STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Your lymphatic system, integral to immune function and waste removal, signifi cantlyinfl uences overall health, including physical, mental and emotional aspects
The "Big 6" routine developed by chiropractor Perry Nickelston involves stimulating sixkey lymphatic points to enhance blood fl ow, nerve response and the clearance of toxins.The "Big 6" lymphatic drainage points are: above and below the collarbone, jawline, chest,abdomen, hip area and back of the knees
A lymphatic drainage routine helps reduce swelling, facilitates detoxifi cation, helpsprevent disease by boosting immune function, and improves digestion and nutrientabsorption
Understanding the lymphatic system's unique pressure system is essential; drainageshould start at low-pressure areas (above and below the collarbone) and move towardshigher-pressure areas to prevent swelling, especially in extremities
Enhanced proprioception, resulting from a well-functioning lymphatic system, translatesinto a feeling of safety by allowing the brain to accurately sense joint positions andmovements, thus reducing injury risk and boosting confi dence and psychological well-being
The lymphatic system is a crucial part of your body's immune and waste removal systems, and as such play a significant role in your overall health and well-being. Its proper functioning affects physical, mental, and emotional health through its network of
vessels and nodes that transport lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells and waste products.
As explained by Perry Nickelston, a practicing chiropractor, in the video above, maintaining a healthy lymphatic system is important for preventing health issues like infections, joint pain, fatigue, and more serious conditions such as lymphedema and cancer.
Your lymphatic system helps remove toxins and waste, supports the immune system, and aids in the absorption and transport of fats and vitamins. The lymphatic system of your
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate hydration and stress management are essential for supporting lymphatic function. Eastern practices such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have long recognized the lymphatic system's importance, using methods like lymphatic massage, yoga and herbal remedies to support the free flow of lymph.
To support the health of your lymphatic system, Nickelston has developed a six-step routine called the Big 6, which he describes in the featured video. The routine involves stimulating key lymphatic points in your body by rubbing, tapping and massaging them.
Common Detox Symptoms That May Arise
While the routine may appear deceptively simple, it can have a profound effect, as stimulating these lymphatic spots will boost blood flow to and from various tissues, change how your nerves respond to tightness in the tissues, and encourage the clearance of toxins from your body through your sweat, urine and feces.
As a result of this detoxifying process, you may experience a period of increased fatigue, lethargy, pain, headache, general malaise or illness-like symptoms. This is a sign that toxins are being expelled. As noted by Nickelston, “that is normal.” To aid the detox process, make sure you drink some water before and/or after doing the routine.
Understanding the Lymphatic Pressure System
The lymphatic system operates on a unique pressure system that is pivotal for its efficient functioning. This system's design ensures the effective drainage of lymph back into the bloodstream.
Understanding the pressure gradients within the lymphatic system is crucial for promoting optimal lymph flow and preventing the accumulation of fluids, which can lead to swelling, especially in the extremities like the hands and feet.
The areas around and above the collarbone represent the points of lowest lymphatic pressure. It is here that the lymphatic fluid drains back into the venous blood system, completing its circuit around the body. Because these points are the final destination for lymph being cleared from the body, they are crucial in the lymphatic drainage process.
Conversely, your hands and feet are the farthest from these low-pressure points, making them more prone to swelling due to the accumulation of lymph fluid, as gravity and distance impede the fluid's return flow.
"By starting at the collarbone — where the pressure is lowest — and working outward and upward, ensures that these low-pressure pathways remain open and able to receive lymph from other parts of the body"
able to receive lymph from other parts of the body.”
Improve Your Physical and Psychological Health With This Simple Lymphatic Drainage Routine
Analysis by Dr.