Simple Ways to Open Drainage Pathways + Detox
The main systems that our bodies use for drainage are the colon, liver and bile ducts, skin, kidneys, lungs, and lymphatic system. Our organs, tissues, and cells rely on to these systems to remove waste and toxins. Our bodies need these systems operating together to function optimally and for us to feel our best. If any of these systems begin to lag, we may start to experience adverse effects. A simple way to check if your drainage systems are functioning optimally is to ask the following questions:
Are you having consistent bowel movements, at least 1-2 per day?
Are you able to sweat easily?
Are you moving regularly and throughout the day?
This is a short list of questions and by no means is it comprehensive of drainage function. However, if you answered no to any of these questions, it is worth further investigation into opening your drainage pathways especially before beginning a wellness protocol.
The lymphatic system relies on changes in pressure, movement and external stimulation to carry out one of its functions: removing waste and toxins from the body. These practices are simple yet effective at opening drainage pathways, which is an important daily practice. It is also necessary to have effective drainage before engaging in any type of health protocol that may cause the release of a build up of waste and toxins like bacteria, fungi and yeast. These waste products need to be able to make their exit from your body, or you will likely feel the effects and potential dangers of this released toxicity. Drainage before detox has become a hot topic in the wellness space and for good reason!
Here are a few simple ways to open your drainage pathways:
Stay hydrated. The colon needs water to move things along, dehydration can lead to constipation and stagnant drainage pathways! My favorite morning drink is warm lemon water with a touch of mineral salt.
Movement. Especially if you are sitting for long periods of time, get up and do some stretches, high knees, squats or the like. If we want to keep our lymph moving, we have to stay moving, too!
Sweat. Whether through movement or sauna, this helps our bodies remove toxins and normal function. If you aren’t sweating, it is a sign that there is stagnation somewhere in your drainage pathways. Try incorporating these other practices and see if you are able to sweat again.
Deep breathing. This helps move lymph in the abdomen by breathing into areas we normally aren’t reaching by typical shallow breaths. One of my favorite breaths to incorporate is 4-7-8 breathing, in for four, hold for seven, exhale for eight. The pressure change of inhaling and exhaling deeply allows the lymph to move where it needs to go.
Wear loose clothing, especially while you sleep. When we wear tight clothing, it cuts off circulation and does not allow the body to move things where they need to be at the normal rate. While we sleep, our bodies are hard at work repairing, so it is even more important to allow optimal flow for our systems to work properly.
Massage. Self massage can be a useful tool in helping lymph move along. Lymphatic specific massage requires gentle pressure or tapping motions. The main lymphatic drainage areas of focus are around the collarbone, side of the neck, shoulder joint, abdomen, groin and behind the knees. If you are experiencing pain or swelling, it may be due to the lymph stagnating in these areas, manually stimulating the areas can help. You can get a professional lymphatic massage done as well, it is distinctly different from a typical massage because the pressure is very light and aimed at targeting lymphatic movement.
Dry brushing. This gentle practice helps stimulate the lymph and can assist in moving the toxins the lymph has gathered out of your body. This is a great daily practice and it can easily be habit stacked by creating a routine of dry brushing before getting into the shower.
Rebounding. This involves a mini trampoline, and all you have to do is bounce on it for a few minutes. It gets things moving in your body and may help stimulate a bowel movement if you are experiencing constipation.
Once your drainage pathways are functioning optimally, you should feel much better as the body is better able to remove waste and toxins. Daily focus on drainage helps keep the body’s natural detoxification rhythm flowing, and many of these practices are foundational to reducing stress and building better health.
