What the lack of movement leads to, what is the danger of lymph stagnation for our body, how it affects the immune system and the appearance of cellulite, and, most importantly, how to avoid this with simple exercises – we turn to the experience of Chinese medicine.
It’s no secret that a sedentary lifestyle contributes to stagnation in the body – in particular, slowing down the flow of lymph. But the main function of the lymphatic system is to transport cells of the immune system, that is, to protect our body from infections. In addition, lymph stasis is associated with the formation of cellulite. How to insure yourself against such phenomena?
Chi energy circulation
Just in case, I’ll immediately clarify: phenomena such as swollen lymph nodes or regular swelling are a XNUMX% signal that you need to see a doctor. Simple chargers are not enough.
These recommendations are relevant for those who simply lead a sedentary lifestyle and want to insure themselves against heaviness in the legs, an increase in “orange peel” and other stagnant processes in the body.
In Chinese medicine, it is believed that our strength depends on the amount of qi energy and the quality of its circulation – and it circulates with body fluids. So to make your body “flowing” means to become more easy-going, energetic and, perhaps, a little happier as a result.
The principle of good circulation
In order for lymph to circulate more actively throughout the body, two factors are important:
- Relaxation. Muscles should be elastic, due to which the lymphatic vessels will not be pinched. Where there are habitual tensions or somewhere the muscles are spasmodic, “life stops” – the lumen of the vessels is reduced and the flow of both blood and lymph is limited.
- Mobility. If there is space for lymph circulation, then this circulation needs to be toned. This is done with the help of various physical exercises, where relaxation and muscle tension alternate.
Morning lymphatic exercise
If you have a hard enough mattress, the suggested exercises can be done right in bed. If the mattress is soft, then immediately after waking up, I propose to crawl to the floor – and we begin!
- You will need a gymnastic roller or a blanket rolled into a roller shape. The main thing is that its length is enough from the back of the head to the sacrum. Lie down on the roller on your back in this way: the head and sacrum lie on the roller, and it is located along the spine.
- Legs are bent at the knees, feet are on the floor. The position will be quite unstable, and this is good (the muscles of the body responsible for balance are activated).
- Hands behind the head – so that the palms lie as far as possible behind the head. In this position, take a few deep breaths in and out. Thus, we create space in the chest, relax and open it.
- Now exhale deeply and hold your breath. If you take a really deep, slow, relaxed exhalation, you will feel your pelvic diaphragm (the muscle that separates your abdomen and chest) pull up a little as you hold.
Due to this, a “draught” is created: the diaphragm, pulling up, helps fluids (blood and lymph) rise from the pelvis – the area where stagnation most often forms.
Such a small charge takes an average of only 3 to 7 minutes.
In the advanced version, this exercise is called the “abdominal vacuum”, it is mastered within the framework of female Taoist practices and allows you to work real miracles – in particular, tighten the silhouette, increase sensitivity in sex. We are still doing it in a “test” format.
- Lie down like this, take a breath, and then repeat the exercise.
- To increase the opening and relaxation of the pelvis, the following movement can be added to this position: the feet stand wide, the knee of the right leg tends to the left foot, that is, goes to the floor – as far as it is possible today. And repeat in the opposite direction: the left knee to the right foot. This will create space for even more powerful circulation.
- Now let’s add activities. Stand up, shake your hands – as in childhood, remember: “We wrote, we wrote, our fingers were tired.” And extend this shaking to the forearms, shoulders. Engage your chest and pelvis. You can also add a little “bouncing” – on the toes and down. You seem to be shaking your whole body. Nice feeling!
Such a small charge takes an average of only 3 to 7 minutes. But during this time, the qi circulation improves significantly, energizing you. If you wish, you can repeat these exercises in the evening.