Yoga is a popular form of exercise designed to improve your overall strength and flexibility. It can also carry positive benefits for your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system carries lymphocyctes to all of your tissues, which are essential for immune health, However, this system requires bodily movement to function, making yoga a prime choice for lymph movement and drainage.
Inversions
Inversions are any type of yoga exercise that requires that your head goes below your heart. This reverses the force of gravity, stretching your spine and muscles and even relieving pain, according to "Yoga Journal." By turning upside down to some degree, the lymphatic system functions more fluidly, reducing fatigue and improving your health. Examples of inversions include downward-facing dog, the shoulder stand, the head stand and the plow pose.
Backbends
Backbends are another type of yoga pose that reverses the force of gravity, relieving muscle tension and pain. However, since the back is bent during these poses, your spine is stretched significantly, which helps to open your chest and improve breathing. Lymph drainage can occur more readily by performing these poses, says "Yoga Journal," which improves your immunity and lowers stress levels. Examples of back bends include the cobra pose, the bridge pose and the bow pose.
Dynamic or Moving Poses
Dynamic poses are any poses that require movement. Since it is movement that stimulates the lymphatic system, these poses can help to move lymphocytes throughout your body and improve your immunity. T]he sun salutation exercise is a good example of a dynamic routine since it takes you through several poses including mountain pose, prayer pose, standing forward bend, plank pose, cobra pose and downward-facing dog pose.
Considerations
Even though yoga is touted as one of the best-known ways to drain lymph and to prevent lymphatic congestion, there is no medical evidence to indicate its effectiveness. Inversions should not be performed by everyone, especially those with heart disease, who are pregnant or who have eye pressure problems such as glaucoma.
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