Stretching promotes the muscle movement required to pump lymphatic fluid through our system and with it all the wastes and toxins that can otherwise build up because of our sedentary lifestyles.

Simple ways to improve your lymphatic health: Stretching

The lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart, instead relying on muscle contraction to keep it moving, and stretching is a super-simple and enjoyable way to achieve this without the need for any fancy equipment. Not only that, the stretches in our guide can be done pretty much anywhere – from home to office to gym!

Particularly useful are stretches that focus on the neck and shoulders. Neck rolls, head tilts, shoulder rolls and shoulder shrugs are four very simple but effective stretches for boosting lymphatic flow in this area. Also helpful are  stretches that help move the gut and the lower legs – the latter being especially prone to fluid build-up.

1. Neck roll side-to-side

Lay flat on a surface in a comfortable position. Take a deep breath and, as you exhale, let your head roll to the right just as far as it wants to go. When this position is reached, inhale again and bring your head back to the centre. As you exhale this breath, let you head roll to the left as far as it wants to go, then breathe in, returning to the centre. Repeat 6-10 times.

2. Shoulder roll

Lift your shoulders up and move them in a circular motion 5 times in a front-to-back motion, then repeat in the opposite direction. Do this 6 times in total to loosen up the area. Most people hold a lot of tension in this part of the body, which can constrict the lymphatic vessels, and this exercise will encourage a gentle opening and improvement of lymph flow.

3. Head tilt

Slowly move the right side of the head down towards the shoulder as far as is comfortable. If necessary, you can use your right hand to gently improve the stretch. Hold for a few seconds then bring your head back up. Repeat the tilt with the left side of the head. Do this 6-10 times

4. Shoulder shrug

This exercise may be performed in a standing or sitting position.

Ensuring your spine is straight, take a deep breath and lift your shoulders up as far as they will comfortably go, hold for one beat, then let the shoulders drop as you exhale. This will release any tension in the shoulder which is a part of the body that can be adversely affected by stress, and is therefore often tense and stiff.  Repeat 6-10 times depending on the amount of tension being held.

5. Pelvic tilt

This is a good exercise, as it works on the large concentration of lymphatic tissue located in the abdominal area.

Lay on a flat surface and bend your knees slightly, with your feet flat on the ground about hip-width apart. Using your abdominal muscles, press your lower back down into the flat surface and hold for a count of ten. Release the contraction and relax for a few moments. Repeat up to 10 times.

6. Leg flexing

This exercise will stimulate the popliteal lymph nodes that are located at the back of the knee and the inguinal nodes located in the groin area.

Laying flat, slide one leg up so the knee is flexed as far as is comfortable then slowly return it to the floor. Repeat on the other side and do each leg 5-10 times.

7. Ankle pumps

This exercise will help reduce any swelling in the foot and ankle by encouraging lymphatic fluid to drain upwards and away from the area.

Laying flat, extend your ankle, pointing the toes away from your body.  Inhale and flex the ankle towards you and on the exhale, extend the foot again.

Happy stretching!