Full Body Lymphatic Stimulation
- jewelmaemld
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
Interested in learning how you can stimulate your lymphatic system for better circulation and overall health improvement? These are the main areas of the body where lymph nodes are located and how to stimulate them.
The Major Areas of Lymph Drainage:
Supraclavicular
The supraclavicular fossa is located in the hollow just above the collarbones. This is the most important area to stimulate for lymph movement because the entire lymphatic system drains into the venous system at this point via the thoracic duct. It is then passed through the kidneys and the waste is eventually excreted from the body as urine.
To stimulate this area, you can apply gentle compression with your fingertips, gently move the skin in circular motions, or do rapid shoulder shrugs one shoulder at at time.
https://circuitdawkowniksfs.z21.web.core.windows.net/lymphatic-system-flow-diagram.html https://healthjade.net/thoracic-duct/
Superficial Cervical
The superficial cervical nodes are located under the ear and behind the jawline. They are situated on top of the SCM muscle of the neck. This is an important area to stimulate because most of the face and head drain into these nodes. You can stimulate this area by gently pulling the skin downwards in rhythmic motions.
Pre and Post Auricular
The pre and post auricular nodes are situated in front (pre) and behind (post) your ear (auricular). These areas help to drain the face and head. To stimulate these areas, place two fingers in front and two fingers behind the ears and gently stretch the skin downwards in rhythmic motions.
https://newsnit.com/lymph-nodes-in-neck/ https://www.earthslab.com/anatomy/superficial-lymph-nodes-and-lymph-vessels/
Occipital
The occipital nodes are located along the base of the skull on the back of the neck. This area drains the lymph from the back of the head. To stimulate lymph flow here, gently stretch the skin at the base of the skull downwards in rhythmic motions.
https://newsnit.com/lymph-nodes-in-neck/ https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Dominant-lymph-drainage-patterns-in-the-occipital- Maeda-Yamamoto/2b1969f580413b4cbb69595f3647412c0ab65341
Axillary
The axillary nodes are located in the armpit. This is an important area to stimulate because many areas of the body, such as the chest, arms, breasts, upper abdomen, and upper back drain here. To encourage lymph movement in the axillary nodes, gently move the skin of the armpit in circular motions or use light rhythmic compressions.
Epitrochlear
The epitrochlear nodes are located on the inner arm of the elbow. This is a checkpoint area that connects the forearm and hand to the upper arm and armpit. To stimulate lymph movement here, gently stretch the skin upwards in rhythmic motions.
Cisterna Chyli
The cisterna chyli is one of the most important areas to stimulate when working on whole body lymphatic health. This area is where the lymph from the lower body merges to drain into the thoracic duct. Engaging the diaphragm is the best way to pump lymph fluid in this area. To do this, focus on deep belly breaths. When you breathe in, puff the belly out as far as you can. When you breathe out, compress the belly back in.
Inguinal
The inguinal lymph nodes are located along the crease of the groin. The lower abdomen, lower back, and the legs drain into this area. The vessels then dive deep into the abdomen to reach the cisterna chyli and thoracic duct. To stimulate the inguinal nodes, find the crease of the groin and gently stretch the skin in circular motions.
Popliteal
The popliteal lymph nodes are situated behind the knee. This area collects lymph fluid from the lower leg. This is an important area to stimulate if you struggle with swelling in the calf, ankle, or foot. To encourage lymph movement here, place your hand on the back of the knee and use gentle compressions to act as a pump. You can also gently stretch the skin upwards.
Ankle
The ankle is the route between the foot and the upper leg to where the fluid drains. The lymph vessels travel behind the ankle bones (medial and lateral malleolus) and up along the calf. To stimulate lymph movement here, place your fingers behind the ankle bones and gently stretch the skin upwards in rhythmic motions.
Reminder:
BE GENTLE!
The superficial lymph vessels and nodes are just underneath the skin. As you are manipulating the skin, please don't push hard. The whole goal is to only move the skin, not the underlying muscle.
Comments