Top Essential Oils for Lymphatic Drainage
The human body’s lymphatic (or lymphoid) system plays a major role in the removal of toxins, and other detrimental substances. It consists of lymph nodes and vessels which carry a liquid known as lymph. The lymph collects the waste from our bodies and takes it to the nodes for destruction and removal. Due to unhealthy eating and poor lifestyle habits, the lymph may get stagnant and open the gates to a number of illnesses.
Luckily, with the help of various essential oils and a proper massage, you can restore the normal functioning of your lymphoid system and keep the toxins in your body at a healthy bay. In this article, we are going to explore in greater depth the most favourite essential oils for lymphatic drainage and will make you acquainted with another beneficial method for draining your lymphatic system.
What essential oil helps the lymphatic system?
The essential oils for lymphatic drainage are a type of stimulating yet relaxing oils that are aimed at supporting optimal blood circulation and proper lymph movement. Due to the way it is organised, the lymphatic system (LS) moves very slowly. Unlike the blood system, the LS lacks a pumping mechanism which is why it relies predominantly on the movement caused by neighbouring tissues and the muscles.
If for various reasons the lymph system slows down more than usual its waste removal ability gets impaired. This in turn could lead to a number of unwanted side effects, chronic illnesses, and allergies. Water retention, poor blood circulation, cellulite, puffy eyes, weak immunity, and weight gain are just some of the most common ones. This is why we should keep our lymphoid system in good shape.
There are various approaches to maintaining a healthy lymphoid system. For instance, you can improve your eating habits, increase your physical activity level, or get a massage using appropriate essential oils for lymphatic drainage. According to science, these types of oils help the normal functioning of the LS and are particularly beneficial for its draining. But what are the best essential oils for the lymphatic system?
Among the most helpful essential oils for lymphatic drainage are:
- Juniper berry oil
- Rosemary oil
- Peppermint oil
- Lemon oil
- Orange oil
- Grapefruit oil
- Ginger root oil
All of the above mentioned essential oils would be an ideal match during a massage and will help you relax while at the same time stimulating the movement of the lymph. The essential oils have been proven by science to be highly effective for swelling caused by surgery, physical traumas, or various chronic conditions. Before you implement the use of essential oils into your healthy regime though, you should familiarise yourself with how best to use them.
How do you use essential oils for lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage (LD) is a type of wellness technique that has caught the attention of health-oriented individuals. According to scientific findings, lymphatic drainage ranges from simple movements to more complex techniques. For example, you can opt-in for dry brushing, rebound jumping, or a massage with the help of essential oils for lymphatic drainage. Whichever technique you choose to adopt, you can expect a boosted immunity, a more positive mood, and even a reduced cellulite appearance.
In case you decide to go for the technique using essential oils, it is best you become familiar with the right methods and approaches during the procedure. For instance, you can combine the oils with a lymphatic drainage massage or simply use them on their own for a lymphoid cleanse. The purpose of the massage is to stimulate the ability of the lymph system to get rid of the excess toxins, pathogens, and other dangerous substances.
As to the oils themselves, they are great for home use and offer an ideal means for relaxation and detoxification of the body. You can dilute them in distilled water or simply apply several drops to the desired body area. The options are indeed numerous and the health benefits are tremendous. Here are some useful tips on how best to use essential oils for lymphatic drainage:
- You can apply 2 – 4 drops in the palm of your hand and lightly massage the swollen area and around it, moving towards the heart;
- Don’t press too hard as you might compress the gentle-walled lymphatic vessels;
- When massaging a certain lymph gland, go in a gentle circular pattern over the gland itself;
- You can also use the oils topically by diluting them in distilled water in a 50:50 proportion and massage your sore lymph nodes 2 – 3 times a day;
These techniques can be indeed pretty helpful when it comes to a slow lymphatic system or swollen lymph nodes. However, they are not the only beneficial approaches thanks to which you can enjoy a healthy and properly functioning LS. In the following lines, we are going to introduce you to another useful method in that aspect which is best known as whole-body vibration.
How can I drain my lymphatic system fast?
Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a type of innovative physical activity that has been associated with a number of health benefits. Increased muscle power, denser bones, faster physical recovery, improved blood circulation and reduced body fat percentage are just some of the most common ones. The activity is performed on special fitness equipment known as the body vibration plate.
Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, scientists have revealed that WBV offers an effective and fast means for draining the lymphatic system too. This is mainly achieved by the high-frequency mechanical oscillations the plate produces which help open the vessels of the lymphoid system, aid the normal flow of the lymph, and speed up the waste removal process.
Furthermore, the regular implementation of whole-body vibration leads to a boosted work of the lymphatic glands and enhanced defensive mechanisms of our organism. The body vibration machine accelerates the drainage of the lymphoid system, aids the scavenging of toxins and pathogens, and promotes the flushing out of excessive water. 15 – 20 minutes a day, 3 – 4 days a week are perfectly enough to accomplish all of the above.
Summary
If you want to maintain a healthy and properly-functioning lymphoid system you need to lead a healthy lifestyle and perform regular lymphatic drainage. The procedure offers a useful means for boosting your body’s immunity, accelerating waste removal, and toning up the vital body tissues. You can adopt one or several of the available methods, including a massage with essential oils for lymphatic drainage.
One of the most beneficial, fast, and easy ways for performing lymphatic drainage has been offered by whole-body vibration and the device used for the activity – the body vibration plate. You can find the equipment in your local gym or even better – have it delivered straight to your door. Make sure you adhere to the safety precautions of the manufacturer and use it accordingly.
References (in order of appearance)
Farrar, A. J., & Farrar, F. C. (2020). Clinical Aromatherapy. The Nursing clinics of North America, 55(4), 489–504.
