working quietly behind the scenes every day - helping maintain fluid balance, supporting your immune system, and moving lymphatic fluid throughout your body.
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, lymph nodes, tissues, and organs found throughout your body. It works alongside your circulatory and immune systems and plays an important role in fluid balance, immune function, and the absorption of dietary fats.
One of its main jobs is collecting excess fluid from your body’s tissues and eventually returning it to your bloodstream. Along the way, this fluid (called lymph) travels through lymph nodes, where immune cells help identify and respond to potential threats.
Unlike your cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a heart acting as one central pump. Instead, lymph movement is supported by things like muscle movement, breathing, contractions within the lymphatic vessels, and one-way valves that keep fluid moving in the right direction.
There are many reasons you might temporarily notice more puffiness or fluid retention, including prolonged sitting or travel, hormonal changes, heat, changes in activity, and pregnancy.
The good news? Your lymphatic system is already designed to do its job on its own. You don’t need to “detox” or “cleanse” it.
Simple everyday habits can help support normal lymphatic movement, including:
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Regular movement and exercise appropriate for you
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Changing positions throughout the day
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Deep, comfortable breathing
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Staying adequately hydrated
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Eating a varied, balanced diet
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Getting adequate rest and sleep
Specialized hands-on techniques can also be used to encourage lymphatic fluid movement.
At InForm, we offer Lymphatic Drainage Treatments, a style of bodywork that combines lymphatic techniques with rhythmic, targeted movements. Each session is tailored to your individual needs, with specialized options available during pregnancy and postpartum.
