Yoga exercises for the lymphatic system

Since the heart is not involved in the pumping of lymph, without our intervention it will become more and more sluggish and will cope worse with its tasks. Only through deep rhythmic breathing and muscle work and https://www.julianalucky.com/post/9-ways-to-practice-mindfulness-with-kids can the lymphatic system be kept in tone.

Any practice (gentle or vigorous) can be a pump for the lymphatic system. For example, jogging improves lymph circulation and a special massage can relieve swelling. However, the most effective exercises for lymphatic cleansing are better sought in yoga, as they help improve the body’s lymphatic drainage. In addition, yoga adds gentle compression of the surface lymph nodes, which stimulates the circulation of lymphatic fluid.

Half-bridge pose (Sethu Bandhasana)
This asana includes a slight backward bend, which stimulates the deep lymphatic vessels, and is also an inverted asana, which provides gentle compression of the cervical lymph nodes.

Twisted Stomach Pose (Jatthara Paravartanasana)
Twisting is good for stimulating the lymphatic vessels through gentle compression. During twisting, the connective tissue where the lymph is located becomes more mobile, which helps improve lymph flow.

Bow pose (Dhanurasana)
Stimulates the thymus gland and rejuvenates the part of the lymphatic system closest to the chest.

Cobra pose (Bhujangasana)
This is another exercise for lymphatic cleansing and opening up the thoracic region. Both the lighter version (Ardha Bhujangasana) and the full Cobra pose are equally effective with the thymus gland and the spleen.

Viparita Karani mudra
The inverted asanas enhance the return of lymph to the heart and keep the lymphatic vessels throughout the body toned. If this asana is still difficult to perform, you can try putting your feet on the wall, which also has a positive effect on lymphatic flow.

Total Yoga Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing helps increase the impact on the lymphatic vessels, as the diaphragm acts as a central pump for the deeper lymphatic vessels. You can perform full yoga breathing as a stand-alone exercise or weave it into your asana practice.

When you practice yoga to stimulate lymphatic movement, it’s important to keep two things in mind:

Throughout your practice, focus on deep relaxed breathing. This will create an internal pump that drives the inherently passive lymphatic system.
The goal of the practice is to improve surface circulation. Therefore, all movements should be performed lightly and should not be forceful in nature.