Feeling sluggish? It might be linked to your lymphatic system. So what is it and why should we care?!

[photo of armpit]

As the weather changes and the Autumn starts to settle in we can often start to feel sluggish and tired. This can be for a number of reasons but sometimes it can be because we are moving less and picking up infections as people return to work and school. A major part of our bodies that helps to deal with any minor irritants and toxins in the body is one that many people haven't heard of - but it is key to keeping us healthy and feeling energised!

Where is it?

The lymphatic system runs throughout our whole body - running alongside the blood vessels (veins and arteries). There are major 'hubs' in the lymphatic system in the throat, backs of the kness and groin. You might have heard of these as the points where your 'glands are up'.

So what does it do?

Imagine it as the like the back corridors of a hotel - the bllod vessels are the parts of the hotel that we see and appreciate as being how we would want them, running smoothly. In the background though are the workers making the place look tidy and run efficiently. They are mostly out of sight and behind the scenes. That's how your lympahtic system works - the blood vessels pass any of the rubbish and waste to the lymphatic system to take away.

Why does it go wrong?

If there's too much to deal with (think fighting off infections, dealing with any illnesses or injury, breaking down toxins from foods, the environment etc.) the system doesn't quite run so smoothly and we can start to feel sluggish, bloated and get some inflammation in the body. This happens from time to time and doesn't mean you're not healthy, in fact it's a sign things usually work well. But it doesn't feel great.

How do we make it work better?

Because there's no pump in the lymphatic system (unlike the heart pumping the blood around the body) it relies on a few things to keep it working effectively:

1. Movement - we need to move to get the flow going. It doesn't have to be major cardio but getting the flow by walking or other types of movement including gentle movement.

2. Massage - massage helps to get the lymph flowing in the right direction and a good therapist can work to help reduce blockages in the flow.

3. Body brushing and self-massage techniques - you can work on the flow of lymph yourself by using some techniques to stimulate the system. Check out my instagram post with a demo here.

4. Gravity - most of the time we are sitting or standing. This means lymph nodes in the lower part of your body (knees in particular) can get slow and sluggish. Try putting your legs up the wall as shown on my insta here.

5. Staying hydrated - you need to have enough fluid moving through the body to clear out any of the waste. Make sure that you are drinking enough to avoid slowing your systems down.

   
   

   Get in touch if you want to know more or click to book your massage and lymphatic drainage here.