The lymphatic system is a crucial player in the body’s detoxification process. It is where the impurities go to get cleansed. The body depends on the circulatory system to supply it with needed nutrients and remove waste. Part of the blood escapes from the capillaries and becomes lymph fluid. The lymphatic system is a vast network of tiny vessels, nodes and the spleen and supports every system in the body. Its primary function is to isolate infection, bacteria and toxins and transport them through the filtration points known as lymph nodes. It stores white blood cells called lymphocytes which fight infection.

Steps to Help the Body Detox Naturally

1. Clean up your diet. Reduce the body’s toxic burden by avoiding processed food, eating organic when possible and eliminating simple sugars and carbohydrates. Investigate food sensitivities that may affect digestion. Look into a good probiotic to maintain a healthy ratio of intestinal flora.

2. The body needs plenty of quality water. Drink daily at least half your body weight in ounces to help carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and eliminate toxins and wastes.

3. Breathe slowly and deeply from your diaphragm through your nose. This is one of the best ways to move the lymph fluid throughout the body. The breath goes directly to your lungs which stimulates the vagus nerve to rest and restore the nervous system.

4. Move your body. Physical exercises such as yoga stretches—especially arms stretched overhead and out to the side—are great for lymphatic movement in the upper body, chest and breast area. Jumping on a mini trampoline, swinging your arms while walking, moderate dancing or swimming are all activities that help to move the lymph.

5. Don’t be afraid to sweat. Instead of using antiperspirants which block sweating and add to the toxic load, choose natural deodorants.

6. Avoid restrictive clothing. Tight clothing presses on lymph nodes and impedes lymph flow. Avoid underwire bras and go bra-free at least 12 hours a day. And don’t sleep in one! Consider a stretchy camisole.

7. Give yourself a lymphatic self-breast massage every day. This helps to release toxins, stimulate the immune system and improve lymphatic circulation. Many women find that a self-breast massage reduces pain, tenderness, PMS breast symptoms and the fear of disease. Enhance the lymphatic self-massage with quality essential oils that help with detoxification, including lemon, rose geranium and frankincense. A blend works synergistically to help with more than one aspect of a condition.

During your self-massage, it is important to start and finish on your neck area. Cross your wrists and clasp your throat with both hands. Start at the top of your neck and stroke down to the collar bone, gently stretching and releasing as you move downward. Feel the hollow spot behind your collar bone. Gently stretch the skin from the side of the neck toward the center. This opens the lymph passages before they empty into the circulatory system.

Read more about the lymphatic system and watch a video showing the loving, lymphatic, self-breast massage at AromatherapyNaturesWay.com/lymphatic-system.

Joyce Sobotta has a BS in education and certifications in holistic aromatherapy and reflexology. She is the founder/owner of a home-based international business renowned for Healthy Girls Breast Oil, a unique essential oil blend for breast health. She offers consultations, webinars and presentations to empower women with knowledge for best natural breast health. For more information, visit AromatherapyNaturesWay.com.