The importance of the lymphatic system: Valeria’s story
If you’ve been following Valeria’s journey for a while now, you probably know that she’s dealt with physical aches and diseases. TMJ pain, back pain, migraines, uterine fibroids, and Hashimoto (an autoimmune disease). In her journey towards healing, she found roadblocks every few steps when it came to modern medicine, with doctors prescribing her pill after pill, and surgeries, without being able to explain what the root cause of her aches and pains was. So she chose to explore holistic medicine instead, and oh boy it was mind and heart expanding! In these 10 years towards overall wellness, she learned the key role the lymphatic system plays in a healthy body.
What is the lymphatic system?
In summary, it’s a vital part of the body's circulatory and immune networks. It consists of vessels, nodes, and organs that transport a clear fluid called lymph. This fluid carries white blood cells, removes cellular waste, and helps flush out toxins, pathogens, and excess fluid from tissues.
Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a central pump like the heart. Instead, it relies on muscle movement, breathing, and hydration to circulate. That’s why physical activity, stretching, deep breathing, and even bouncing on a vibration plate can help it function properly.
When the lymphatic system flows freely, it supports everything from immune resilience to hormone balance. But when it gets stagnant or stuck—due to things like chronic stress, dehydration, poor diet, tight clothing, or a sedentary lifestyle—the body’s natural detox pathways clog up. This can result in systemic inflammation, swelling, brain fog, fatigue, and even trigger autoimmune flare-ups like Hashimoto’s.
Lifestyle changes:
Here are a few actions Valeria has implemented to her everyday routine in this healing journey:
1. Braless or wire-free bras made of natural fibers: tight bras can restrict the flow of blood (and energy) around breasts, and constrict lymphatic drainage. She goes braless or wears bras without wires made of natural fibers for yoga or running. The brands she loves are Organic Basics and Indigo Luna.
2. Dry brush: She does this before the sauna gets hot, or before she showers. It enhances blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
3. Cupping: face and body. It stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage while reducing inflammation. You can find her holistic tools here.
4. Loose outfits: same as with bras, we should try to wear clothes that are not too tight to help blood and energy flow through our entire system. For Yoga she swapped her tight polyester leggings for artisanal pants and tops from Indigo Luna, and kimonos from Lilies Boho (use discount code CASAEARTH for 10% off).
5. Unprocessed diet: the healthier we eat, the easier it becomes for our body to detoxify and cleanse. She stopped eating processed foods, gluten, fried foods and chose a 70% raw 30% cooked vegan diet with a big focus on organic fruits and vegetables. She also eliminated coffee and alcohol.
6. Hydration with fruit juices: dehydration causes lymphatic blockage and inflammation. Fruits are not only high in water, but also in minerals and vitamins. Coconut water or watermelon are her two new favorites.
7. Daily movement: stagnation creates an environment for disease. We NEED to move to promote blood and energy flow and for our entire system to cleanse.
8. Vibration plate: great to help our lymphatic system flow, especially on the days we don’t get much natural movement. The one she uses is called LifePro.
9. Yoga or stretching: it stimulates the lymphatic system. Especially soft twists, stretching, inversions. Make sure you choose a nontoxic mat (your feet and skin absorb everything!). The one we use at home is made of renewable cork by Yoloha Yoga.
10. Post sauna cold plunge: or even alternating between hot and cold water in the shower. It boosts blood flow and support lymphatic drainage. Cold plunge should never be below 59F to protect nervous system. The sauna and coldplunge we have at home are made with responsibly sourced wood, no interior treatment (to prevent the inhalation of toxins), and are energy-efficient by Almost Heaven. (5% discount code: CASAEARTH5%OFF)
11. Barefoot shoes: just like with clothes, if the shoes you are wearing are too tight, they are preventing the flow of the lymphatic system. When we are at home, we are mostly barefoot—great for grounding with nature—, and for everyday use (running, hiking, walking, exercising, etc) we use Vivobarefoot. Their shoes are made of recycled and natural materials, and have many vegan options. Feel free to use code WATERTHRUSKIN20 for a 20% discount.
Books:
Here are also some wonderful books with powerful scientific and spiritual information that have guided Valeria towards holistic healing.