Considered one of the seven body tissues and the first to become compromised under stress, there is a stark contrast between how little attention is given to the lymph in the west and how highly it is revered in Ayurveda.
The Sanskrit word for lymph is rasa. This is also the word for taste, emotion, juice, nutrient fluid, melody, plasma, water, menses, semen, breast milk, satisfaction, and love. In Sanskrit, the more meanings a word has, the broader its scope and the more important it is considered to be.
The lymphatic system is the system that houses our immunity, and as the majority of the body’s lymph can be found around the gut (Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue), we can see that lymph and digestion are closely linked.
Lymph is a circulatory system that is pumped by muscular contractions, unlike the blood which is pumped by the heart. Thus, a sedentary lifestyle along with poor digestion is one of the most common ways to congest the lymphatic flow.
Lymph is the first of the seven dhatus, or body tissues, which also include the blood (rakta), muscle (mamsa), fat (medha), bone (asthi), nervous tissue (majji) and reproductive tissue (shukra).
Common Symptoms of Lymphatic Congestion:
- Rings get tight on fingers
- Soreness and/or stiffness in the morning
- Feeling tired
- Bloating
- Itchy skin
- Holding on to water
- Breast swelling or soreness with each cycle
- Dry skin
- Brain fog
- Cold hands and feet
Properly flowing lymph has a favorable influence on all of the body tissues.
Need Support?
- Have Dr. Douillard design an herbal program for you with a phone consultation.
- Get started healing with the 28-Day Ayurveda Challenge eCourse (A seasonal diet, proper exercise, and stress-relief practices are instrumental to dispelling stagnation in the lymph and getting it to flow properly).
- Shop by Health Topics in the LifeSpa Store
Need Supplements? We Can Help!
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is one of Ayurveda’s most popular blood purifiers that has been used for lymphatic and liver support. Most health professionals don’t realize the important role of the lymphatic system, which drains the wastes from your body and controls and regulates your immune system. It is pumped through muscular contractions, so if one is sedentary, the lymphatic system will eventually become sedentary and will create toxicity in lymphatic related tissues such as the breasts, skin, joints, and muscles.*
Lymph-Vein HP contains well-researched, citrus-based flavonoids in a unique micronized form for enhanced absorption and bioavailability. Research suggests that these compounds support healthy veins, capillaries, and blood flow; promote healthy lymphatic drainage; and enhance antioxidant activity; and support healthy eicosanoid metabolism. More recent research suggests that the components in Lymph-Vein HP™ also support blood glucose metabolism.*
Brahmi Brain: Named after one of the highest states of consciousness (Brahman or God consciousness), Brahmi-Brain (Centella asiatica) is one of the most powerful brain tonics in the Ayurvedic apothecary. Via its cooling and rejuvenating properties, brahmi supports energy and mental clarity while simultaneously encouraging deep, restful sleep. Famous as a tonic for nerve and brain cells, cerebral circulation, memory, intestinal health, and sleep, brahmi is revered as one of the most powerful and spiritual herbs in Ayurveda.
Lymphatic Massage Oil is made with a 99% organic blend of Ayurvedic herbs and oils. Regular massage is shown to stimulate the skin-associated lymphoid tissue (SALT) and feed the natural microbiome on the surface of the skin. In Ayurveda, lymph is called rasa; it drains and removes waste from every muscle, joint, skin, and organ of the body and nourishes every cell.
Neem: is traditionally called “the Queen of Skin”. While we have skin that wraps our bodies, we have even more skin on the inside of the body. There is the skin or epithelium that lines the digestive and respiratory tract as well as numerous other locations in the body. Neem is Ayurveda’s most powerful herb for healthy inner and outer skin. Neem also supports healthy liver, intestinal, pancreatic and immune function.*
Lymph Cleanse: Designed to support and detoxify the lymphatic system, Lymph Cleanse is a proprietary blend of five powerful time-tested, lymph-cleansing herbs: red root, ocotillo, stillingia, astragalus, and ginger. It is best taken for a 2-3 month period any time of the year to thoroughly detox the lymphatic system.*
Create-Your-Own Lymph Detox Kit: While the Colorado Cleanse and the Short Home Cleanse are powerful lymph-cleansing detox programs, this kit is more specifically focused on the lymph in support of more targeted benefits. This Lymph Detox Kit is designed as a 1-3 month lymph-scrubbing cleanse. Start with one month, and if you are feeling lighter and have more energy after the first month, consider doing it for another 1-2 months.
