A Gentle Lymphatic Reset to Support Your Body as Summer Begins
As we move from spring into summer— today —our bodies begin to wake up from the slower rhythm of winter and early spring. You might feel an urge to move, clear out, lighten up, or refresh—but sometimes, that shift doesn’t happen as easily as we’d like.
If you’ve been feeling puffy, sluggish, low-energy, or just a little stuck, your lymphatic system may need a little support.
The good news? A few minutes of intentional, gentle self-care can help your body move out what it's been holding—physically, emotionally, and energetically. This simple lymphatic drainage practice is a great place to start.
🌿 Why Your Lymphatic System Matters
Your lymphatic system is an essential part of your immune system. It moves lymph—a clear fluid that carries white blood cells, proteins, and waste—through your body to help clear toxins, support fluid balance, and keep inflammation in check.
But unlike your circulatory system, your lymphatic system doesn’t have a central pump like the heart. It relies on your movement, breath, hydration, and muscle contractions to circulate.
When it slows down or gets stagnant (common in colder months, during stress, or with prolonged sitting), you may notice:
Swelling or puffiness in the face or limbs
Brain fog or low energy
Digestive sluggishness
A general feeling of heaviness or stagnation
✨ How Lymphatic Drainage Helps
Lymphatic drainage encourages lymph flow through gentle touch and stimulation of the areas where lymph collects and drains. It's not about pressure—it’s about presence and light, rhythmic movement.
When you give your body a chance to release built-up fluid and waste, you may feel:
Clearer and lighter
More energized
Less bloated or puffy
A subtle sense of calm or emotional release
This gentle reset is especially helpful during seasonal transitions, as your body prepares to move into the higher energy of summer.
💆♀️ Try This 2-Minute Lymphatic Self-Care Sequence
You don’t need any special tools—just your hands and a few quiet moments.
Step 1: Use your fingertips to gently tap and rub in small circles for 10–20 seconds on each of these areas:
Behind the ears – Helps open drainage from the head, jaw, and sinuses
Over the collarbones – Stimulates your body’s main lymphatic drainage point (the thoracic duct)
Under the arms (armpits) – Supports lymph movement from the chest and upper back
Abdomen – Encourages digestion and overall lymph flow through the gut
Groin area (inguinal region) – Supports drainage of the lower body
Behind the knees – Helps lymph move up from the lower legs
Step 2:
After you’ve tapped and rubbed each area, bounce gently on your toes and shake your arms overhead for 1–2 minutes.
This activates your calf muscles, which serve as a natural pump to support upward lymph flow—especially from the legs and lower body.
🕘 Best Time to Do It
Earlier in the day is best—before or after a warm shower works well
Avoid doing it right before bed, as it can gently energize the body
Doing it a few times a week can support long-term lymphatic flow and whole-body ease
🔬 Backed by Science
Research shows that manual lymphatic drainage can:
Increase lymph flow and immune activity
Support recovery from inflammation or swelling
Improve circulation and tissue health
Reduce fatigue and support detoxification
🌼 A Simple Way to Come Back to Yourself
This isn’t just about draining fluid—it’s about tuning back in. Giving your body the permission and space to release, soften, and reset.
If you try this practice, notice how you feel afterward. Lighter? More awake? More connected?
That’s your body responding to care.
And that’s exactly what we’re here to support at Awaken Wellness.
Need more support?
Our team offers massage, acupuncture, and nutritional care to help you feel more balanced, clear, and whole as you move into summer.
📍 Columbia, MD | awakenwellnesscolumbia.com