How Movement and Massage Can Keep the Lymph System Operating Efficiently
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Why Your Lymph System Matters
Lymphatic system massage and movement therapy is trending at the moment, and for good reason. The lymph system helps the body fight infections, keeps fluid levels in check, and supports the immune system in a wide variety of ways.
Interestingly, unlike other systems in the body, the lymph system doesn't have an automatic pump that causes it to operate. Instead, it depends on movement in the body to pump fluids through the system. This is fine for people who move all the time—athletes, manual laborers, or basically everyone before the advent of the Internet. But now the majority of people spend the majority of their time sitting and staring at screens, which means no movement to help the lymphatic system do its job. Fluids build up and stagnate, immunity suffers, and health as a whole declines.
Movement and Massage as Solutions
One solution that a lot of holistic practitioners have turned to is lymph massage and movement therapy. This simply involves moving the body in ways that get the fluids flowing, as well as massaging and stimulating the lymph nodes to keep them active. There are lymph nodes throughout the body, but many of the main ones are in the neck, armpits, groin area, forearms, face, and behind the knees. As this Instagram video demonstrates, it is quite easy to add a lymph system massage routine to one's day, with lots of potential benefits.
Ultimately, of course, the best way to keep the lymph system operating at peak efficiency is to integrate lots of natural movement into one's day. This can include surfing, paddling, beach running, biking, yoga, and other forms of training—basically everything we should all be doing anyway to keep our bodies in shape and ready for the next swell. So the next time you get some exercise—or simply go for a beach walk—keep in mind that you are not only benefitting your heart and muscles, but also the lymph system, which is essential to continued health!
FAQs About the Lymph System
Why doesn't the lymph system pump on its own?
Unlike the cardiovascular system, which has the heart as a pump, the lymph system has no automatic pump. It relies entirely on body movement to push fluids through the lymphatic vessels. This is why sedentary lifestyles can lead to sluggish lymphatic function.
Where are the main lymph nodes located?
Lymph nodes are found throughout the body, but many of the main ones are concentrated in the neck, armpits, groin area, forearms, face, and behind the knees. These areas respond well to massage and movement therapy.
What activities help the lymph system function better?
Any natural movement helps the lymph system operate efficiently. Surfing, paddling, beach running, biking, yoga, and even simple beach walks all promote lymphatic flow. The key is integrating consistent movement into your daily routine.
Explore More Surf Better Health Tips
Check out our Surfer's Health blog for more ways to keep your body ready for the next swell.