Lymphatic Drainage
The moment the lockdown was placed and I was forced to put a pause on my regular busy schedule, I started to notice the little things I didn’t before. I’ve always been aware of my stomach pain, frequent bloating and general discomfort when eating, however I never noticed that I was literally bloated for all hours of the day. Actual insanity. I knew my stomach wasn’t supposed to protrude that much, so I sat down and did some research.
I could go on for hours and hours just talking about gut health and why we bloat. But here's the thing - just like other issues I’ve dealt with (acne, weight, hair styles), everyone and their body is a little different! What works for me might work for you, but it also might not. So with all of that, Lymphatic Drainage (the real reason we're all here), has become just a small ingredient to my debloating recipe.
What is it? “Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the bodily tissues.” (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324518)
Click here for a diagram of the lymphatic system (and some other useful information)
Okay so now we're ready to dive into the actual drainage.
First, and in my opinion the easiest step to fit into your schedule is dry brushing. It sounds worse than it is. Take your dry brush (I’ve linked a few below) and start at the bottom of one leg by your ankle and brush upwards (like shaving) Go from your ankle to knee brushing up about five to ten times on each side of your leg. Then do the same from your knee to butt (really get into your butt, this is the time to crush your cellulite). Then do your other leg. Next, for your arms, start by your wrist and brush towards your elbow (five to ten times each side) and then from your elbow to shoulder before going onto your other arm. Lastly for your stomach, brush away from your heart. From boobs to the end of your belly. The whole thing literally takes no more than 5 minutes and should be done right before your shower. (Also a great tool for exfoliation)
The second step is just as easy and should be done right after your shower. This time use a lymphatic paddle (look below for links). The paddle is like a larger Gua Sha for your body. Use the paddle with the same method as the dry brushing but go slowly really focusing on the direction. The paddle should take a little longer than brushing but again no longer than five minutes.
Lastly, a few nights a week try and put your legs up for 20 minutes. Take this time you normally would reading, or honestly looking at your phone, to sit up against a wall. Butt at frame and legs up above. This position is tough at first, (you'll really feel it in your knees) but it gets more bearable each time. Putting your legs up helps blood flow, and increases circulation in your legs. If your legs are sore or you have big plans for the next day, this is a great way to calm yourself and relieve muscle soreness.
These three steps have nothing to do with weight loss or muscle toning. My personal benefits have included a significant reduction in visible cellulite, peeing more often (weirdly proud of that), less bloating, smoother skin and overall better circulation.
*Links for Dry Brushes -
*Links for Lymphatic Paddles -