Lymphatic Self Care Techniques
Here’s a list of my favorite Ayurvedic & Lymphatic Self Care techniques and all of my top tips on how to do them!
Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Body Oiling
What is it good for? Nervous system replenishment, anxiety, warming the body, sleep, nourishment, cellular detox
Who is it good for? All Body Types! Particularly those with Vata imbalance (too much air/ether)
How to do it: Get your favorite oil and rub yourself head to toe. Use circular motions to rub in the oil and spend extra time where there’s tenderness. Wait as long as you have time for before showering off in warm water to soak in the oils.
Pro Tips: Use a hand towel that you don’t mind getting oily to dry off. If possible find a sunny spot to dry. Have cozy natural fiber clothes or a robe ready to put on afterwards. Use a little scrubby in the shower to work all the oil in.
Best Oils:
Vata: Sesame, Almond
Pitta: Coconut, Sunflower
Kapha: Sunflower, Sesame
Dry Brushing
What is it good for? Improving Circulation, Cellular Detox, Depression, decreasing scar tissue and cellulite, improving metabolism and digestion
Who is it good for? Particularly good for those with excess Kapha (too much congestion, stagnation). Avoid if feeling too Vata.
How to do it: Use the dry brush to slough off dead skin cells and stimulate the lymph/blood/muscles. Start at the chest and belly and then stroke up the arms and legs to
bring blood/lymph flow back to the heart.
Pro Tips: Shower afterwards and bonus points if you apply oil afterwards as well! This benefits in the detoxification and nourishing properties.
Salt Scrub
What is it good for? Warming, Nourishing, Detoxifying, Scar Tissue, Congested Lymph
Who is it good for? All Body Types! You can adjust the oils and essential oils depending on your needs.
How to make: Mix 8 oz of sea salt, 1⁄2 C of oil, and 20 drops of your favorite essential oils.
For oil recommendations, see Abhyanga.
For essentials oils: Vata: Benzoin, Vetiver, Cardamom
Pitta: Lavender, Tulsi, Mint
Kapha: Ground Mustard Seed, Eucalyptus
How to do it: Hop in the shower and scrub yourself all over in the salt scrub. I recommend turning off the shower midway so you can maximize time with the salt before it washes away. Take extra time in areas with lymphatic congestion (chest, armpits, groin, behind the knees)
Pro Tips: Use a hand towel that you don’t mind getting oily to dry off. If possible find a sunny spot to dry. Be sure to wash the shower well afterwards to make sure there isn’t slippery oil leftover.
Gua Sha
What is it good for? Detoxifying, Scar Tissue, Lymphatic Congestion, Muscle Adhesions, Lactic Acid
Who is it good for? Best for Pittas (excess lactic acid and muscle adhesions)and Kaphas (excess congestion). May irritate Vatas (not enough to buffer their bones).
How to do it: Start by scrubbing the subclavian drain (chest underneath the clavicle), then work the neck, face, and head. Then move to the breast/chest, armpits, arms, belly, groin, and legs. Generally imagine moving the lymph towards the heart.
Pro Tips: It’s okay if there’s redness that comes to the surface. That is the blood moving and old adhesions/lactic acid coming to the surface. May leave marks for up to a week depending on how much lactic acid you have. Great the day after a workout.
Additional Resources:
www.dhyanaEssentials.com for free Ayurvedic guides and products (Gua Shas)
Art of Living Retreat Center Blogs on Abhyanga and Oils
Banyan Botanicals for Oils and Herbs
