We all want to make sure we are looking after our bodies so that we can feel healthier, happier and more energised every day. Most of the time this means focusing on what we put into our bodies, or how we move them. But there are a number of ways that you can boost your bodies circulation to create the same effects.
Our body’s lymphatic system is a circulatory system that supplies blood flow towards the heart. What you might not know is taking steps to boost our lymphatic circulation helps build our immunity to fight infections, decrease our chances of aches and pains and flush toxins, pollutants and chemicals from our system. It can be just as important as your daily vitamin intake.
We have put together a few simple exercises that you can do every day that help increase your lymph flow and circulation:
Body brushing
Dry or wet body brushing is also a great way to help assist the healthy flow of your lymph. The key to the exercise is strokes towards the heart. Brush your body in the following directions:
- Upward motion up the legs towards groin
- From hands toward armpits
- Up stomach towards heart
You can use our Exfoliating Body Mitt for dry or wet body brushing, which is excellent for stimulating healthy lymph flow, helping cellulite and improve circulation.
Arm Pump Exercise
- Sit comfortably on a supportive surface with legs crossed (if possible).
- Keep your spine straight.
- With your arms at your sides, bend your elbows at a 60-degree angle.
- Turn your palms towards you.
- Straighten arms completely so that your elbows are straight, keeping them at a 60-degree angle and make an air “V” shape.
- Pump the arms up and down, making sure you go all the way up (arms straight) and all the way down (arms against your sides) each time.
- Do about 60 pumps in 90 seconds or at whatever rate causes you to breathe faster.
- Don’t forget to breathe.
Forward bend exercise
- Stand straight with feet shoulder width apart.
- Slowly bend forward, hinging at the hips and elongating the spine.
- Try to keep your knees straight as you bend forward, but if uncomfortable then allow them to soften.
- Bring your hands forward and either try to touch the ground or hold onto your calves
- Hang your head, allow your neck muscles to relax and just let your head hang loosely, allowing gravity to pull it down.
- Gently sway your body from side to side.
- Gently move your head up and down and side to side.
- Maintain the position for 60 seconds, breathing deeply.
- Slowly return to standing position, taking more deep breaths.
Jumping
If you really want to kickstart your lymphatic system, all you have to do is jump around a lot. Of course, you can simply jump up and down for fun, or use a skipping rope, or add a few to an exercise routine. We recommend doing jumping jacks and rebounding.
However you decide to look after your lymphatic system, and you will look and feel more vibrant and energised.
