About this episode
In the past Erin referred to the lymphatic system as an unsung hero of the body. It’s responsible for maintaining fluid balance, for circulating hormones and immune cells throughout the body, as well as transporting toxins out of the body—but it wasn’t something many people talked much about. Increasingly over the past few years, however, lymph is getting its time in the spotlight: more and more folks in health spaces are discussing lymph and lymph work. Perhaps you’ve seen some tutorial videos on lymph drainage massage or how to use gua sha stones and dry brushes. While it’s great the lymphatic system is getting the credit it deserves, it’s important to know how to approach your lymph and lymph work in a mindful way. That’s why Erin sat down with Leah Levitan, licensed massage therapist, massage instructor, and Vodder Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner, to dive into the nitty gritty of the lymphatic system, what it does, how interconnected it is to the rest of our body, and things you can do to improve lymph health—in a way that’s safe for your body. The thing about lymph work is that it’s very gentle, yet very powerful. After listening you’ll understand why Leah’s work with lymph comes from such a grounded and comprehensive place. If you feel bloated, puffy, wake up with puffy circles under your eyes, or if you’ve been curious about lymph drainage and lymph work, this will be a helpful episode to hear! In this episode: -All about Leah [2:33] -Why Leah loves lymph [4:34] -Lymph goes viral [7:48] -Taking it from the top with lymph [11:21] -Stagnant lymph [14:29] -Things you can do to improve lymph [16:03] -Movement, lymph & the connection to our gut [17:39] -Breathing & how to know if you have a tight diaphragm [21:57] -Can you be too aggressive with lymph drainage? [26:18] -Signs you may be dealing with a lymphatic drainage issue [30:19] -Changing your breast tissue through lymph work [37:07] -Bras: to wear or not to wear for lymph flow [40:18] -How to support our lymphatic system at home [42:54] -Vibration for lymph flow [46:51] -Where (& how) to start practicing lymphatic work [49:13] -Tattoos and the lymph system [54:55] -Injectables: yay or nay? [59:09] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/221-lymph-love-leah-levitan