Feeling a bit off, my friend?

If you've been noticing sluggishness, bloating, constipation, low energy, and even skin issues like dryness or acne, eczema, there's a chance your body might be sending signals of lymphatic stagnation.

So, let's take a soothing journey into the realm of Ayurveda and explore what this all means. Grab your herbal tea or cozy blanket – we're diving head first into the world of lymphatic flow from an Ayurvedic perspective!

The Gentle Stream Within

Imagine, if you will, a serene river flowing beneath your skin – that's your lymphatic system. Before the heart even forms, this delicate system comes to life, carrying nutrients, waste, and immune cells. It's a quiet force that sustains us from within, nurturing our very essence.

In the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, and other revered traditions, the lymphatic system is no ordinary player. Ayurveda refers to it as the 'Rasa dhatu', the foundational tissue that shapes our health journey. Like the first brushstroke on a canvas, its vitality echoes through every corner of our being.

Think of this system as nature's interconnected web, like roots subtly binding the soil. Ayurveda’s 'Rasa dhatu' is akin to the water source that nurtures the tree of life – a profound analogy that speaks to its significance.

Beyond Detoxification

However, let's not limit this system to mere detoxification. It's a nuanced orchestra of nourishment delivery, waste removal, energy storage, and immune defense. It's a symphony where each note matters, creating harmony within.

Consider this – the lymphatic system is more than channels; it’s a gateway that orchestrates the passage of water, nutrients, and energies. It's the lifeline that connects each cell to the rhythms of life.

Picture this: while the lymphatic system is everywhere, certain areas hold its essence more deeply. The abdomen, your core, cradles 70% of this vital tissue, intertwining it with digestion's dance. In Ayurveda, this resonates with 'rasa dhatu', the initial tissue born from the alchemy of digestion. It's like the cornerstone of nourishment for your entire being. And to take it a step further, digestion begins in the mouth.

The Whispers of Imbalance

Yet, as the delicate dance falters, the whispers of stagnation emerge. Imbalances, whether physical, energetic, or emotional, ripple through the system. It's like a stream losing its gentle flow, giving way to signs like:

• Congestion and mucus buildup
• A heaviness in digestion
• Lethargy that lingers
• Swelling, especially in the extremities
• Bloated sensations and unexplained weight
• Breast tenderness in tune with the moon
• Skin's quiet rebellion through rashes or itch
• A fog that clouds the mind
• Morning stiffness in the joints
• Pimple clusters and uneven skin
• Sluggish bowel movements
• Stubborn weight clinging on
• Swollen lymph nodes seeking attention

Reawakening the Lymph’s Rhythm

But fear not, for the path of restoration lies ahead. Imagine your cells being gently washed by internal waves, guided by your breath and movement. The diaphragm, a quiet hero, orchestrates this dance, swaying to the rhythm of life.

Embrace these mindful rituals to rekindle the gentle flow:

• Take a walk - Stroll amidst nature’s embrace. You cna find glimpses of it anywhere, even in the city!
• Breathe deep - nurturing from your core
• Self touch - Nourish your skin with self-massage, applying a body oil to soften, protect, and calm the skin & nervous system. It's like a golden sheath
• Moving meditation - Engage in mindful movement, be it yoga or a gentle walk
• Skin Brushing - Let the rhythm of dry brushing invigorate your skin. Try our Jute garshana mitts
• Seek wisdom from 'The Book of Lymph' by Lisa Gainsley. One of my favourites!
• Move your body every day, all day. Honour your body through harmonious exercise
• For a deeper self-care journey, Join our community and get a FREE Download our 28-day self-care journal to start tracking your habits and making positive changes your future self will thank you for!

As you cultivate these mindful practices, let your inner ocean regain its soothing rhythm. May your journey be one of harmony, and may your lymph's whisper guide you back to balance.

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Try our Garshana Dry Brush Mitts! You will love them! Natural fibres, no rough edges or bristles that can scratch our skin. They are washable, easy to use. They also can make a great wet skin bath mitt in the shower/bath!

I use mine every morning for 5 minutes after waking up to get my Lymph moving and help my body detoxify. It's a boost of energy and my body craves it now.

 

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Other means to improve lymphatic flow that are among my favourites are:

• Staying hydrated. Aim to drink 1/2 your body weight in oz/day.
• Eating a mostly plant-based diet (80/20 alkaline to acidic).
• Prioritize eating organic foods that are local & seasonal.
• Oral hygiene routine in Ayurveda is very important - Rasa - the beginning our our first tissue begins in the mouth - the entry point for the beginning of our digestive system. Tongue scraping, oil pulling, brushing with a clay toothpaste  in the morning are excellent practices for supporting the Lymph! 
• Reducing red meat, wheat, and processed sugars in our diet
• Consuming more foods like: ginger, garlic, lemons, grapefruit, celery, watermelon, stone fruits, berries, red fruits and vegetables like beets, cranberries, cherries, pomegranate. 
• Lymphatic herbal tinctures & teas.
• Using toxin-free, lymphatic friendly skincare and hygiene products. Toxins can overburdens our lymphatic system. Many of our lymph nodes are in our neck, mouth, armpits, groin and abdomen. Places where a lot of self-care & hygiene products are used.
• Meditating and pranayama techniques.

It's important to listen to your body and get to the root cause of why your lymphatic system has become stagnated. Connect with your inner healer & find the support you need. As mentioned briefly earlier, stress, digestive imbalances, and deficiencies are common causes of lymphatic stagnation.

Try our Lymph Well Starter Kit to get a variety of potions and tools to help give your Lymph system a boost and begin to clear your pathways! & Sign up for our newsletter to get a FREE copy of our 28 day self-care journal to track your daily habits and get your inner ocean flowing!

Includes: Copper Tongue Scraper, Magnesium Spray, Natural Deodorant, Soap bar, Toothbrush, Lymph Well Green Tea, Lymph Love Body Oil, and our Garshana Dry Brush Mitt! 

References:

Douillard, J. (2014). The Miracle of Lymph. https://lifespa.com/the-miracle-of-lymph/

Ehrlich, C, Iker, E. et al (2016). The Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide. 

Frawley, D & Lad, V. (1993 ). The Yoga of Herbs. An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. 

Gainsley, L. & Organic Olivia. The Life Changing Lymphatic Episode. What the Juice Podcast (February 10, 2020).

Gainsley, L. The Lymphatic Message. https://www.thelymphaticmessage.com/

Wallace, E. (2000). Lymphatic Yoga. Our Ocean Within.