Tips to boost lymph flow on holidays
There you are, on holidays, away from your favorite lymphatic drainage treatment: Osteo Detox.
The sun is shining, the sea looks like a thousand diamonds, and your legs slowly start swelling like sausages on a barbecue...
No worries, we got you covered with some little tips to help you boost your lymph flow during your holidays!
1- MOve your body
Movement is key for a healthy lymphatic system.
Try to exercise regularly as even walking will stimulate your lymph flow.
Indeed, your lymphatic system doesn't have a pump like the blood circulatory system (for which the heart acts like a pump). This is why the contractions of your muscles will act like a pump that stimulates the lymphatic system.
Therefore, it will boost the circulation of the lymph.
So go for a walk along the beach, and have a swim! Nothing better than shaking your legs in cold water.
2- Dry brushing
A dry brush is THE accessory needed in your vanity case.
Apply a light pressure with the brush on your skin from extremities to heart, with linear movements.
It takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes for the whole body.
We recommend to do it 2-3 times per week.
Bonus : it will also exfoliate dead skin cells for a better tan.
Here is the link the dry brush I use from the brand Hydrea London: Detox Body Brush : 11,99£
I particularly like this one for its little rubber nodules which massage softly your skin to stimulate the lymphatic system. Also it is pretty handy with the strap and ethically sourced.
3- Legs up
Put your legs up against a wall for a couple of minutes in the morning/evening, as gravity will stimulate lymph flow.
Meanwhile, try to focus on your breathing with deep inhalations and exhalations from the abdomen. This belly breathing exercise will stimulate your vagus nerve which is one of the main nerves of the parasympathetic system. This system is the rest and digest system by opposition to the sympathetic nervous system which is the fight or flight system, linked to stress responses.
This exercise is very good for relaxation, water retention, digestive discomfort and varicose veins.
Charlotte's tip: I enjoy doing it a couple of minutes before going to bed as it really helps me to relax and fall asleep.
4- drink water
Even if you're on holidays and rosé seems more appealing, do not forget to hydrate!
Remember that alcohol participates in dehydration and fluids retention.
Sadly, alcohol + heat can lead to a puffy face in the morning.
Charlotte's tip: drink a large glass of room temperature water when waking up; splash your face with cold water; little extra: use a gel eye mask. (I always have one stored in the fridge, just in case...).
5- extra tips
Some extra tips to promote your lymphatic drainage are :
Have a healthy diet
Avoid tight clothes
End your showers with cold water on your legs
You've got all the keys for a healthy lymphatic system during your holidays.
So now, enjoy your summer!
Take care and see you soon for your Detox,
Charlotte - Registered Osteopath London
Osteo Detox
Lymphatic drainage London