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Greetings friends, I, like many of you, have been pouring over information on how to respond to the many challenges COVID has presented this year. As with most things I do, I look at it through a lymphatic lens. Since the lymphatic system is one of the highways of the immune system, transporting excess fluid containing bacteria, viruses and pathogens to “filtering stations” (lymph nodes) to remove unwanted waste in the body that build up daily, it makes sense to utilize the principles of lymphatic drainage to keep your body healthy. While I don’t recommend massaging yourself when you have an acute infection or illness, lymphatic self-massage can be a wonderful way to clear congestion and reduce lingering symptoms from COVID (once you have recovered) and even the side effects from the vaccine. Articles have been appearing in the news lately warning that the vaccine has been causing symptoms that mimic breast cancer. These include swollen lymph nodes in the armpit and collarbone, inflammation, pain and tingling. A majority of my practice has been working with cancer patients, so this news can be nerve wracking. Doctors and Oncologists want to reassure you and let you know that you are not alone in how you’re feeling. These symptoms usually subside on their own, but these sensations can last up to four-six weeks. “A Covid Vaccine Side Effect, Enlarged Lymph Nodes, Can Be Mistaken for Cancer,” shares helpful information to clear up concerns about the side effects of the vaccine. It’s important to keep track of changes in your body (which is why I am always encouraging you to massage your breasts- so you are familiar with your inner terrain). And it can be challenging to know if you need a mammogram or biopsy if you are experiencing these symptoms. If your symptoms coincide with the vaccine, speak with your doctor about the articles you’re reading - and the two of you can make a decision together about what’s best for you- including how to time your mammogram based on your health history and vaccine schedule. Read this article and also this one on the topic. Start a conversation. Ask questions. Get to know your internal landscape so you can clearly communicate with your physician. Remember, it’s their job to listen to you. And it’s your right to choose a doctor you trust. Some good news: I really like this article, “mRNA vaccines spur lymph nodes for longer-term protection”. This is a great example of the healing power of the lymphatic system and how it protects your body all the time! “mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 also stimulate the lymph nodes to generate immune cells that provide protection over the long term, a new study finds” Basically what this article is saying that that the particular immune cells that will produce antibodies from the vaccine when exposed to the virus are generated by B cells found only in lymph nodes near vaccine injection sites! I couldn’t ask for more clear cut proof that the Lymphatic System holds the key to immunity and health. I’m not giving you advice about whether or not you should take the vaccine. It’s your body- and each person needs to make the choice for themselves based on their particular health circumstances. By providing you with how COVID and the vaccine interacts with your lymphatic system, I hope you can gain some some peace of mind. Because COVID affects people differently- some people experience headaches, others lung issues, sinus pressure, neurological changes, tenderness around their armpits, and chronic fatigue, I created a self-massage sequence to encourage lymph flow along the pathways that drain those particular regions. Remember to wait until after an infection is cleared before you work on yourself. And keep these principles in mind when you massage yourself: Massage slowly, gently (a little more than a feather but no more than a nickel). Use a “C motion, AKA a crescent half-moon stroke (instead of a full circle). 3) Massage yourself in the direction towards your lymph nodes.
It’s important to drink more water than usual after you perform self-massage- and give yourself a chance to rest to integrate the work. You may even feel the beneficial effects it has on nervous system. Your lymph will continue to circulate long after your session.
If you had the vaccine, make sure you incorporate modalities that are beneficial to detoxing. Eat a clean diet. Limit alcohol. Take extra vitamin C ( I love Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C). Get plenty of sleep. Reduce unnecessary toxins and chemicals in household products, food additives and beauty products that can overburden your lymph system. Increase moderate forms of exercise- it doesn’t need to be overly vigorous- long, brisk walks, yoga, bike rides and trampolines will boost lymph flow, which can be helpful if you have recently had the vaccine or are hoping to clear stagnation from long COVID symptoms.
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