THE KEY TO BEAUTY AND IMMUNITY

Lymphatic Health

The lymphatic system is an enormous network of vessels, nodes and organs in the body--an unsung heroine of beauty and immunity. We have nearly 4 gallons of lymphatic fluid in our body (compared with only 1.5 gallons of blood), yet we don't have an organ like the heart to pump it through our body.

When lymph gets sluggish, our skin suffers, resulting in acne, dullness and puffiness. A subtle system, inextricably bound to our nervous and immune systems, it isn't hard to give your lymph some tenderness. Movement and breathwork are critical for a vibrant lymphatic system, and we've included some more easy tips below.

As we move into the more yin, less active winter months (and with seemingly everyone being sick right now!) this is the perfect time to slow down and take care of your lymphatic system.

Facts about the Lymphatic System:

1. It is not well-understood or appreciated, yet we would die in 24-48 hours without it.

2. The lymphatic fluid for the entire body terminates behind the collarbones. From here, it sneaks back into the blood so the cardiovascular system can carry it away for processing and elimination. The neck is home to big time lymph action. This is why we spend so much time clearing the neck during your facial!

3. Lymph starts its life as plasma, the watery component that makes up over half our blood volume.

4. It is the distribution network of the immune system and fights bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that make their way into the body.

5. The gut is lined with millions of lymphatic vessels (called lacteals) that absorb the fats and fatty acids that we ingest and send them directly to the heart where they enter the circulatory system as fuel.

6. Unlike the circulatory system, it is a one-way system and has no ‘pump’, relying on movement, gravity and breathing to keep flowing.

7. It is impossible to have clear, radiant skin if your lymphatic system is sluggish and compromised. Lymph vessels live directly under the skin and remove waste, toxins and excess fluids. At the same time they deliver essential nutrients to skin cells and promote hydration. Whether you are dealing with puffiness, acne, rosacea or dull, dry skin, lymphatic health is essential! We are always thinking about lymph in your facial, and we love to talk about it, if you haven't noticed.

Keep reading for simple ways to take

care of your lymphatic health!

The Facial Brush from Cecily Braden. There is a reason we use this tool in nearly every facial we do. You can give yourself a full-body lymphatic drainage session at home, and your set comes with tutorials. Don't fall for dupes!
Reverent Antioxidant Dry Body Oil from Twelve Beauty. Reverent Antioxidant Dry Body Oil
This extremely lightweight yet highly nourishing dry body oil is packed with supercharged ingredients which stimulate lymphatic drainage and activate blood flow. And the bright, clean rosemary scent is a real mood-lifter.
Hydrate intelligently: Lymph needs water to clear waste. Dehydration leads to thicker blood, circulation less efficient circulation and slower detoxification pathways. It's less quantity over quality so consider adding minerals to your water so it can actually get in those cells and get to work!
Cupping Therapy: While not a lymphatic drainage technique per se, the negative pressure created by cups clear space for the lymph to get moving. Small glass cups help lift and tone the jawline, relieve tension and improve blood and lymphatic circulation. Silicone body cups for the body help with muscle tension, and used with light pressure, help to move lymph.
Facials! Of course, we have to mention facials! We incorporate manual lymphatic drainage into every facial we offer, provided it is a safe treatment for you (there are rare contraindications, which we always check for). Did we mention it is profoundly relaxing?

〜The River That Flows Beneath Your Skin〜