By: Lauren Roxburgh
The lymphatic system is truly a forgotten hero in our amazing bodies. By getting to know your lymph system you can help eliminate cellulite and jumpstart your weight loss goals!
Basically, it’s the garbage disposal of our bodies, it’s responsible for filtering our system and eliminating toxins which is incredibly important for immunity, optimal health and even weight loss.
We are exposed to thousands of toxins daily from household cleaning products, beauty products, processed foods, plastics, chemically based foods and other environmental toxins.
Efficient functioning of the lymph system is essential to eliminate these excess wastes in our modern day bodies and help the body function optimally.
Stress, sitting too much, lack of activity, injuries and poor posture also contribute to a sluggish lymphatic system.
The lymph system is found under the skin throughout the entire body and support circulation, immunity and help the body flush of toxins. The lymph has to move against gravity since we are upright and that is what makes this system become congested and make you feel sluggish and carry excess weight.
Since toxicity can play a huge roll in premature aging, losing or keeping excess weight off, this system must be addressed when we are seeking optimal health.
Here are a few amazing ways to reboot your lymphatic system to get glowing and feel lighter and brighter.
Foam Rolling: Rolling helps smooth away congestion, inflammation, flush out the lymphatic system, increase immunity, stimulate blood circulation, “wring out” and hydrate the connective tissue and revitalize your whole being. I always say it’s like an internal juice cleanse of your connective tissue!
Inversions: Getting your hips above your heart is an amazing way to help improve your lymphatic system. By using gravity to drain stagnant fluid, inversions help bring blood and lymph from your feet and legs up to your kidneys to drain excess fluid, toxins, and stagnant energy.
Brisk Walking: When walking your legs act as a natural pump that helps move the lymph fluid through the body. Plus, the deep breathing creates pressure and expansion that helps aid the lymphatic fluid. The more transverse rotation you have while walking, the better your lymph system can flush the upper body, arms, neck and shoulders.
Rebounding: For me the combo of rolling and rebounding is the key to getting the best results. I use the Bellicon in conjunction with foam rolling each day for a transformative combination. Start with the roller for a few minutes to smooth out the density, congestion, and inflammation and then finish with 5-10 minutes bouncing on the rebounder for a fully restorative, stress busting, cellulite reducing and detoxifying workout. I have my Bellicon set up in my backyard for maximum results, breathing fresh air and soaking up a bit of vitamin D.
BOUNCE #1 The Health Bounce: Move up and down without actually jumping for 1-2 minutes to warm up your muscles, joints, lymphatic system, and organs.
BOUNCE #2 The Toning Bounce: Jump as high as you can, which helps improve balance, strengthens your primary and intrinsic muscles throughout your entire body, and also jumpstarts your lymph garbage disposal. Do this for 1-2 minutes.
BOUNCE #3 The Cardio Bounce Combo: This includes Jumping Jacks, running in place, the ski bunny twist, bouncing on one leg at a time, dancing, and any other ways you can think of. Doing these with some high intensity will help you sweat out the toxins. Do this for 10 minutes.
Dry Brushing: Dry brushing has been around since ancient times, though it’s been surging in popularity lately as many supermodels claim it as their beauty secret weapon. The idea is to get the circulation going, effectively “tightening” the skin by stimulating it with a vigorous rub, using either a brush or dry brushing gloves before a bath or shower. Always brush towards your heart and rub each limb and your torso for about 30 seconds. I find it invigorates me in the morning—and is almost as essential as that first cup of coffee. It also helps exfoliate any dry or damaged skin.
Mineral Bath: This is another ancient technique that’s just as relevant today. I recommend adding Magnesium flakes to your bath for two reasons. First it helps draw out toxins and impurities, and secondly it helps re-mineralize your skin (many of us are magnesium deficient as our Western diet and farming techniques often don’t provide the minerals we need). Rosemary essential oil and lemongrass are also great things to add as they boost the lymphatic system. Other benefits of a warm bath include easing sore muscles and helping you relax and sleep.
About Lauren: Lauren Roxburgh is an international best-selling author of ‘Taller, Slimmer, Younger – 21 Days to a Foam Roller Physique’, and creator of the Lo Rox Aligned Rollers and the Aligned Life video series. Certified in the fields of Structural Integration, classical Pilates, nutrition and pre/post-natal yoga, Lauren is a body alignment, fascia and movement healer, and has been fortunate enough to work with some of the world’s top athletes and celebrities. She is the go-to writer and expert on all things fascia, alignment and foam rolling and regularly works with some of the country’s top orthopedic surgeons.