The lymphatic system essentially acts as the body’s internal drainage system. It is responsible for removing toxins and waste from cells, and a poor-functioning lymphatic system can cause bloating, weakened immune function, and sluggishness. By stimulating lymphatic drainage, you can not only boost immune function, but also clear up the skin and increase energy levels.
In order to promote lymphatic drainage, you have to move the body or encourage lymphatic flow via massage. The lymphatic system collects lymph and returns it to the heart via a network of vessels and nodes. Anything that disrupts this process can cause lymph to accumulate in the arms, legs, ankles, and other parts of the body. Lymphatic drainage works to eliminate harmful toxins and support the body’s ability to recover and heal more efficiently. Several studies note that regular lymphatic drainage promotes improved vitality and overall health.
What Happens During A Lymphatic Massage?
A lymphatic drainage massage involves light pressure and strategic massage patterns that help clean out the lymphatic system. Generally, a massage therapist will stimulate the areas of the body that house your lymph nodes to get the massage started. That means that they will massage the armpits, neck, and (with consent) your groin area. Finally, they will help coax excess lymphatic fluid from your swollen tissues toward the lymph nodes, where the lymph is reabsorbed.
Why Make A Lymphatic Drainage Massage Cream?
A lymphatic drainage cream is a cost-effective way to help improve lymphatic flow. Using the cream in this article can help support the body’s ability to eliminate toxins and excess fluid. It may also enhance lymphatic circulation, reduce swelling in problem areas, and aid the system’s natural detoxification process. Let’s take a look at the ingredients and how they benefit your lymphatic system:
- Calendula: Known to promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and aid detoxification.
- Cleavers: This type of herbaceous plant has small, hooked bristles on the stems that allow them to cling to different objects. Cleavers are commonly used in herbal remedies because of their purported lymphatic and diuretic properties. They may stimulate the lymphatic system, increasing the flow of fluid through lymph vessels, which ultimately facilitate the elimination of toxins and waste products.
- Burdock root: Commonly used in traditional medicine and culinary practices, burdock root exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory effects that support digestive health. These anti-inflammatory properties may also reduce inflamed lymph nodes and reduce congestion in the lymphatic system. In doing so, burdock root may help support lymphatic function and flow. The diuretic properties may also help reduce fluid buildup in the body, helping eliminate toxins and waste products.
- Yarrow: Researchers note that yarrow works to stimulate lymphatic flow, support detoxification, and reduce inflammation and swelling. It may also enhance immune function and promote overall lymphatic health.
- Ginger: Like the other ingredients in the cream, ginger helps to stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation. It may also support your detox efforts and encourage healthy circulation.
DIY Lymphatic Drainage Massage Cream
Ingredients For Herb-Infused Oil:
- 1/4 cup ginger root
- 1/4 cup calendula flowers
- 1/3 cup cleavers
- 1/4 cup burdock root
- 1/4 cup yarrow
- 1 cup carrier oil of choice
Instructions For Herb-Infused Oil:
- Add all of the herbs to a jar and pour the oil in until the herbs are completely covered.
- Store the jar in an area that gets direct sunlight, such as a windowsill, for two weeks, shaking the jar every few days.
- Strain the herbs through a fine mesh sieve and collect the oil in a separate jar.
Ingredients For The Cream:
- 1/4 cup infused oil
- 1/4 cup raw cocoa butter
- 1/4 cup mango butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 15 drops grapefruit essential oil
Instructions For the Cream:
- Add the infused oil, cocoa butter, mango butter, and coconut oil to the top of a double boiler over simmering water.
- Stir frequently until all of the ingredients are fully melted. Remove from the stove and then pour the mixture into a bowl. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to one hour, or until the mixture solidifies.
- Remove the solidified mixture from the fridge and whip it using an electric hand mixer until it is fluffy.
- Spoon the mixture into a container and store in a. cool, dry place. Massage over lymph nodes during a lymphatic massage to promote lymphatic detoxification.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
