In This Article
The lymphatic system is a crucial part of the immune system, responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body, and Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on how to maintain optimal lymphatic health. The balance of the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, plays a crucial role in lymphatic health, and understanding how the doshas affect the lymphatic system can help to maintain balance and improve overall well-being.
Vata individuals tend to have a dry and scanty lymphatic system, which can lead to issues such as lymphatic congestion and decreased immunity. To maintain Vata lymphatic health, it is important to consume warm, nourishing foods such as cooked vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins. Herbs such as licorice, triphala, and ginger can also be helpful in reducing inflammation and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, regular use of self-massage and dry brushing can help to stimulate lymphatic flow and to maintain optimal lymphatic health.
Pitta individuals tend to have a functional but toxic lymphatic system, which can lead to issues such as inflammation and decreased immunity. To maintain Pitta lymphatic health, it is important to consume cooling foods such as cucumbers, melons, and mint. Herbs such as licorice, neem, and fennel can also be helpful in reducing heat and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, regular use of self-massage and dry brushing can help to stimulate lymphatic flow and to maintain optimal lymphatic health.
Kapha individuals tend to have a heavy and oily lymphatic system, which can lead to issues such as lymphatic congestion and decreased immunity. To maintain Kapha lymphatic health, it is important to consume light, dry, and warm foods and to avoid heavy, sweet, or cold foods. Herbs such as turmeric, licorice, ginger, and clove can also be helpful in stimulating metabolism and reducing inflammation. Additionally, regular use of self-massage and dry brushing can help to stimulate lymphatic flow and to maintain optimal lymphatic health.
Overall, in Ayurveda, lymphatic health is seen as a reflection of overall health and well-being. It is important to understand the unique needs of each dosha, and to make dietary and lifestyle choices that support optimal lymphatic health. Additionally, regular use of Ayurvedic herbs, self-massage, and dry brushing can also be beneficial in reducing inflammation and promoting overall well-being. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support optimal lymphatic health.
Herbal Supplementation
Herbs play a crucial role in Ayurvedic medicine, as they possess unique healing properties that can be used to address a wide range of health issues and bring balance to the doshas. Each dosha has unique needs when it comes to supporting the lymphatic system, and certain herbs can be more beneficial for each one.
Vata individuals tend towards dryness and stiffness which can cause their lymphatic system to become stagnant and congested. They may benefit from herbs that are nourishing and grounding.
- Manjistha: a blend of Ayurveda’s primary lymphatic circulation herbs that also support liver health and blood cleansing.
- Brahmi-Brain: a cooling herb that supports healthy circulation, brain lymphatic drainage, longevity, and protection against stress.
- Turmeric Plus: supports healthy cardiovascular circulation and a normal inflammatory response when stressed.
- Lymph Cleanse: a red root based lymphatic formula best known to flush congested lymph nodes.
- Lymphatic Massage Oil: a blend of Ayurvedic herbs cooked into a massage oil blend designed to decongest the skin associated lymphatic tissues.
Pitta individuals tend to be fiery and intense, which can lead to inflammation and heat in the lymphatic system. They may benefit from cooling and soothing herbs that will reduce the heat in the body.
- Neem Boost: a blend of cooling herbs known to support a healthy intestinal lining, gut microbiome, and lymphatic circulation while supporting healthy weight management and blood sugar stability.
- Lymph Vein HP: a well studied and patented microcirculation and lymphatic herb made from the white pith of oranges.
- Manjistha: a blend of Ayurveda’s primary lymphatic circulation herbs that also support liver health and blood cleansing.
- Brahmi-Brain: a cooling herb that supports healthy circulation, brain lymphatic drainage, longevity, and protection against stress.
- Lymph Cleanse: a red root based lymphatic formula best known to flush congested lymph nodes.
- Lymphatic Massage Oil: a blend of Ayurvedic herbs cooked into a massage oil blend designed to decongest the skin associated lymphatic tissues.
Kapha individuals tend to be heavy, slow, and stable which can lead to congestion and sluggishness in the lymphatic system. They may benefit from cleansing herbs that will stimulate the lymph to detox.
- Manjistha: a blend of Ayurveda’s primary lymphatic circulation herbs that also support liver health and blood cleansing.
- Lymph Vein HP: a well studied and patented microcirculation and lymphatic herb made from the white pith of oranges.
- Turmeric Plus: supports healthy cardiovascular circulation and a normal inflammatory response when stressed.
- Lymph Cleanse: a red root based lymphatic formula best known to flush congested lymph nodes.
- Lymphatic Massage Oil: a blend of Ayurvedic herbs cooked into a massage oil blend designed to decongest the skin associated lymphatic tissues.
If you are new to taking Ayurvedic herbs or supplements, we highly recommend downloading this short free ebook to set you out on the right track from the get-go:
Dinacharya (Ayurvedic Daily Routine)
Dinacharya, or daily routine, is an important aspect of Ayurvedic medicine and can greatly support the lymphatic system. Some practices that can detox the lymph include:
- Waking up early: Rising early and starting the day with a sense of freshness can help regulate the lymphatic system and improve overall health.
- Jihwa Prakshalana (tongue scraping): Scraping the tongue can remove bacteria and toxins from the tongue, which can improve oral health and taste.
- Drinking warm water: Drinking warm water first thing in the morning can help stimulate the lymphatic system and flush out toxins. Option: add juice of ¼ lemon.
- Gandusha (oil pulling): In the shower, swish oil around the mouth for 10-15 minutes to support a healthy mouth microbiome and protect against undesirable bacteria and gum issues. We recommend using LifeSpa’s Swish Oil Pulling Therapy.
- Nasya (nose oiling) and Karna Purana (ear oiling): In the shower, add a few drops of LifeSpa’s Nasya Oil in the nose and ears. This is an easy way to keep the sinuses, eustachian tube, and cervical lymph lubricated, clear, healthy, and functional.
- Abhyanga (self-massage): Applying warm oil to the body while showering or before bathing can calm Vata, fight stress, improve circulation, and help stimulate lymphatic circulation. We recommend using LifeSpa’s Tri-doshic Massage Oil or Lymphatic Massage Oil.
- Grounding practices: Practicing yoga, pranayama (breathing), meditation, or other forms of exercise in the morning before starting your day can help stimulate the lymphatic system and improve overall health. Practice my One Minute Meditation up to ten times per day to help cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Eating at regular intervals: Eating at regular intervals can help regulate the lymphatic system and prevent overeating or undereating. Make breakfast and lunch the main meals of the day.
- Eating a balanced diet: Eating a diet that is balanced in terms of the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent) can help ensure that all the necessary nutrients are being consumed and that the lymphatic system is functioning properly.
- Avoiding eating late at night: Eating late at night can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms and negatively impact the lymphatic system.
- Avoiding eating in front of the TV or computer: Eating while distracted can lead to overeating and poor lymphatic function.
- Get to bed early: Settle into bed early around 9:30 PM so you are asleep by 10 PM.
In Ayurveda, the daily routine, known as Dinacharya, is considered a crucial aspect for leading a fulfilling life, which is why I created the 28-Day Ayurveda Challenge. Each day in this eCourse, you will learn a new challenge to incorporate into your daily routine that relieves stress, promotes health, and quiets the mind. By the end of the Ayurveda Challenge, you will have effortlessly incorporated a daily routine that lasts for 20-30 minutes, and it will be simple, enjoyable, and impactful. You will soon experience feelings of calmness, focus, and increased energy. This daily routine will not be seen as a chore, but rather a means of reward, as the benefits far outweigh the small time investment.
Nutrition
According to Ayurveda, each dosha has specific dietary needs and practices that support the lymphatic system.
For Vata dosha individuals, it is important to consume warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as soups and stews. Spicy, cold and dry foods should be avoided, as they can aggravate Vata. It is also beneficial to include foods that are high in healthy fats, such as cultured ghee, olive oil and avocado, to help lubricate the digestive tract. It is recommended to eat at regular times and to chew food well. Although it is important for everyone to eat seasonally all the time, it is especially important for Vata individuals to eat seasonally during the Fall and Winter seasons when Vata individuals are at greater risk of accumulating an excess of Vata that can lead to fatigue, weak immunity, and poor sleep.
We recommend downloading our Winter Grocery List for examples of what to eat as a Vata during this season. For Vata body types during the winter months, it is especially important they follow these Vata-balancing dietary rules:
- Reduce foods that are pungent, bitter, and astringent or have a cold, dry, and light quality.
- Increase foods that are sweet, sour, and salty or have a heavy, oily, and hot quality.
For Pitta dosha individuals, it is important to consume cooling foods such as fruits and vegetables. Spicy and sour foods should be avoided, as they can aggravate Pitta. It is also beneficial to include foods that are high in healthy fats, such as cultured ghee, coconut oil and flaxseeds, to help cool the digestive fire. It is recommended to eat at regular times and to chew food well. Although it is important for everyone to eat seasonally all the time, it is especially important for Pitta individuals to eat seasonally during the Summer when Pitta individuals are at greater risk of accumulating an excess of Pitta that can lead to indigestion, irritability, and skin concerns.
We recommend downloading our Summer Grocery List for examples of what to eat as a Pitta during this season. For Pitta body types during the summer months, it is especially important they follow these Pitta-balancing dietary rules:
- Reduce foods that are pungent, sour, and salty or have hot, dry, and light quality.
- Increase foods that are sweet, bitter, and astringent or have a heavy, oily, and cold quality.
For Kapha dosha individuals, it is important to consume warm, light and dry foods such as salads and steamed vegetables. Heavy and oily foods should be avoided, as they can aggravate Kapha. It is also beneficial to include foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to help keep the digestive tract moving. It is recommended to eat at regular times and to chew food well. Although it is important for everyone to eat seasonally all the time, it is especially important for Kapha individuals to eat seasonally during the Spring when Kapha individuals are at greater risk of accumulating an excess of Kapha that can lead to fatigue, sadness, congestion, and heaviness.
We recommend downloading our Spring Grocery List for examples of what to eat as a Kapha during this season. For Kapha body types during the spring months, it is especially important they follow these Kapha-balancing dietary rules:
- Reduce foods that are sweet, sour, and salty or have heavy, oily, and cold quality.
- Increase foods that are pungent, bitter, and astringent or have a light, dry, and hot quality.
It is important to note that these are general recommendations and it is always best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the best dietary plan for your individual needs.
As humans have advanced, we have grown more and more disconnected from the natural cycles and circadian rhythms which leaves many of us scratching our heads when we’re asked to eat seasonally. To help us reconnect with these rhythms, I created a free program that delivers seasonal guidance and recipes every month directly to your inbox. I call it the 3 Season Diet Guide, I highly encourage you to check it out. New research suggests that our gut microbes are meant to change seasonally with the foods we eat. Seasonal microbes optimize digestion, mood, and immunity, the way nature intended!
Cleansing
Cleansing plays a crucial role in Ayurveda as it is aimed at purifying the body and restoring balance to its natural systems. At times, the imbalances in our doshas can become so severe that regular dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices are not sufficient to bring us back into balance. In such cases, a more comprehensive detoxification program, known as a cleanse, may be necessary. Cleansing can correct doshic imbalances that are negatively affecting our physical and emotional health, thereby enhancing our overall well-being. These cleanses can be performed seasonally, in Spring and Fall, or as needed to support the body’s natural cleansing processes. LifeSpa offers a wide variety of cleansing options to fit your unique needs, discover the perfect cleanse for you here.
Further Education
Expand your knowledge by exploring these comprehensive ebooks and engaging online courses related to lymphatic system:
- The Miracle of Lymph: How and Why to Detox Your Lymphatic System (eBook)
- Perfecting Digestion: Gateway to Emotional Freedom (eCourse)
- Digestive Troubleshooting Guide (free eBook)
- Digestible Guide to Gut Health (free eBook)
Getting Started
Manjistha: A Misunderstood Lymph- + Blood-Cleansing Herb
Lymph Quiz: Decode Your Symptoms
Science Confirms Ayurvedic Knowledge of Brain-Lymph Connection
The Lymph and Vein Connection
Recent Articles
In this episode of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast, host John Douillard, D.C., C.A.P., welcomes back Michael Mastro, North America’s leading expert on vastu: the ancient Vedic system of architecture and design. Today they discuss the connection between your health and medical vastu.
Podcast Episode 150: Medical Vastu with Michael Mastro
