid composed of extracellular fluid and its solutes – drains into the lymph system.The  fluid in the interstitium drains into the lymphatic system, which plays a vital role in the immune system.

Your lymphatic system can easily become stagnant, especially when it becomes overwhelmed with all the toxins that abound.

This can lead to impaired immunity and disease. It also can lead to swelling and stagnation which can cause low energy and allergies.  Sluggish lymphatic flow and drainage can also contribute to chronic sinusitis; swollen lymph nodes,  fatigue, weight gain and excess fluid retention, constipation, back pain, depression and others.

Simple Steps

There are some simple steps to take to keep our lymphatic system flowing and to have good lymphatic drainage.  When the lymph is functioning optimally, we can remain vibrant and vital and our immune system will be strong.

1.) Diet – Maintain a healthy anti-inflammatory diet.
  • Firstly drink plenty of water and in addition eat a “clean” diet with an abundance of leafy green vegetables. In addition to antioxidant foods, such as blackberries and blueberries.
  • Secondly eat healthy organic fats such as nuts and seeds, avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, organic ghee and butter.
  • In addition eliminate processed, packaged, fast foods, refined flour and sugar, as these can cause inflammation and congest your lymphatic system.
2.) Exercise – To have good lymphatic drainage, It is important to keep the body moving every day.
  • Gentle Exercise – Exercise like walking, stretching and swimming are great for moving the lymph. In addition Yoga and Pilates are excellent to work your core and assisting lymphatic drainage. These activities increase the flow of the lymph, relieving congestion and encouraging detoxification.
  • Whole Body Vibration – Since the lymphatic system contains no pump, the movement of lymph depends on the contractions of the surrounding muscles. Firstly when you stand or sit on a whole body vibration unit most of the movement of lymph is from skeletal muscle contractions. Secondly whole body vibration units help with enhanced metabolism, increased bone mineral density, reduction of the stress hormone cortisol, elevation of human growth hormone levels, and improved lymphatic flow.
  • Rebounding – Gentle bouncing on a rebounder helps to reduce lymphatic congestion, stimulate lymph flow, and exercise every cell in the body. To increase the intensity of the exercises and get more stimulation for your muscles or bones, you can increase the frequency or the amplitude.
3.) Dry Skin Brush 

Dry brushing with a natural bristle brush boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage. In addition helps to rid the body of toxins via the skin. Brush in the direction of lymph flow and to the heart. It also encourages the movement of lymph and blood in underlying organs. In addition to the tissues of the body, which helps clear built-up toxins.

4.)  Deep Breathing

Slow deep breathing stimulates the lymphatics in the belly and encourages elimination of wastes and flow of lymph systems.

5.) Dr Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage

This detoxifies and removes metabolic wastes. It also strengthens and supports the immune system, while reducing swelling, edema and fluid retention. This speeds lymphatic drainage and detoxifies the tissue of wastes. In addition A lymphatic drainage massage is one easy way to detoxify your lymph system. This must be done by a skilled practitioner. This will stimulate circulation and drain fat, fluids, toxins, and other waste products away from your cells for proper elimination.

6.) Infrared Sauna

An infrared sauna is also an excellent way to support lymphatic drainage. Sweat is excreted through your skin. This releases the toxic burden on your lymphatic system and allow it to work more effectively.

7.) Proteolytic Enzymes

Proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain, papain, protease, serrato-peptidase and nattokinase enzymes, help. In addition, they all help with congestion in the lymphatic system . promoting healthy inflammatory responses. They work with the body’s immune system and help recovery and repair after surgery or an injury.

8.) Castor Oil Packs  

Apply a castor oil pack on the lower right abdomen, over the liver area. Take a cotton cloth, folded in several layers and saturate it with cold pressed castor oil. Apply this cloth on the skin for about an hour or overnight. Cover with saran wrap and then surround with a warm heating  pad. The castor oil pack will increase circulation of lymphatic fluids and lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation and improve your digestive system

Here’s to a healthy lymphatic system and a vibrant life!


Linda Anne Kahn is an Aromatic Wellness Warrior. She is a Certified Dr Vodder’s Lymphedema Therapist with over 25 years of experience.

Linda Anne the Founder and President of Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa in San Diego California and Lymphatic Therapy Services of San Diego  Please visit  her Lymphatic Therapy site at www.lymphatictherapyservices.com