Best Exercises for Lymphatic Drainage

Exercises for lymphatic drainage
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

The lymphatic system is part of our circulatory and immune systems and includes vessels and nodes throughout the body. One major difference, however, is that the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart, so sometimes it’s good to give it a bit of help. Exercise is one of the best ways to assist with this process. As muscles contract, lymphatic fluid is moved, which helps the body eliminate what it doesn’t need. Any exercise will do, but here are a few of the ones we find most effective.

Jumps

The best way to get your lymphatic system moving is to get moving in general! Jumps can be practiced on the floor through activities like jumping rope or jumping jacks, or on a trampoline for a more fun approach. The up and down movement will open up lymphatic channels, which in turn increases circulation to remove waste.

Go Upside Down

Whether you’re working at a desk or on your feet all day, most of us spend the majority of our time in an upright position. Spending a lot of time in the same postures can cause our lymphatic system to become sluggish, so we turn to inversions for help. Play around with headstands, shoulder stands, or even legs up the wall. Gravity is your friend as it moves lymphatic fluid from the feet toward the nodes of the upper body.

Dance

Similar to jumping, dancing has the effect of stimulating muscle contraction but gives you a bit more creative license. Grab your friends and turn up the music, or look for a dance party workout video on Youtube. The most important thing is to move in a way that’s fun for you!