Yoga is scientifically proven to be good for almost every system in your body. From lengthening and strengthening the spine to reducing depression and anxiety, focused yoga practices can improve your quality of life. Another benefit of yoga is that your lymphatic system flows better through practice.
What is the lymphatic system & what does it do?
The lymphatic system is a complex network of tissues and organs that can be found throughout the body. This system helps to flush out waste and toxins from the body, mainly through sweat, bowel movements, saliva, and urine. The lymphatic fluid is filled with white blood cells, which fight the infection and prevent it from spreading. Your body is full of lymph nodes, and when you have a cold, the lymph nodes swell with fluid. The largest lymph nodes are located around your vital organs, such as the lungs, heart, adrenal glands, armpits, and around the groin.
Having a healthy lymphatic system is actually the key to recovering from illness and preventing it. Unlike blood, the lymphatic system does not have its own built-in pump mechanism. This means that the lymphatic fluid won't flow around your body unless you move it! Gentle massages and exercises like yoga are the best ways to get lymphatic fluid flowing.
Yoga is an excellent way to circulate lymphatic fluid through your body. Two things that have a big impact on the lymphatic system are muscle contraction and gravity – so any posture with your head below your heart or physical activity is good for the lymphatic system.
Almost every yoga practice and style has these two elements, so yoga is an excellent practice to promote the flow of lymphatic fluid. Yoga can also promote relaxation, which can help the muscles "make way" for lymphatic fluid, allowing it to flow more freely.
The following yoga sequences are specifically designed for the lymphatic system. It incorporates poses that bring relaxation to the neck, nose, and throat area to allow lymphatic drainage. Some asanas, such as bow and double horn, give a massage effect to the organs around the core, which also helps to release lymphatic fluid into the digestive system.
When practicing lymphatic circulation yoga, remember to drink plenty of water so that the released toxins are not reabsorbed by the intestines. You can also use gentle Ayurveda to help with detoxification.
Infant pose
Postures are an excellent way to start your yoga practice. On the mat, close your eyes and get away from the outside world for a while. In this asana, take a few deep breaths and concentrate on relaxing your jaw. Imagine your skin pulling back slightly from the top of your head.
Downward Facing Dog
Even if you do just one yoga asana, you will feel a change in your mental state and blood circulation. Downward Facing Dog is a great position to move lymphatic fluid because it puts your heart above your head.
Double-angled
This asana is perfect for using gravity to move lymphatic fluid! When doing this pose, remember to breathe deeply from the diaphragm. When you stand up straight, fluid drains out of your lymph and is purified through your lymph nodes.
Support bridge type
To practice this asana, you will need a yoga block or mat. Lie on your back with your knees bent and place the assistive device under your sacrum. Allow your arms to hang naturally at your sides. Close your eyes and relax into the asana for at least 5 minutes.
Bow pose
The bow pose is great for strengthening the abdomen, and it also promotes fluid circulation around the heart. In addition to the lymph nodes located there, the arch also stimulates the thymus, which can trigger the release of more white blood cells, greatly boosting your immunity. This asana is a bit difficult, so be sure to take your time.
Seated spinal torsion
When it comes to lymphatic drainage, you don't immediately think of torsions, but they're great for removing organ toxins around the abdomen where lymphatic fluid often stays. Twist squeezes the organ like a sponge, and once you release it, new blood rushes in.
Supporting shoulders to stand upside down
This is the ultimate lymphatic drainage position! A shoulder handstand can significantly improve your blood circulation, and it can also boost metabolism and help you lose weight. It's a handstand that's easy to practice because it doesn't require much core and back strength.
Leg extension against the wall
If you only have time to do a yoga asana, this is highly recommended. Yogis of any age can practice this pose. A long pillow can be used as an aid to the exercise. You can also put sandbags on your feet.