Lymph bathes and purifies all of the tissues of the body and is responsible for carrying toxins out of the cells. The intricate network of lymph glands located throughout the body filters toxins from the lymph and is an integral part of the immune system. Because the lymphatic system has no pump, it relies on external help—such as exercise or massage—to help move it through the lymphatic channels. Lymph stagnation is common, and results in fatigue, cellulite, and increased susceptibility to infections. Massage is excellent for stimulating lymphatic flow because the lymph flows just beneath the surface of the skin. The release of toxins is greatly accelerated by massage, so be sure to drink plenty of water or a cleansing herbal tea after a treatment.

Herbal BeautyI like to use a purifying massage oil to enhance the benefits of a lymphatic massage. Add 20 drops of a detoxifying essential oil such as grapefruit, juniper, cypress, or fennel to two ounces of almond or olive oil. Long, sweeping massage strokes in the direction of the heart will help to move the lymph through the lymphatic channels. Use small, gentle, circular movements in areas where lymph nodes are concentrated, such as behind the knees, in the groin and abdominal area, under the armpits, around the collarbone, and in the neck.

Working on one leg at a time, begin by massaging your foot with your fingertips, using gentle, circular movements. Visualize every cell of your body being bathed and purified by the lymph. With long, sweeping movements, stroke up your foot and calf, drawing the flow of lymph upward. Work with gentle circular movements behind your knee, and then draw the lymph up toward your groin by stroking up your thigh. Perform the same massage on your other leg. When you reach the groin, work on both sides of the groin at the same time, using gentle circular movements to thoroughly massage and cleanse the many lymph nodes in this area. With sweeping strokes, bring the lymph up toward your abdomen, and massage your abdominal area with a gentle, smooth clockwise motion.

Move to your neck, and using your fingertips, massage in a circular motion around the back of your neck at the base of your skull, under your jaw, and down the sides of your neck. Make gentle stroking movements down your neck to your collarbone, and massage with circular movements all around your collarbone and down the center of your chest. Finish with feathery, sweeping strokes in this area.

Working on one arm at a time, begin by massaging your hand and fingers, and draw the flow of lymph up toward your elbow with gentle strokes along your inner and outer arm. Massage around the inside of your elbow, and stroke the lymph up toward your underarm, massaging the lymph nodes in the armpit with a gentle, circular motion. Draw the lymph out from under the arm with a stroking motion, moving over the breast and toward the center of your chest. Massage under the breasts, again drawing the lymph to the center of your chest. Visualize the lymphatic channels being cleansed and purified, and all toxins being released from your cells as you perform this cleansing massage.

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