How to Maintain Lymph Flow With Massage Therapy

Lymphatic massage is a gentle and non-invasive form of bodywork that uses gentle pressure to stimulate the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. Especially helpful for those who frequently suffer from colds, who live sedentary lifestyles, who have recovered from injury or those with cellulitis or skin disorders, lymphatic massage can help detoxify the body, boost the immune system and even speed metabolism.

Instructions

1. Drink a lot of water to maintain healthy lymphatic flow. As a general rule, you should drink about two quarts of water a day or more if you are overweight or include a lot of salt in your diet. It is also extremely important that you drink plenty of water both before and after exercise or bodywork, such as lymphatic drainage massage, to help eliminate toxins from your body.

2. Get plenty of exercise to help keep your lymphatic system moving. Exercise is the body's natural method of burning and flushing toxins, so get your body moving everyday. Whether you practice yoga, walk, swim, ride a bike or jog, anything that stimulates your muscles will also stimulate your lymph nodes and help to flush your system.

3. Practice deep breathing exercises to help stimulate and maintain the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout your body. Deep breathing is best practiced during or after exercise; however, you can also use deep breathing at anytime throughout the day to help relieve stress or at night to relax and prepare for sleep.

4. Treat yourself to a gentle lymphatic drainage massage occasionally to keep your system balanced and maintain healthy lymphatic flow. It is also a good idea to receive a lymphatic treatment after a cold, flu or other sickness and after any period of bed rest, such as an injury or surgery.