The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that drains from the tissues of the body into the blood. Its purpose is to produce white blood cells and filter waste materials from the body. The lymphatic system functions as part of the immune system. Fats also circulate in the lymphatic system and are detoxified there before being assimilated in the body. Unlike the cardiovascular system, which has the heart, the lymphatic system does not have a pump. Cleansing and draining the lymphatic system requires body movement and other physical measures to encourage fluid movement. Without proper movement and circulation in the lymphatic system, the lymph fluid can become stagnant, and lymph nodes might become clogged with fats and other waste material.
Step 1
Get enough exercise. Exercise is the single most effective way to stimulate lymphatic circulation. A stagnant lifestyle translates to reduced lymphatic circulation, and therefore buildup of lymphatic fat and decreased lymph filtration efficiency. Getting 30 minutes of exercise per day, even simply walking, can stimulate muscle contraction, blood flow and lymphatic circulation to cleanse the lymphatic system of built-up fats.
Step 2
Book a massage. Therapeutic massages of the entire body can help to physically stimulate lymphatic circulation. Some spas and registered massage therapists might offer massages specially designed to target the areas of the body where lymph nodes are gathered to stimulate flow in those places specifically. Stimulation of lymphatic circulation helps to cleanse lymphatic fat.
Step 3
Practice dry brushing, a method of massage that uses dry brushes on the skin. Working to stimulate exfoliation, as well as stimulate cellular activity in all parts of the body, dry brushing is always done with strokes that move toward the heart to increase circulation of both the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. Dry brushing is used not only to cleanse the lymphatic system and clear lymphatic fat, but also for clearing cellulite, strengthening the immune system, toning muscles, helping digestion and improving nervous system function.
Step 4
Have a surgical procedure done. In cases of edema, surgeries are done to remove fat fluid deposits from lymphatic glands to re-establish flow in the lymphatic system.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lymphatic System
- NaturalNews.com: Whole Body Detox -- Lymphatic Cleansing With Rebound Exercise
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Edema
- ''Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology'' 9th Edition; Elaine Marieb; 2009
- NaturalHealthTechniques.com: Dry Brushing Technique
