Lymphatic Massage

Scrolling thru social media a while back, I discovered this interesting way to move the lymphatic fluid around through massage.

I made up a routine based on what I was seeing, using 18 repetitions (it matches the morning activation exercises I’ve been doing and Ayurvedic tradition). I do it in the shower every morning! And I incorporate a cold blast!

This video explains it well:

My shower routine:

• Get in and wash as usual (with soap and shampoo that get great scores on the Yuka app 👍).
• After shampooing, begin at neck, and do 18 sweeping motions from ear to collarbone.
• Next, 18 sweeping motions along each collarbone, towards center of body. Give each collarbone a few light taps at the end.
• While one arm is over your head, 18 sweeping motions from center of ribcage (sternum) to armpit. Alternate beginning at the center of the ribcage with beginning at the waist and pushing up along your sides. Ladies, you can also check for any lumps or changes in that area.
• Once you’ve done that, keep your arm raised over your head and sweep down from elbow to armpit. Put your thumb in the armpit at the end of each stroke. (Btw, armpits should feel like hollow pits. When I was getting diagnosed, mine were fat and puffy. Not good.)
• 18 circular sweeps of the stomach area. Pretend you are pooh bear rubbing his tum. Use a clockwise motion.
• Around this time, I put in my hair conditioner, turn the water so it is cool, and get my head out of the reach of the spray.
• Now it’s time for legs. Remember those spaghetti servers? Make your fingers look like those. I’ll put a photo at the bottom of this post.
• 18 strokes to the back of the leg using spaghetti fingers. I tend to sort of push a little. Move from ankle to back of knee.
• 18 strokes to the shin, moving again from ankle to knee.
• 9 to 18 pinches to just under the kneecap. There’s a pressure point there. It shouldn’t hurt. I’ll try to find a photo so you know how to position your hands.
• Use both hands to encircle each leg just above the knee, and move up 18 times. Do both sides.
• Lastly, do 18 presses to the pressure point around the aortas to the sides of the groin area.
• Now turn the water as cold as you can handle and rinse out the conditioner.