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Do It Yourself Lymphatic Massage

Do It Yourself Lymphatic Massage

Disclaimer: If you have a medical condition, please first consult with your doctor before doing this do it yourself lymphatic massage. Read my full disclaimer HERE.

Do It Yourself Lymphatic Massage - supports hormone health and lymph drainage

 

Did you know that you can give yourself a quick, do it yourself lymphatic massage that will help your body eliminate toxins and also supports good hormone function?

 

It’s true!

 

I learned this self lymphatic massage technique while attending a holistic healing workshop a few months ago, based on the work of Donna Eden and Dr. David Feinstein. Ever since then, I’ve been giving myself a quick daily lymphatic massage. It only takes a few minutes and it’s such a simple habit that really does make a big difference in your health! 

 

Why is it important to give yourself a self lymphatic massage?

We now live in a world crowded with chemicals that didn’t exist less than a century ago. Much of the food we eat, the medicines we take, the products we put on our skin and use in our homes contain synthetic chemicals the human body has a difficult time processing. Not only that, but electromagnetic fields and industrial pollutants are around us daily. Over 4 billion pounds (!!!) of toxic chemicals are released into the nation’s environment each year, including 72 million pounds of recognized carcinogens. (source)

 

The truth is, we have amazing detoxification systems in our body (kidneys, liver, skin, lymphatic system, etc) and it was never designed to handle the chemicals of today’s world. For a lot of us, our bodies can’t keep up with all these toxins. Studies show that 100 percent of human fat cell biopsies contain elevated levels of harmful toxins. And when toxins accumulate in the body, physical health suffers. 

 

Digestion problems, allergies, asthma, headaches and/or skin issues are often the first sign that we have excess toxins in our system and that our detox pathways can’t keep up with the load. Over time, these excess toxins can lead to even more devastating health issues like cancer, neurological diseases, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, obesity and more. Cancer and heart disease barely existed less than a century ago and now they are the two leading causes of death!  

 

The necessity for moving toxins out of the body is a key principle in holistic medicine.

And it’s one of the major keys for getting and staying healthy in today’s toxic world! If we want to be healthy in today’s world we’ve got to keep our body’s detox pathways running properly so our body can get rid of these toxins that can make us sick.

 

One of the body’s detoxification pathways is the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the body’s built-in sanitation center. It’s responsible for carrying away and filtering out toxins and waste from every cell, tissue and organ. The accumulation of toxins cause blockages and congestion in the flow of lymph so it becomes less and less effective at doing it’s job properly. When the lymphatic points become clogged, every system in the body is compromised! Can you see why it’s so important to keep this system running smoothly and properly?

 

And guess what helps move toxins out of the body and keeps the lymphatic system running smoothly?

 

An easy do it yourself lymphatic massage!

 

DIY Lymphatic Massage

 

Massaging your lymphatic points, also called neurolymphatic reflex points (although they are not necessarily situated directly over the lymph nodes or lymph tissue) releases toxins into the lymphatic vessels and then into the bloodstream where they can be eliminated by the body.

 

There are over 90 lymphatic points on the body. You can easily find congested lymphatic points because if you massage them, they will feel tender. If you find that you have a lot of sore points, this self lymphatic massage is an especially good daily habit for you to do so you can help your lymphatic system run smoothly again! 

 

Lymphatic Points:

Do It Yourself Lymphatic Massage - Neurolymphatic Massage Points

* For printable lymphatic massage points diagram, click here: https://www.primallyinspired.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Lymphatic-Massage-Points.pdf

 

Do It Yourself Lymphatic Massage Instructions:

  1. With your fingers, press firmly into the skin where a lymphatic point is located using my diagram above.
  2. Using firm pressure, massage in a circular motion for about 5-10 seconds.
  3. Work tender points for several extra seconds.  
  4. Move onto the next point and repeat until all the lymphatic points are massaged. If you have a lot of tender points, please see note below.

It seems like a lot of points, but it really only takes 2 or 3 minutes to get them all done! And you can give yourself this self lymphatic massage while you’re watching TV, while you’re on your lunch break….heck, even while your at a red light.

 

Important Note: Do not massage a bruise or an injury. If you find that you have a lot of tender points, your body may be overwhelmed with toxins, so don’t massage them all at one time. If your body has too many accumulated toxins, massaging all the tender points may make you feel flu-like as the toxins are being unclogged and released. If that’s the case, just proceed slowly and massage a few points at a time. 

 

The soreness may not go away immediately, but you are indeed helping clear the congestion (and you’ll probably notice a difference in how you feel!). Over time if you keep massaging these points daily, you’ll notice that the tenderness will go away, which is just what we want! That means you’ve successfully cleared the blockage and made a huge step at helping your lymphatic system run more smoothly! Woohoo! 🙂 

 

Other ways to strengthen the lymphatic system:

Infrared Sauna 

Sweating in an infrared sauna is the very best way to help eliminate harmful toxins and heavy metals from the body and moving the flow of congested lymph. An infrared sauna session raises the body’s core temperature, activates circulation and excretes toxins from the lymph and blood through the skin. The heat also increases the heart rate and encourages deeper breathing, which boosts the drainage process even further. 

 

Daily stretching and/or Yoga

Stretching and yoga are especially helpful at moving lymph flow.  HERE are 5 simple stretches I think everyone should do each day that help activate the lymphatic system.

 

Deep Diaphragm Breathing

Shallow breathing leads to lymphatic congestion. Take a few moments to breathe deeply. Slowly take a deep breath in through the nose, pushing your belly out. Exhale slowly through the mouth. Repeat at least 3 times.  Not only does deep diaphragm breathing activate your lymphatic system and oxygenate blood, but it lessens stress, too! I try to remember to deep breathe as often as I can – it’s so good for the body!

 

Are you going to try this simple daily DIY lymphatic massage? It will make a big positive step forward in your health!  I hope you give it a try for at least 10 days so you can feel what a difference it can make 🙂

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Pin Do It Yourself Lymphatic Massage HERE:

Do It Yourself Lymphatic Massage - supports hormone health and lymph drainage

 

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44 comments

  1. Avatar

    I do dry brushing before my shower for lymphatic system and I will incorporate some of these new spots I didn’t know about in my daily routine also. I’m excited that you are excited, so now I’m curious as to what you have up your sleeve!!!⚡️✨?

  2. Avatar

    This is very good. I posted the link on my Facebook Group, Alternative Treatments and Optimal Health.We have 1202 members currently. I hope it helps. You deserve it.

  3. Avatar

    Thank You! Looking forward to doing this.

  4. Avatar

    Should we be rubbing up and down along the lines marked on the photo and not do circles like on the dots? Thank you!

  5. Avatar

    Wow, Kelly, I am so excited to try this! I keep learning new things from you! I’ve been doing rebounding, dry brushing and breathing from the diaphragm for lymphatic support. Love them all. I try to incorporate the breathing early in the morning, when I do my gratitude journal. I also go back to it later in the day as needed. I can be pretty high strung and the breathing is very grounding.

    Thanks for the great info, and can’t wait to see your surprise on December 26!

  6. Avatar

    I need this in my life. Thank you for explaining it so easily Kelly!! I can’t wait to get started!

  7. Avatar

    A facebook video also taught me about the spots on the face that I think have helped lessen the cold I’m dealing with right now. My recent thermography said my immune system needed a boost (right on, apparently), but revealed my lymph system was stellar. Hmm, go figure!

  8. Avatar

    Wow thank you so much for sharing! You are a true example of good health <3 Man, now I just need to actually start doing what you share with us! aghh school takes so much time ( i know sounds like just an excuse but really chem, bio classes need so much time out of class gahh)

    anyways enough about my problems, just thank you <3

  9. Avatar

    Thanks for sharing this, Kelly! I’ve been doing the lymphatic massage in my sauna. It’s amazing how much the areas on my legs hurt without much pressure. These are also the areas that bother me when I go have a massage done and where I carry the most cellulite. I’m guessing that I have way more detoxing to do!

    • Kelly from Primally Inspired

      Cindy, my outer legs were the super sore area for me, too! I’ve been giving myself this daily lymphatic massage, (mostly focusing on my legs since that’s the problem) for a few months now and it’s making a difference. They are not nearly as tender and sore as when I first started. Love that you’re doing it in your sauna, too 🙂

  10. Avatar

    I just started today, look forward to feeling some results! thank you

  11. Avatar

    This is amazing information but it would be very helpful if there was a printable option for the massage diagram. I can’t remember all those points in the tub or sauna. Thanks

  12. Avatar

    Hi Kelly, I’m having trouble getting the printable link to work, it comes up an error page. Any ideas? Thanks!

    • Kelly from Primally Inspired

      Hi Apryl! Instead of clicking on the link, try to copy and paste it on your browser: http://www.primallyinspired.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Lymphatic-Massage-Points.pdf

      That should do the trick, if not let me know!

    • Avatar

      Hi Kelly! Not sure you’ll even see this message since the last one was from 2016, but I just ordered and received a Rose Quartz Facial Roller and used it last night for the first time. I’d never even heard of them. The online video I followed was great and started with a lymphatic drainage then went into a regenerative massage. This is my issue/question – I felt totally fine before doing these roller face massages but while doing them I noticed one of my nostrils getting congested then runny. I was actually happy about it because I figured it meant my lymphatic system was draining. I woke up this morning with the same runny and congested nostril and feeling slightly like I’m fighting off something. So, do you think it’s possible the massage activated this drainage and it could be just toxins draining? I guess I’m wondering if this is a normal “side effect” from lymphatic massage. I’m hoping this will subside. As a side note I take black elderberry syrup every morning and have been super healthy and have been feeling great. That’s why I’m thinking it’s an effect from the massage. I absolutely love the roller and used it again this morning and plan to do it again tonight. My plan is once or twice a day, but definitely at night while relaxing.

      I’m honestly just curious what you think!

      Thanks Kelly!

      • Kelly from Primally Inspired

        Hi Maureen,

        So awesome! Yes, this is common and a great sign that your body is using its detoxification pathways to clear out toxins, old energy, etc. Way to go, body!!

        Since your body is actively clearing things out a bit more than usual, (if I were you) I’d up your water consumption a bit today and the next few days to support these pathways at clearing things out. Goodbye old stuff…time to make room for some new, exciting things coming your way 🙂

  13. Avatar

    I guess my computer just doesn’t like that link! It doesn’t work either way 🙁 Help!

  14. Avatar

    Hi Kelly, I have fibro-myalgia. Have you gotten any feedback if these aggravate someone’s Fm? I am eager to try these, but don’t want a flare up.n thanks for sharing!

    • Kelly from Primally Inspired

      Hi Pamela! I’ve actually heard the opposite and many massage therapists recommend regular lymphatic drainage massages to their fibro patients. THIS is one study that says after receiving a lymphatic massage, fibromyalgia patients reported lower pain intensity, a lower pain-pressure threshold, less morning tiredness, less anxiety and an improvement in their overall quality of life. Cool! 🙂 Hope it can be a way to provide some pain relief for you, too, Pamela! Many blessings to you!

  15. Avatar

    Hi – can I start with any point on the body or are we supposed to start at the lowest area and work our way up the body? Thanks 🙂

  16. Avatar

    Can you do the lymphatic massage while in the sauna or is that too much of a good thing all at once?

  17. Avatar

    I tried it and it was an awesome experience. Thanks for posting!

  18. Avatar

    I’m hoping this will help me recover from mono quicker. Thank you for the post!

  19. Avatar

    Thank you Kelly for this wonderful information. I have been drinking water with lemon for a simple detox and using Essential Oils to further help in my wellness journey. Do you have any experience using Essential Oils on lymphatic massage and drainage?

    • Kelly from Primally Inspired

      I do, Laura! I love to use a few drops of grapefruit essential oil diluted in a bit of carrier oil when I do the lymphatic massage – it’s great for boosting circulation…plus I love love love the scent of grapefruit so it’s like a double whammy of goodness for me 🙂 But typically any citrus oils are great for boosting circulation and lymph drainage. Also peppermint is an especially great one for the lymph, too!

  20. Avatar

    Never heard before about lymphatic massage. I found your post from Pinterest! I’m also gonna pin this post on my Pinterest board my followers will love it. Thanks for sharing this great information Kelly!

  21. Avatar

    I found your lymphatic massage on Pinterest and I want to try this on my autistic son, as well as myself. Do you have a video showing how this is done? Thx!

  22. Avatar

    I have lymphodema following breast cancer & my O. T. has shown me how to do the massages to help with it. Of course my massages are centered around the breast & underarm area.

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