8. Dry Skin Brushing
Many experts suggest dry brushing your skin, which is a way to remove dead skin cells, thus unclog the underlying skin. When these pores becomes clogged, toxins and chemicals can begin to backup resulting in rashes, dry, flakey skin.
Dy brushing also helps to increase circulation to your skin, which of course, encourages the elimination of metabolic waste. In fact, studies show that dry skin brushing can even reach much deeper than the initial dermis by supporting your digestion and various organ functions.
Find out how to do it here.
9. Hydrotherapy Showers
A hydrotherapy shower is simply a shower in which you alternate hot and then cold water.
Because lymph vessels contract when exposed to cold, and relax in response to heat, the change in temperature causes the lymph to flow. This can help to release any blockages or stuck fluid.
When you are nearly finished, turn the water to completely cold and stand in it as long as you can before getting out.
10. Eat Healthy and Drink Plenty of Water
Since lymph is a liquid, it only makes sense it gets thicker when you are dehydrated.
In fact, dehydration is one of the main causes of lymphatic system congestion so make sure to drink enough throughout the day.
What you eat is also very important. Obviously, foods that are free of excess chemicals and toxins are best. Additionally, you should always eliminate all processed foods and sugar.
Certain foods have also been shown to be more helpful than others for prompting lymph drainage such as: cranberry, garlic, ginger, turmeric, citrus, leafy greens, and nuts and seeds. As well, adaptogenic herbs such as goldenseal, Echinacea, and astragalus have been shown to be helpful for alleviating inflammation and congestion of the lymph nodes and vessels (13).
Other Factors
There are also three main reasons why your lymphatic system and lymph nodes can become congested, according to Dr. John Douillard, a renowned certified Ayurveda Practitioner.
If you can also keep on top of these, it can go a long way to improving your lymph health and ultimately, your overall health.
Stress: Stress is a factor in all disease. It can both cause disease and as well, come about as a result of disease. The two are intrinsically linked. In fact, according to health officials, stress is directly related to about 80 percent of all chronic health issues including lymph congestion.
Digestive imbalances: The majority of lymph in your body surrounds your gut (Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissues – GALT). As such, it is imperative that these tissues remain healthy and in good working order. Digestive issues can irritate the miniscule intestinal villi and can result in lymph congestion that can further lead to improper lymph flow, toxin buildup, an inability to assimilate nutrients and a weakened immune system.
Iodine deficiency: Finally, iodine plays a big part in lymphatic health. Iodine is needed to mitigate the effects of toxins and support your lymphatic system on a cellular level. A deficiency in iodine can, therefore, lead to lymph congestion and weakness.
Now that you know how the lymphatic system works, don’t forget to add lymph drainage to your daily self-care.