The lymphatic system is part of the human body's immune system. The immune system's main role is to upkeep the health of the individual by fighting off disease and infection. Diseases that the immune system fights come from, but are not limited to, germs and viruses. The lymphatic system comprises the spleen, thymus, bone marrow, lymph nodes and channels, tonsils and adenoids. There are a variety of lymphatic breathing exercises tailored to improving your lymphatic system.
Abdominal Breathing
This exercise will focus on the abdominal section. The abdominal breathing exercise tailored to deep inhalations and exhalations while laying on your back. To begin the exercise, lie flat on your back while on a carpeted floor to reduce discomfort. Bring your knees up so they form a triangle with the floor. Begin inhaling and exhaling deeply through your mouth. Keep your arms rested on your stomach and your hands comfortably clasped together. Repeat two to three times. Remain laying after you finish your breathing exercise for a short period so that you do not experience dizziness upon standing up.
Neck Rotation and Shoulder Shrug
This exercise will focus on the neck and shoulders to improve lymphatic breathing. For both these exercises it is important that they are done slowly in order to deter injury. For the neck rotation, find a comfortable sitting or standing position. Pick an object directly in front of you and look at it so that your head is level. At that level let your eyes release from the object and start turning your head to the right while inhaling to five. Once you reach the right, exhale out as your bring your head back so that you are looking at your object again. Repeat for the left side. While in the same position, raise both your shoulders at the same time towards your ears as you take a breath in, and then release your shoulders as you let your breath out. Repeat for pulling your shoulders down. Repeat each exercise two to three times. The Ohio State University Medical Center finds that strong muscle contraction is not necessary for this exercise to be effective towards lymphatic breathing.
Isometric Hand Press
This exercise will focus on the hand to improve lymphatic breathing. While standing or sitting comfortably with your back straight, bring your hands together in front of you so palms are facing each other. This will cause the elbows to bend at 90-degree angles. Press your palms together and breathe in while counting to four. Once you have reached four, exhale while relaxing but still keeping your palms pressed against each other. Repeat both of these exercises for two to three times.
